Most of the laptops you will come across consist of either SSD or HDD drive or even both. In fact, brands and other tech giants have moved to SSD drives in most laptops, either be it meant for general purposes or gaming.
Even while purchasing new pre-built CPUs, they come with SSD storage for multiple purposes. Similarly, HDD drives are favored when you need higher capacity storage. But the real question arises, which one is better among SSD vs HDD?
If you are a beginner, seeing both these terms that often come while selecting a new laptop can be confusing. This is the reason why it is important to learn about the hardware components you are investing your money into.
So, we did our research and listed everything you need to know about SSD and HDD drives and what makes them different from each other.
Here is all you can learn about SSD vs HDD.
Contents
What is an SSD?
SSD or Solid State Drive is a storage technology that saves data using an integrated circuit with the help of flash memory.
SSDs are highly durable, efficient, and resistant to physical shocks. Moreover, they do not have spinning disks.
SSDs come with different port types that decide their performance and data transfer speed. Currently, the most common and the newest tech you will use with an SSD is the NVMe ports that enable high data transfer speed instead of any HDD you will come across.
Also, multiple drives come with M.2 or PCIe connections. Such SSDs are smaller in size and easily fit in the motherboard. It allows them to install perfectly in the place of an HDD and make way for other parts to function normally as well.
What is HDD?
HDD or Hard Disk Drive is the traditional form of storage technology introduced in 1954 and still continues to be a part of our computers and laptops.
This drive uses magnetic storage and features a rotating disk or platter that moves to read and write the data it is subjected to. Now, the entire system is based on the platter and how fast it moves.
Currently, HDDs come equipped with a SATA III port with a SATA connection that you will find on most computers or even certain laptops. These ports can also be used to connect SSDs as well making them multipurpose.
The best part of an HDD is that they cost very little compared to an SSD and have a huge capacity to store data. As of now in 2022, the highest capacity HDD is available at 20TB storage.
SSD VS HDD – Which One Is Best?
1. SSD vs HDD – Pricing (Cost per GB):
The first factor that will determine a major difference between them is the Pricing of both these storage technologies. Well, there is no hiding the fact that SSDs are much higher in price than the traditional HDDs.
When we consider the price factor, most of the laptops entirely based on SSDs are way costlier than those that feature an HDD drive. The cost of a drive is determined on a per GB basis. Hence SSD is priced higher per GB than HDDs.
Another reason for this could be that Solid State Drives are newer technology compared to HDDs. They are much faster and more durable; hence, the prices increase as you go higher up with per-gigabyte storage.
Similarly, HDDs have been here for a long time and are here to stay in the future. Hence, you can easily get a good amount of storage at a lower price with HDD. Overall, if you are okay to compromise on the storage factor, then there is no better way to go than an SSD, or else HDD is the best option.
2. SSD vs HDD – Data Transfer Speed:
It all comes down to speed. Whether you are a technical or a non-technical person, we all know that your system requires a higher data transfer speed.
The major reason that most laptops and desktops prefer SSD over HDD is because of Speed. Since we already know that SSDs are built with any moving parts, which makes the system boot faster and have lesser delay time.
When we talk about speed, we consider the Read and Write speed of data on a disk. Earlier, motherboards featured the SATA connection that ensures exceptional speed for HDDs and is even compatible with the SSDs too.
However, SSDs use the NVMe technology, which is much faster than any other connection used on a motherboard.
For example, an HDD has a transfer rate of around 15 to 30 MB/s while copying a large file. Whereas for the same purpose, SSDs take around 3,500 MB/s speed with the newer technology.
Furthermore, it is a noticeable fact that SSDs make the system a lot more responsive, and that allows you to access data much faster.
3. SSD vs HDD – Capacity:
While we discussed the price factor, we mentioned how HDDs are available at a much higher storage capacity as compared to SSDs. As a user, we are always on a hunt for larger storage for our system, especially as a professional or someone who is into gaming.
The current fact of the matter is that HDD drives are most favorable if you are considering the price factor for more storage over SSDs. Most of the laptops feature around 128GB to 1TB SSD storage in an affordable price range. At the same time, you can easily get 1TB HDD storage that is upgradable even in the lowest priced laptops.
However, the value you will receive with a 512GB SSD as compared to 1TB HDD storage capacity is far more than anything. It is much faster, reliable, and perfect for faster boot time.
4. SSD vs HDD – Data Loss and Recovery:
Both the drives have the possibility of data loss in multiple circumstances. It depends on various factors, such as HDD features a rotating platter that is highly likely to be exposed to physical damage.
Similarly, when it comes to SSDs, there are fewer chances of any physical damage, but certainly, they can suffer data loss due to corrupt firmware, electrical damage, and other factors.
However, when we speak of Data Recovery, HDD drives recover data much faster and easier as compared to SSD drives.
So even though you will come across multiple internet guides that talk about it, it is not possible to recover the data from SSD storage drives. But it is not entirely true. Surely it is complicated, but it can be done with the availability of tools and software.
5. SSD vs HDD – How Long Do They Last?
Lastly, we will be discussing, in brief, the life span of both these drives. Even though both have their advantages and disadvantages, it all comes down to which is more likely to last longer.
Mostly, you will find that both SSD and HDD come with a warranty period marked by the company, which is usually around 5-6 years.
However, with advancements in technology and multiple upgrades, SSDs are said to have a lifespan of at least ten years, depending on the workload it is put up to.
In fact, according to multiple reports and reviews by users, people are less likely to replace an SSD compared to an HDD.
Furthermore, there are no mechanical parts in an SSD, and it is likely to be more durable unless it gets corrupted under the worst circumstances.
While HDD drives wear out within five years or even before that since it is more likely to suffer physical damage even if you drop your laptop.
Final Verdict
With all you need to know about the SSD vs HDD comparison, here we are. Overall, we can truly say that SSD is by far a win in almost every aspect we have learned about. Except surely the price factor and the interrelated storage capacity, HDD drives are more likable.
Considering all the factors and if you have the necessary budget, it is always better to go with SSD drives and choose HDD as secondary storage.
Hello! I am Robbin Simmond a senior editor & writer of this blog. By profession, I am a computer hardware engineer with a passion for gaming and technology. With a deep understanding of the intricate workings of computers, I have spent years researching and testing the latest advancements in gaming laptops.