SSD vs HDD: what are the differences between both types of hard drive?

When we buy or renew a computer, we have to take into account what type of hard drive we will need. The options we have will be the SSD (Solid-State Drive) and HDD (Hard Drive Disk), so seeing how they differ is a priority for the user.

The hdd they store the information on a magnetic disk, so when we want to use it, the disk spins. In this process, two small arms called ‘read-write heads’ move across the disk to convert its magnetic field into an electric current. This is translated as a digital signal that your PC understands as information.

On the contrary, the SSD doesn’t even use a disk (it is called “hard drive” also out of habit) and has no moving parts, so your information is stored on ‘solid’ silicon semiconductors. These transfer and send electrical currents for your PC to read. Because of that, SSD is not only faster, but also more secure.

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Why is SSD faster than HDD?

According to a speed test, conducted by Asus for Business Insider, it showed that a Test HDD took 10 milliseconds to read and write a lot of data. For its part, the SSD did the same job in a few microseconds (each millisecond is a thousand microseconds).

This speed is explained by the fact that the HDD need to move parts to access informationwhile the SSD just look for it immediately. Also, while HDD read-write heads can only read part of the magnetic disk, SSDs can read and fetch multiple data at the same time. The clearest example is that when starting a PC with a SSDthis one will do it much faster than one working with a hdd.

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Why is SSD safer than HDD?

Information security is also due to SSDs do not use moving parts to work. HDD read-write heads move above the magnetic disk at a distance of 10 nanometers, which is thousands of times thinner than a hair.

Nevertheless, if these heads touch the disk, even for a millisecond, you will have what is called a “head strike”. This will cause these scratch the disk and end up destroying the information that they find on their way. This can happen if, for example, someone drops your laptop or with a strong blow to the PC, so it is more common. Most of these crashes end up corrupting the HDD.

For his part, the SSD You don’t have to worry about this type of impact, because does not have the read-write heads. They also use less power, so they won’t get as hot with an HDD. This does not mean that the devices can be hit without causing problems, so the same care must be taken for both.

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Which is cheaper?

Prices vary depending on the brands, but usually HDDs tend to be cheaper than SSDs. These have been with us since the 70s, so they have been improved over the decades. But the idea of ​​the mechanism has been the same: a disk that is read by heads.

On the contrary, SSDs tend to be more expensive due to being more secure and faster. In addition, thanks to its characteristics, have a longer life and are not easily corrupted.

Source: Elcomercio

James

I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years and have written for various news outlets. I currently work as an author at 24 News Recorder, mostly covering entertainment news. I have a keen interest in the industry and enjoy writing about the latest news and gossip. I am also a member of the National Association of Journalists.