For decades, hard disks were the most common storage devices in desktop computers, laptops and other electronic devices. In recent years, however, solid-state drives (SSDs) have been steadily gaining market share thanks to their advantages over traditional hard disks.
If your SSD is already showing signs of failure and the files matter, see our SSD recovery service.
In this article, we compare these two types of storage and highlight the main advantages of an SSD over a hard disk.
By the end, you will have a clear idea of when an SSD makes more sense than a hard disk for your storage needs.
What is an SSD?
Before deciding which technology is best, SSD or hard disk, you need to understand what each one is. Let’s start with the SSD, which stands for “Solid State Drive”.
The name comes from the fact that it has no moving or mechanical parts, which makes it more resistant to shocks and physical damage.
How does SSD memory work?
While hard disks store data on spinning magnetic platters, SSDs store it in solid-state (flash) memory. Understanding how this memory works helps explain why SSDs are so different from hard disks.
An SSD’s storage is made up of NAND flash memory cells, like those found in memory cards and USB flash drives. Depending on the type of NAND, each cell stores one bit (SLC) or several bits (MLC, TLC or QLC), and an SSD contains billions of these cells. When data is written, the cell traps a certain amount of electrical charge; when it is read, the controller measures that charge level to determine which bits are stored.
What is a hard disk?
The hard disk drive (HDD), also called a hard disk or hard drive, is made up of platters, where the data is stored, and an actuator arm with heads that read and write that information. Hard disk technology dates back to 1956, when IBM introduced it, and for decades it was the most common type of storage in home computers.
What is the difference between a hard disk and an SSD?
You have already seen that hard disks and SSDs are built very differently. But what does that mean in practice, and what advantages does an SSD have over a hard disk?
First, because an SSD is built around flash memory chips, it can access data much faster. On a hard disk, the arm has to move the heads to the right position and wait for the platter to spin to the right spot to read or save files, which makes the whole process slower.
In addition, the way a hard disk is built makes it more vulnerable to knocks and drops, although it is still the most affordable option for many people.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an SSD compared with a hard disk?
Both types of drive have their pros and cons, and it is important to understand them before deciding which one to use. In this section we compare the two and highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of each.
Which lasts longer, an SSD or a hard disk?
Lifespan is one of the key points when buying a computer or a new component, isn’t it? At a time when we are so used to hearing about “planned obsolescence”, it is important to know how long each one will last.
What’s more, when the first SSDs came out, there were rumors that they did not last very long.
SSD
The truth is that an SSD may have a shorter lifespan than a hard disk, but that doesn’t mean it is short. In an endurance test run by The Tech Report, SSDs handled around 700 TB of writes before they started to fail, while typical use of an SSD is around 20 TB per year.
In other words, it would take many years for the drive to wear out. Chances are the rest of your computer will become outdated long before the SSD reaches the end of its useful life.
Hard disk
A hard disk, on the other hand, can last longer in general, but its technology is older and its mechanical structure more fragile. Drops, knocks and high temperatures can damage a hard disk, while they affect an SSD much less, or not at all.
How much faster is an SSD than a hard disk?
Speed is another key factor in your choice, and it is the main advantage of an SSD over a hard disk. Here’s why.
SSD
Files and programs open much faster on an SSD because flash memory has almost no access delay. SATA SSDs read and write at around 500 MB/s, and the most advanced NVMe models can exceed 7,000 MB/s.
Hard disk
A hard disk, on the other hand, has to move its arm and heads to read and write data on the platters. This takes longer, so a typical hard disk transfers data at between 150 and 200 MB/s.
Best value for money
Whether an SSD or a hard disk offers better value depends on how you are going to use it.
SSD
SSDs usually offer less capacity for the same price, but they are much faster and, as we have seen, more resistant overall. They tend to cost more, but the investment is worth it, especially if you use demanding programs or play games.
Hard disk
Hard disks, on the other hand, are available in cheaper versions, which is why they are so popular. The downside is that your computer is likely to be slower and to freeze more often during everyday tasks.
Which is safer for your data, a hard disk or an SSD?
Another important point when choosing any computer component is reliability. After all, nobody wants to be left without their files when they need them most.
SSD
In this respect, an SSD can be the safer option, because it is less likely to lose your files through physical damage. Drops and strong knocks can damage a hard disk’s mechanical components and make data recovery necessary. SSDs also have no moving parts to suffer from heat. Even so, SSDs can fail suddenly (for example, because of a controller or firmware fault), and with TRIM enabled, deleted files are much harder to recover, so backups are still essential.
Hard disk
A hard disk, by contrast, can be damaged by physical problems such as drops and other shocks. It can also be affected by strong magnetic fields, which may damage your data.
Size and weight
In general, size and weight make a big difference. Here is how SSDs and hard disks compare.
SSD
Because it is built from electronic chips, an SSD is much smaller and lighter. Compared with a conventional 3.5-inch desktop hard disk, some SSD models are up to 20 times more compact.
Hard disk
A laptop hard disk, on the other hand, measures around 2.5 inches and may be about the same size as an SSD, but it is still heavier, which makes a difference for people who carry their computer around every day.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is also a concern for many users, and several components in your computer affect it, especially battery life on laptops.
SSD
Lower power consumption is another advantage of an SSD over a hard disk, since it generally uses much less energy than a conventional hard disk. On top of that, the time you save on many tasks thanks to its speed also helps, especially if you use your computer for work.
Hard disk
Hard disks, as we have seen, are an older technology and use more energy, because they need to keep the platters spinning and move the arm. In other words, a computer with a hard disk is likely to use more electricity.
Is it worth putting an SSD in an old laptop?
Now that you know the advantages of an SSD over a hard disk, you may be thinking: “OK, but I can’t afford a new computer right now. Can I put an SSD in my old laptop?” It’s a very common question, and more and more people are doing just that.
This upgrade can give a new lease of life to a computer that has become slow and keeps freezing. Of course, you need to check that no other components are faulty, but if the issue is just speed and performance, an SSD can help. Before swapping drives, back up your data or clone the old disk to the new SSD.
You can also opt for a combined setup, keeping less-used files on the hard disk and putting programs that need more speed, such as games, on the SSD.
To do this, though, you need to check that your computer has room for both drives, so it is always best to ask a professional. Here on our blog, for example, we have already explained how to remove a hard disk or SSD from a computer. Check it out!
Another option is to install the SSD and use the old hard disk as an external drive. Just buy an external enclosure, available in many electronics stores, and connect it to your computer via USB.
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Conclusion
The biggest advantage of an SSD over a hard disk is speed, and its value for money keeps getting better. That is why so many users are choosing SSDs, not only for their performance but also for their reliability.
Even so, if you have a problem with your SSD, you can count on Bot. We carry out data recovery from damaged or failed SSDs. Get in touch with any questions you may have.
Need to recover the files? Bot runs a free diagnosis in its lab: see our SSD data recovery service.
