Solid State or Hard Drive? Pros and Cons
Data storage is one of the most important topics in computing and plays a large role in consumer decisions. Choosing what to store data on, whether it be business related or personal, is a serious decision.
Two of the most obvious choices are hard drives and solid state drives. What’s the difference and which one is better? Here’s what you need to know about both of them and how to make the best decision.
Data Storage for PCs Options
Until recently, consumers didn’t have much choice in whether their PC storage was an SSD or HDD. That has been changing rapidly as many higher-grade laptops now ship outfitted with SSD while most of the more conservative models still use HDD.
That means that consumers today have more of a say in whether they want SSD or HDD. Before making that choice, however, learn the rundown on the major differences between the two and which version would be best suited for you.
SSD VS HDD
The debate of SSD vs. HDD is highly subjective, but there is a general consensus that SSD is better overall. However, they have certain advantages over each other in certain areas.
Solid State Drive or Hard Drive: Pros and Cons
SSD, or solid state drives, store data on a series of interconnected drives based on flash technology chips. These chips are different from typical flash drives and are consequently more expensive. The data stored on an SSD is present even when the machine is not plugged in. SSD drives generally look like the one pictured in this example.
(link this image to https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Super_Talent_2.5in_SATA_SSD_SAM64GM25S.jpg )
Additionally, you can pull up your SSD’s information through your computer to see details like this.
HDDs are traditionally mechanical hard drives that use magnetically coated platter with a read and write head. These store and retrieve the information from the platters while they’re spinning and generally look like this.
(link this image to https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laptop-hard-drive-exposed.jpg )
Price Differences
If you value economy and sheer volume in storage space, then you should go with a mechanical hard drive. They are much cheaper units per gigabyte compared to an SSD.
On the other hand, if security and data transfer speeds are what you’re interested in, SSD is probably the better choice. You will, however, pay considerably more for the storage space compared to mechanical hard drives.
While pricing is certainly a major concern for most people, it’s not the only factor of consequence.
Viability for Long Term Use
Another important factor to consider in making your decision is how important the longevity of the drive is to you. For example, if you plan on switching to a new computer in a year or so, longevity won’t be much of a concern. With computers that you intend to use for a long time and store important information on, however, you will want to invest in a long-lasting drive.
While certain things can be done to extend the potential lifecycle of SSDs, the drives are arguably superior to their HDD counterparts as they are much less susceptible to damage. The delicate mechanical components of HDD drives make them markedly more vulnerable to being damaged in transit.
However, in the long run, the longevity of both SSDs and HDDs is largely dependent on how roughly they are used. If for example, the laptop is frequently moved around while traveling, HDDs and SSDs are both potentially vulnerable to suffering damage.
In any case, SSD drives are generally much more stable and can withstand movement than a traditional mechanical hard drive.
Efficiency in Power
When it comes to power consumption, SSD wins hands down. For HDD, the split isn’t pretty. SSD drives are 50% more efficient in terms of electric consumption. That makes SSD a great choice if you’re concerned about the environment, your electric bill, or both.
Keep in mind, however, there are some energy saving options that you can adjust on HDD drives to use less power as well.
Solid State or Hard Drive
Now that you know more about the differences between the two, choosing SSD or HDD is a much easier decision and will ultimately come down to preference. Which one will be best for you depends on what you value the most.
If your priorities are cheap and ample storage space, HDD is a good choice. If you want a storage option that’s durable, long lasting, and electrically efficient, you should choose an SSD drive.
Use Driver Support to Keep Your Machine Running Smooth
Driver Support is one of the most useful programs to have on your PC. Sometimes when you get a new SSD, it won’t work properly because of outdated device drivers like ATA drivers. That’s why it’s important to use software like Driver Support.
The software keeps essential software components, like device drivers, updated automatically. Automatic updates are an incredible advantage that frees users from the horrendous tedium of the manual updating process.
Device drivers help keep all of your computer hardware running correctly and helps it work with other components, making them incredibly important albeit often overlooked assets to your PC.
Whether you decide to go with SSD or HDD, Give DriverSupport | ONE a try today! to keep your machine running smoothly and safely.
