SSD vs HDD: Which is Right for You?

What are the differences between SSD and HDD? Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) may share physical similarities, but their data storage methods differ significantly. Each type of drive has its own advantages and disadvantages, and deciding which one suits you depends on how you use your computer. Our HDD vs. SSD guide breaks down the workings of each storage drive type and their implications for you.

How HDDs Work: 

HDDs are complex storage devices comprised of magnetically sensitive platters, an actuator arm with read/write heads, and a motor for platter rotation. Governed by an I/O controller and firmware, these drives organize data on concentric tracks and sectors. Writing algorithms process data before storing, allowing firmware to detect and correct errors. The preset platter speeds, ranging from 4200 to 7200 rpm, dictate the efficiency of data retrieval and writing processes in HDDs.

Read/Write Process: 

Every time you request the computer to retrieve or update data, the I/O controller instructs the actuator arm where the data is located, and the read/write heads collect data by reading the charge in each address. If the request involves updating data, the read/write heads alter the charge on the affected track and sector

Drawbacks: 

The mechanical components used for reading and writing data in HDDs lead to longer retrieval times compared to electronic methods. Mechanical parts are susceptible to damage if mishandled or dropped, especially in laptops. HDDs are also heavier and consume more power compared to Solid State Drives (SSDs).

Benefits of HDDs:

HDDs are tried-and-true technology, often more economical than SSDs for the same storage capacity. Currently, HDDs offer larger storage spaces than SSDs.

What is an SSD (Solid State Drive)?

How SSDs Work: 

SSDs employ flash memory, specifically NAND technology, for exceptional performance and durability. Unlike HDDs, SSDs lack moving parts, enhancing durability, operating at lower temperatures, and consuming less power. The NAND operation involves floating-gate transistors recording charges to store data in a grid-patterned block structure. The SSD controller plays a crucial role in tracking data locations.

Read/Write Process: 

For SSDs, updating data is more complex. When any part of a block is updated, the entire block must be refreshed. Data from the old block is copied to a different block, the block is erased, and data is rewritten with the changes to the new block.

Whenever you request the computer to retrieve or update data, the SSD controller looks at the requested data's address and reads the charge status.

During idle times, a process called garbage collection ensures information in old blocks is erased and ready for rewriting. There's also a process called trimming, notifying the SSD it can skip rewriting certain data during block erasure. This is crucial to prevent premature wear on the drive, as each block has a finite number of read/write cycles.

To further mitigate wear, an algorithm ensures each block in the drive undergoes an equal number of read/write processes. This process, known as wear leveling, happens automatically as the drive operates.

As read/write processes involve data movement, SSDs often over-provision storage space. A certain amount of the drive is not reported to the operating system and is inaccessible to users. This provides space for the drive to move and delete items without affecting overall storage capacity.

Drawbacks: 

SSDs are newer technology, hence more expensive than HDDs. Although catching up, finding high-capacity SSDs may be more challenging compared to HDDs. HDDs can offer up to 2.5 times the capacity of SSDs.

Advantages of SSDs: 

Why choose a Solid State Drive? SSDs can accelerate the loading speeds of games, applications, and movies. Due to the technology used, SSDs are lighter, better withstand movement and drops, and consume less energy, resulting in lower operating temperatures.

One of the significant advantages of SSDs:

Is their much faster speed compared to HDDs. For instance, G-BONG X series, our fastest NVMe SSD, offers impressive read/write speeds of up to 3400/3000MB/s. Even portable SSDs outpace HDDs. With read speeds up to 1050MB/s and capacities up to 2TB, the X8 is 100 times faster than USB flash drives and 7.5 times faster than traditional hard drives.

The Decision

The difference between hard drives and solid state drives is in the technology used to store and retrieve data. The table below illustrates some of the differences.

HDDs are cheaper and you can get more storage space. SSDs, however, are incredibly faster, lighter, more durable, and they use less energy. Your needs will dictate which storage drive will work best for you.

Comparing G-BONGl SSDs: