HDD vs SSD

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

1. Platters

2. Spindle Motor

3. Pivot

4. IDE Connector

5. VCM actuator

6. Base Plate

7. 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

1. Cache

2. NAND Flash Memory

3. 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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