Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
An HDD uses magnetism, which allows you to store data on a rotating platter. It has a read/write head that floats above the spinning platter for Reading and Writing of the data. The faster the platter spins, the quicker an HDD can perform. HDD also consists of an I/O controller and firmware, which tells the hardware what to do and communicates with the remaining system.
Components of Hard Disk Drive
Platters
Spindle Motor
Pivot
IDE Connector
VCM actuator
Base Plate
Read/write head
Advantages:
It provides a large storage capacity.
The stored items are not lost, even if the computer is shut down.
It is fixed inside the computer so it can’t be lost.
Computers can communicate with them easily.
It can store data like text documents, images, videos, etc.
HDD device can store operating system files and software related files.
It sizes very small, and it is portable in use.
They are cheaper compared to SSD.
Disadvantages:
If hard disk crashes, the computer will not work.
You will lose your important data if the HDD drive crashes/ damages.
In the case of hard disk failure, it is difficult to perform the data recovery.
Regular “head” can crash, which damages the surface of the disk.
The hard disk is fixed inside the computer, so you can’t transfer to another computer.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Solid State Drive (SSD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores and retrieves data constantly on solid-state flash memory. However, this data is stored on interconnected flash memory chips instead of platters, which makes them faster than HDDs. It provides better performance compared to HDD.
Components of Solid State Drive
Cache
NAND Flash Memory
Controller
Advantages:
SSD drive offers access speed of 35 to 100 micro-second. So it is able to deliver 100 times the performance of HDDs
SSDs have lightweight components or moving parts, as they are more mobile-friendly and are much better suited for constant traveling.
SSD drives are resistant and highly durable
SDD uses flash memory to store data, which provides better reliability
Disadvantages:
Upfront cost of for SDD is much higher than HDDs
SSDs have a limited number of times data can be written, erased, and rewritten to a portion of the drive.
The maximum capacity of an SSD is limited. Though, advancements in flash memory are consistently increasing the storage capacity of SSDs.
Difference Between HDD and SSD
HDD SSD
Performance | Less faster than SSD | Faster than SSD |
Reliability | Less Reliable | More Reliable |
Noise | It produces more Noise | As it has no moving part, it runs completely silent |
Technology | It uses Mechanical parts where spinning disks or platters are used to read and write data. | It rely on electronic storage in non-volatile memory using integrated circuit chips that retain their information even when the power is turned off. |
Cost and Weight | It is much cheaper and heavier than SSD | It is costly and light in weight than HDD. |
Power Consumption | It utilize much more power and energy. | It utilize less power and more efficient. |
I/O Performance | 400 io/s | 6000 io/s |
Life Span | High | Low |
Devices | Computers and PC's | Modern Laptops |
Speed | Slower speed for reading and writing data. | SSD is faster at reading and writing data. |
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