Which Is Better SSD Or HDD
- beyonddeals
- March 16, 2021
- 9:39 am
Now as we consider, there are two most important storage options available that are solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). Selecting one of them for your computer device involves certain parameters that need to be evaluated such as performance, reliability, capacity, power usage, and more.
Solid-state drives and hard disk drives are similar in physical specifications, but the main difference between an SSD and an HDD is in the process of storing and retrieving the data.
A solid-state drive is an advanced and faster type of storage device that access the memory and data instantly, whereas a hard disk drive is a traditional storage device that captures and access the memory leisurely when compared to SSDs.
Here in this article (which is better SSD or HDD), we will learn both types of storage devices with their advantages, disadvantages, and key differences between an SSD and HDD.
Without wasting any more time, let’s jump into the article (which is better SSD or HDD).
Table of Contents
What is SSD (Solid State Drive)
A solid-state drive is an advanced generation storage device that performs the same basic function as hard disk drives but instead, the data is constantly stored and retrieved on solid-state flash memory chips. It is comparatively faster and more reliable than HDDs.
SSDs significantly boost up computers due to their superior performance, low latency, and quick access time. They are consequently more expensive when compared to HDDs with the same capacities because they are infused with new generation technology (durable & stable).
SSD (Solid State Drive) is a non-volatile storage device that is much smaller and energy-efficient when compared to HDDs that allow computers to run cooler and deliver great performance.
SSDs are named solid-state because they have no moving parts.
Advantages of SSD (Solid State Drive)
SSDs are now installed in high-end laptops & mainstream PCs and systems.
- Superior Performance – SSDs can deliver better performance than other HDDs. It accelerates computers for instant data access and reduces loading time for games and other applications.
- Highly Durable & Resistant – With no moving components, SSDs receive less damage from accidental slips & drops.
- Lightweight Design – SSDs weigh far less and are comparatively more reliable storage devices when compared to other HDDs with the same capacities.
- Energy-Efficient – SSDs consume less power compared to HDDs and enable the computer to run cooler and produce less noise.
- Less data fragmentation – SSDs uses flash-based memory chips, which offer better reliability.
Disadvantages of SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Expensive In Nature – The cost incurred for an SSD is much higher when compared to other HDDs with the same capacities.
- Limited Capacity – The maximum capacity of an SSD is limited and it’s harder to find solid-state drives with large capacities.
Overall, SSDs are great for computers, laptops, and other portable devices.
What is HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
A hard disk drive is a traditional data storage device that resides inside a computer and stores digital data using magnetic components. it specifically relies on the spinning of platters or disks to read, write and understand the data. The faster the disk rotates, the better an HDD can perform.
HDDs are integrated with electro-magnetic technology that is well tested and it is the most popular storage device around the globe.
Advantages of HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
- Large Capacities – HDDs provide large storage capacity options compared to other SSDs.
- Less Expensive – Hard disk drives are comparatively less expensive than SSDs with the same storage capacities because HDDs are infused with traditional technology.
- Highly reliable – HDD offers a better life, as it usually works effectively unless and until there is accidental damage to the device. And since it operates on a magnetic process, transmission and rescuing of data can be easier than an SSD.
- Portable & Average Size – HDDs are properly designed with an average size so that they can easily store all important documents, large files, and other Images.
Disadvantages of HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
- Mechanical Components – As a result, HDD takes more time in accessing and retaining data when compared to other SSDs (Solid State Drives).
- Heavier – HDDs are significantly heavier and as it consists of mechanical moving parts, they tend to receive damage on accidental slips (it is a concern with laptops). Moreover, HDDs consume more energy when compared to other SSDs.
Key Differences Between SSD and HDD
As a result of the main comparison, we will be able to draw a conclusion on which is better SSD or HDD
| Hard Disk Drives |
SSD stands for solid-state drive | HDD stands for hard disk drive |
SSD is a new generation storage device | HDD is a traditional data storage device |
SSDs have faster reading and writing time | HDDs offers slow speed of reading and writing time |
SSDs have low latency | HDDs have high latency |
SSDs have quick access to data | HDDs have slow access to data when compared to SSD |
No data fragmentation | High data fragmentation |
SSDs aren't affected by vibrations | HDDs can be affected by vibration due to their moving parts |
SSDs are energy-efficient storage device | HDDs consume more power compared to SSDs |
SSDs have no moving components | HDDs have mechanical moving components such as the spinning platter |
SSDs are available in limited storage capacities | HDDs are available in various storage capacities |
SSDs are comparatively more reliable than HDDs | HDDs are less reliable in nature when compared to SSDs |
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are expensive | HDDs are less expensive compared to SSDs |
Overall both types of data storage devices (SSDs & HDDs) have better and longer battery life and it all depends upon the usage & operations of the users.
Gaming Performance (SSD vs HDD)
No doubt, professional gamers roll on heavy games that are infused with high-defined graphics, high-resolution textures, and audio. Therefore gamers consider data storage devices such as SSDs (solid-state drives) to experience ultimate gaming performance.
