If you are looking to upgrade HDD with SSD then the very important question must have stuck in your mind, Why SSD ? and which type of SSD? Without answering these questions you must not hop into some random SSDs. In the below article we will try to summarize all about SSDs, their pros & cons, and which SSD you must choose according to your device.
What is HDD & SSD?
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electromechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage and one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.
A solid-state drive (SSD) is a new generation of storage devices used in computers. This is a flash-based memory, which is significantly faster than HDD.
Bot SSD & HDD are storage devices that work with completely different technology. These storage devices are compatible with all kinds of new and old devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets, notebooks, etc.
Also read: Astrophotography with Smartphone Camera
Difference between HDD & SSD
| Hard Disk Drive | Solid State Drive |
| HDD has longer Read and Write time. | SSD has a shorter read and Write time. |
| HDD has higher latency. | SSD has a lower latency. |
| HDD is available in a bigger size. | SSD is available in compact sizes |
| Over a longer time, and with larger files stored on an HDD, there is a high chance of fragmentation. | Fragmentation doesn’t occur on an SSD drive. |
| HDD offers a slower speed for reading and writing data. | SSD is faster at reading and writing data. |
| HDD drive is older and more traditional. | SSD is a newer type of storage drive. |
| HDD is heavier | SSD is lighter |
| HDD can produce noise due to mechanical movements. | SSD does not produce noise. |
| HDD are usually 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA size for desktop and laptops. | SDD is available in 2.5 inches, 1.8″ and 1.0″, increasing the available space in a computer, especially desktop or server. |
Pros of Solid State Drive(SSD)
- Access time: SSD uses a simple memory chip called NAND flash memory, which has no moving parts and near-instant access times. So in practical SSDs are 100 times faster than HDDs.This faster access speed means programs can run more quickly, which is very significant, especially for programs that access large amounts of data often, like your operating system.
- Energy-efficient: Since there are no moving parts so, the energy consumption is less compared to HDD. low energy consumption means longer battery life too.
- Reliability: The SSD has no moving parts. The SSD uses flash memory to store data, which provides better performance and reliability over an HDD. The HDD has moving parts and magnetic platters, meaning the more use they get, the faster they wear down and fail.
- Noise: With no moving parts, SSD generates no noise. while HDD with the spinning platters and moving read/write heads, an HDD can sometimes be one of the loudest components in your computer.
- Physical Size: An SSD is available in 2.5″, 1.8″, and 1.0″, which is compatible with all sizes of devices. but HDDs are usually 3.5″ and 2.5″ in size for desktops and laptops, respectively, with no options for anything smaller.
- Heat: Because SSD has no moving parts so it releases less amount of energy compared to HDD.
- Magnetism: An SSD is not affected by magnetism. But SSD relies on magnetism to write information to the platter, information could be erased from an HDD using strong magnets.
Con of SSD
- The cost of 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.
Types of SSD
Before upgrading for SSDs you must take into consideration that there are various types of SSDs available in the market. These are available in different read/write speeds and various form factors. Well directly hopping into buying any SSD can be a loss-making business for you. So, I have divided SSD into three different categories which make it easier to choose the best suitable SSD for you.
- 2.5 SATA SSD: These SSDs generally come inbuilt in your device when you purchase. HDD also uses the same 2.5 SATA slot so upgrading to SSD means you have to get rid of HDD. If you are having an older device then you can replace the CD drive and connect SSD there also.
2. mSATA SSD: mSATA, short for Mini-SATA, is a SATA connector used in netbooks, laptops, and other devices that require a solid-state drive in a small footprint.
3. M.2 SSD: An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive (SSD) that is used in internally mounted storage expansion cards. M.2 SSDs are now found as extra slots on all latest Laptops & PCs.
Also read: How to backup WhatsApp chat in Android
Note: M.2 SSD again comes into two variants (non-NVMe and with NVMe). M.2 with NVMe is almost 2 times faster than the non-NVMe variant with a small additional price. So my recommendation would be to go for NVMe M.2 SSD.
Pros of M.2 SSD
- The best part of this is that you can keep your traditional HDD and still install SSD in M.2 slot. So from next time if you are looking to buy any laptop or PC then you must choose the device with M.2 slot.
- M.2 SSD is several times faster than SATA SSD which is again an additional advantage.
- In a laptop, for example, an M.2 SSD takes up far less space and uses much less power than a standard SATA or SAS interface solid-state drive.
Cons of M.2 SSD
The main drawbacks to M.2 SSD storage are price and lack of ubiquity. M.2 slots are comparatively costlier but the prices are closing very fast.
Buy best SSD
1. Best M.2 SSD
2. Best M.2 NVMe SSD
3. Best 2.5 SATA SSD
Closing Lines
HHD is undoubted must faster than SSD. The higher price is only the big issue here which has already reduced to a great extent and in near future will be comparable to SSD. It might happen that in the coming 5 years all devices will come with SSDs only. From the above article, you must have got an idea that why SSD is better and which only to buy. Still, if you are confused then do comment below. We will be happy to answer every query.
