Traditional hard disk drives (HDD) have largely been replaced by solid-state drives (SSD) sizes in most new laptops and desktop computers. Before shopping for the perfect storage drive for your system, familiarize yourself with SSD technology. Even if your computer currently has an HDD, you can replace it with an SSD to boost performance. However, you might encounter challenges during the upgrade process. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know before choosing an SSD.
Let’s start with an introduction to SSD sizes.
What is an SSD?
SSD stands for Solid State Drive, a newer type of non-volatile memory used in computers. Non-volatile memory retains information even when the power is off, unlike regular RAM, which resets when you turn off your computer.
The latest SSDs include NV Me drives and NV Me over Fabrics. If you want to maximize computing speed or work on projects that demand high sequential read and write speeds, upgrading from HDD to SSD is a great option.
Compared to HDDs, SSDs resist shock better and are less affected by magnetic fields.
Why Upgrade to SSD from HDD?
Here are some compelling reasons to upgrade to SSD:
- Reliability and Durability:
The most common cause of hard drive failure is heat. HDDs have moving parts that generate heat, leading to breakdown over time. In contrast, SSDs have no moving parts, produce minimal heat, and maintain lower temperatures, even under high performance. They also resist shocks, drops, and everyday wear and tear, keeping your data safe. - Higher Speed:
HDDs transfer data at speeds of 30 to 150 MB per second (MB/s). Standard SSDs operate at around 500 MB/s. To illustrate, while an HDD takes at least 2 minutes to copy a 20GB movie, an SSD can do it in less than 10 seconds. If you run a business, upgrading to SSDs enables you to handle data at ultra-high speeds. - Energy Efficiency:
SSDs consume less power because they lack moving parts. This efficiency is especially beneficial for PCs and mobile devices where battery longevity is crucial. - Lightweight and silent:
HDDs are heavier due to their magnetic heads and metallic disks. SSDs are compact and lightweight, reducing the overall weight of laptops and PCs. They also operate silently because they contain no moving parts. - Variety of Sizes:
HDDs have size limitations, while SSDs come in various form factors. The smallest SSD is about the size of a stick of gum, while common sizes include 2.5”, mSATA, and M.2.
Why Do Many Companies Still Use HDDs?
Despite the advantages of SSDs, many companies continue to use HDDs for several reasons:
- Cost:
HDDs are significantly cheaper than SSDs. Many businesses operate within tight budgets and prefer not to overspend. When purchasing multiple drives, the cost of SSDs can add up quickly. - Capacity:
HDDs offer much greater storage capacity, with some models reaching up to 16TB. In contrast, SSDs typically max out at around 1TB to 2TB. - Cost of Storage per Dollar:
For personal use or limited storage needs, an SSD may be a suitable investment. However, for large-scale data centers requiring massive storage at minimal cost, HDDs are often the smarter choice. - Longer Storage Times:
While SSDs have many benefits, they also have drawbacks, particularly concerning long-term data storage. The charges in SSDs degrade faster than those in HDDs. If you leave an SSD unplugged for about a year, you may notice corrupted data and potential file loss. This issue rarely occurs if the SSD remains installed in a frequently used computer. If you need a memory drive for long-term backup, HDDs are generally more reliable as they take longer to degrade when not in use.
So, compare the pros and cons of HDDs and SSDs very carefully before your purchase.
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