Today we will see the difference between the hard disk and the SSD storage in a computer and conclude which type of storage is best.
When it comes to the comparison, we need to consider a lot of factors like price, data read and write speed, product dimensions, working performance, life span, etc.
HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a type of storage device in a computer. Its first use occurred in 1956. It is a device that works mechanically and storage is happening in a form of electro-mechanical data. The drive will only work when the disk on its top is being rotated. It is the oldest storage type for SSDs.
Hard Disk Drives are in use today because of the low price rate with high drive storage compared to SSD.
On the other hand, SSDs are also called Solid State Drives. The first release of the SSD happened in 1991 with storage of 20MB. IBM bought it for $1000 and made the first use of SSD technology. There are no mechanical actions present in these drives and this is one of the reasons for their high price compared to HDD.
We need to look at the different factors in-depth to understand these storage technologies.
Price:
If it comes to price matters, a Hard disk is the best option to get more storage from fewer pennies. A 2 TB Seagate Barracuda Hard disk costs around Rs. 5500 ($75). Whereas a 500 GB Samsung SSD costs Rs. 7000 ($96).
This huge price variation happens because of major factors like performance, reliability, etc.
But that doesn’t mean Hard Disk storages are not good because Hard Disks will beat SSD in storing capacity. It can easily store bulk files.
Performance:
The other factor we need to consider is performance. We all want to use high-performing computers. This is the reason why most of us are interested in making a PC build instead of choosing a laptop.
Undoubtedly, SSDs will give the best performance compared to Hard Disk Drives.
The maximum writing speed of a hard disk with 7200 (Maximum RPM) is about 80-160MB/sec and with SSD, we can read a disk with a speed of 200-550MB/sec.
This vast difference makes the SSD performance better.
Storage capacity:
By considering storage capacity, SSD will never beat, not even reach the storage level of a Hard Disk.
The available storage variations of an SSD is 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. This (4TB) is the maximum SSD storage till today. The maximum Hard disk storage is 14TB and the storage variations are from 256GB.
If you have huge data to store and are looking for the best storage device, then the hard disk is a good option for you.
Lifespan:
We don’t want a device that works for a short period even though it is best. Because we use computer storage devices to keep our personal and professional files.
If we lose them by any chance, we can give up on the lifetime memories. So, the lifespan of a storage device is important.
SSD has a lifespan of about 8 to 10 years and HDD is around 4 to 5 years. It depends on your usage and working conditions. If your PC is clean and cool, your storage devices, as well as other computer parts’ life expectancy, is high.
After the lifespan of storage devices, they stop working or work unusually. And the PC shows problems like data error, Blue Screen of Death, trouble turning ON, etc.
Gaming performance:
Gamers don’t compromise even 1% in performance. Because, if they compromise, their gaming experience will go down. No gamer wants this.
There are a hundred files to read on a gaming PC by the storage device. If the reading capacity of a storage device is low, you can’t give your maximum output while gaming.
So, for gamers, SSD is the better type of storage to select than HDD.
Working Mechanism:
The hard disk is a mechanical drive. Whereas an SSD is a solid-state matter. And for this reason, hard disks will make noise on desktop computers and laptops. But SSDs don’t make any noise like HDDs.
I dislike the noise coming out of my laptop. This is the reason why I dislike a CD drive on a computer. Compared to CD drives, HDD sound is pretty low.
Type of connectivity:
Both HDDs and SSDs need SATA cables to connect with the motherboard. But the latest model M.2 SSDs don’t require a cable to connect to the motherboard.
There is a specific area for M.2 storage on the board placed. Just like RAM sticks, we can insert one end on the board and the other end is for locking it with the help of a screw.
This is the latest technology used in the present generation of motherboards.
Power Usage:
Since the HDD is a mechanical drive, it consumes more power than the SSD.
An SSD consumes an average of 2.7W power in active use and 0.07W in steady mode. And the 3.5″ hard disk consumes 4.1W in active mode and 3W in rest.
Desktop users don’t bother about the power consumption of storage drives. But, a laptop user might experience this power-consuming difference.
- Useful Read: How much power does a computer consume?
Mode of use:
We knew that HDD has more storage capacity compared to SSD. So, for storing photos, videos, movies, documents, songs, software, etc, use a hard disk. There is no need or less need to access these files in speed.
Use SSD for Operating System installation. So that, you can experience the better performance of your PC. The software is installed on Local Disk C (by default). You can experience the speed while using them.
There is no problem with a PC that is running without SSD or only HDD. You need to make a disk partition to allocate space for OS and for general use. But, the OS in an HDD makes your PC performance lag. And by this, I don’t recommend it.
In another case, a PC full of SSD storage is highly acceptable. Because nobody wants a slow-performing PC. The dark side of using SSD storage only on your PC is, that you need to compromise the storage capacity.
If money is not a problem for you and you want to buy a 1TB SSD or more. Go ahead to ROCK
Operating Temperatures :
The operating temperatures of an HDD are from 40 degrees to 60 degrees celsius and an SSD can operate under 40-80 degrees celsius. The type of operating mechanisms in a drive makes this difference in operating temperatures.
We don’t worry about the SSD, because its temperature ranges are high. But an HDD may be corrupt or damaged by exposing high temperatures in a CPU case.
So, I suggest that you make your PC cool with this PC airflow optimization technique.
Physical appearance :
The HDD is of two types in size. One is a 2.5″ HDD which weighs around 115g and the other is a 3.5″ drive with 720g in weight. On the other hand, a 2.5″ SSD can weigh around 45 to 60g. The latest SSD type M.2 weights only 6 to 9g (best in performance).
For a better understanding, I provide this comparison table. So, you can find all the useful information in one table.
SSD vs HDD difference table :
| Disk Type | Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Price | 2TB HDD costs $75 | 500GB SSD costs $96 |
| Performance | 80 to 160MB/sec | 200 to 550 MB/sec |
| Storage capacity | High storage with less cost | Low storage |
| Lifespan | 4-6 years | 10 years |
| Game performance | Weak | Best |
| Working mechanism | Electro-mechanical drive | Solid drive |
| Connectivity Type | SATA cable | SATA cable |
| Power usage | 4.1W on active and 3W in steady-state | 2.7W on active and 0.07W in steady |
| Type of Use | Best to keep more data | Best for effective working |
| Operating Temperatures | 40 to 60°C | 40 to 80°C |
| Physical appearance | 115g to 720g in weight | 6 to 60g in weight |
Conclusion:
Hope you’ll find all the information that you need to know about SSD vs HDD. Now the choice is for you.
If you want to store more files at less cost, HDD is best for you. But you need to compromise the performance with HDD. In another case, if you want the best performance even if the storage will get low, then go with an SSD. My suggestion is, that you must use an SSD in this generation. In the best case, use both SSD and HDD to balance the storage in your PC build.
What should you prefer? Let me know with your comment.
If you like this content, share it with your friends. So that, they know what to choose for their PC.
