SSD versus HDD: just the speed factor?
What is the difference between SSD and HDD? The factors to take into consideration do not involve speed alone. Let us distinguish between the two situations by noting that in the SSD v HDD dichotomy, the term HDD indicates a fixed or hard disk. More specifically, we are dealing with a magnetic mass storage device.
When dealing with HDD, it is essential to bear in mind that numerous disks are used, which are magnetised specially, in advance. They are suitable for file storage and can store many types of documents including videos, images, text files etc.
A distinction should be made between this and RAM, a type of memory which is reset every time the device switches on. HDD does not follow that process and its speed depends on the model of head, characterised by the presence of a contact wire. The head in question is capable of writing and re-writing any type of file onto the disk.
What exactly is SSD?
If we turn our attention to the other pole of the SSD v HDD dichotomy, we find a fusion between RAM and the standard hard disk. RAM, as already mentioned, is equipped with memory. This memory however, is temporary and volatile. Each single bank of RAM is identifiable by the presence of several black cells, which form the actual memory.
The SSD (solid state drive) is based on the concept of solid memory which does not lose content, featuring a large chip instead of a head and magnetic disk.
SSD v HDD: the difference
The difference between HDD and SSD can be highlighted if we consider several aspects. The first of these is price. SSDs are on average more expensive than HDDs. The price of HDDs is lower and they have a larger memory capacity, but the technology they use is slightly older. In light of this, the fact that they are slower is to be expected.
If we consider speed on the other hand, SSDs beat HDDs. Procedures such as switching the device on and off are in fact much quicker and almost instantaneous. The practical advantages are quite significant, if we take into account that if a computer – whether a Mac or a PC –is fitted with an SSD, it is able to run more advanced programs. Furthermore, the operating system will maintain the same performance levels it had when first installed, unless issues arise due to virus infection.
What can be said about duration? On this point, it is important to remember when discussing HDD, that factors like wear and tear and accidental breakages do affect the disk’s working lifespan. In general, a traditional hard disk has a longer working lifespan than an SSD. In fact, it’s duration is closely linked to the number of accesses and writings. In any case, thanks to the use of TRIM technology, major improvements have been made in this area.
One advantage of SSD is the fact that there is no need to use mechanical parts. Consequently, there are no issues relating to wear and tear. The use of SSD technology means that noise levels are reduced to a minimum, thanks to the absence of mechanical parts.
If we take this information into account, it is logical that when faced with the choice of SSD v HDD, those users who need to store large quantities of data should favour HDD, an optimal solution thanks to both its memory capacity and cost considerations.
If, however, the priority is performance and speed, the most suitable solution is the solid state disk. This choice is also best in the case of frequent mobile use of the device.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