SSDs provides aid to all gamers as it is integrated with versatile features such as instant access to data, faster loading time, less power consumption, and SSDs don’t deliver high framerates that creates an advantage for gamers over HDDs.
As per the gaming benchmark scores, SSDs perform far better than other HDDs (hard disk drives) as SSDs not only offer fast loading of applications but also a stable gaming environment. SSDs are considered to be beneficial for multi-tasking and heavy system operations.
Overall SSDs (solid-state drives) can deliver 3 x better gaming performance when compared to other HDDs with the same storage capacities.
Speed and Performance (SSD vs HDD)
Over the years now, SSD is truly a popular and reliable choice among customers, because of its lightning speed performance. For example, a system integrated with an HDD takes an initial booting time of more than a minute whereas, A SSD-equipped computer device takes an initial booting time of 20-25 seconds.
Therefore SSD is no doubt a perfect choice for multitasking and heavy operating tasks. But HDDs are a better choice for normal usage.
0.1 ms | Access Times SSDs exhibits vitually no access time | 5.5 - 8.0 ms |
SSDs deliver at least 6000 io/s | Random I/O Performance SSDs are atleast 15 times faster than HDDs | HDDs reach up to 400 io/s |
SSDs have a failure rate of less than 0.5 % | Reliability This makes SSDs 4 -10 times more reliable | HDDs failure rate fluctuates between 2-5% |
SSDs consume between 2 and 5 watts | Energy Savings This means that on a large server, approximately 100 watts are saved | HDDs consume between 6 and 15 watts |
SSDs have an average 1 % | CPU Power You will have an extra 6% of CPU power for other operations | HDDs average 7% |
The average service time for an I/O request while running a backup remain below 20 ms | Input/Output Request Times SSDs allow for much faster data access | The I/O request time with HDDs during backup rises up to 400-500 ms |
SSD backups take about 6 hours | Backup Rates SSDs allow for 3-5 times faster backup for your data SSDs allow for much faster data access | HDD backups take up to 20-24 hours |
Best SSDs and HDDs under Different Budget Segmentations
Now noticing the demand for data storage devices in the Indian market, competing brands such as Seagate, Intel, Samsung have innovated several data storage devices with various capacities and selecting one of them as your perfect computer component becomes time-consuming and difficult task.
Therefore, we here in this article (which is better SSD or HDD) have particularly researched several data storage devices and have also included a curated list of best SSDs & HDDs under different budget segmentations.
| SPECS | BEYOND SCORE | BEST HDDs | SPECS |
Intel Core i5 | 95 | AMD Ryzen 5 | ||
Intel Core i5 | 95 | Intel Core i5 | ||
Ryzen 3 3250U | 92 | Intel Core i3 | ||
Best SSDs Under 5000 | SPEED | INTERNAL HDDs | SIZE | |
Up to 1,050MB/s | 95 | 1TB | ||
Up to 1,050MB/s | 95 | 1TB | ||
Up to 1,050MB/s | 92 | |||
Best SSDs Under 3000 | ||||
Up to 500MB/s | 90 | |||
Up to 545 MB/s | 89 | |||
Up to 500MB/s | 89 |
Conclusion (Final Verdict) - Which is better SSD or HDD
Solid State Drive is our overall best recommendation because it delivers superior performance and is more durable and reliable when compared to other HDDs but if you’re looking for a data storage device to store files and perform basic operations then we recommend Hard Disk Drive as your perfect computer component.
Computers & laptop manufacturers also innovate computer devices integrated with hybrid drive technology, which includes both SSD and HDD storage. If you need a responsive device infused with lots of storage capacity then, we recommend hybrid drives also called as SSHDs (Solid State Hybrid Drives) as they utilize both the advantages of SSDs and HDDs.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
SSD does not depend on spinning disk or any moving magnetic disk instead they use semiconductor chips to send and receive data
HDD save data with the help of magnetic disk referred as spinning platters
Yes, you can use both SSD and HDD together in the same device in a most effective manner, one can simply migrate existing OS from HDD TO SSD which can improve the system perfomace in terms of bootup and system read and write.
SSD store the information in flash memory whereas HDD store information in the magnetic disk, hence SSD doesn’t depend on spinning disk or moving parts which make SSD as non-volatile memory and faster in saving data
It depends on the need of your device, if you want to make your laptop or desktop a gaming best we suggest having at least 512GB of SSD or else for best daily usage 240GB is best.
There is no specific criteria that SSD should be of 240GB or 512GB, but still its best to have a minimum SSD with a capacity of 240GB
It depends on your budget. if you are in search for the Best SSD under 5000 then Crucial MX500 500GB SSD is the best storage device you can have or in case if your budget is somewhere around 3000 then we recommend Crucial BX500 240GB SSD as your perfect computer component.
It totally relies on the budget. if you’re looking for best SSD under 3000 then Crucial BX500 240GB, if your budget is somewhere around 5000 then Crucial MX500 500GB SSD and for the one with a budget of up to 10,000 the Samsung T7 Touch is the best SSD for laptop
Seagate Barracuda, 1 TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache
