What is the difference between magnetic disks and solid state disks. Which is better: SSD or HDD? What is the difference between SSD and HDD? Work applications on hdd and ssd comparison

When choosing a new computer, many users are faced with an abbreviation unknown to them. That abbreviation is SSD. Some computers come with an SSD, some don't, and some have both an SSD and the more familiar HDD.

Because of this confusion, choosing a computer becomes much more difficult. In this article, we will try to explain in as much detail as possible how an SSD differs from an HDD and which is better.

Difference #1: An SSD is a Solid State Drive while an HDD is a Magnetic Disk Drive.

SSD is an abbreviation for the English phrase "solid-state drive". This phrase translates as solid state drive, and it means that this drive is based solely on chips. Actually, there are no "disks". There are only chips that are used to store information, a controller chip and a board.

While HDD is an abbreviation for the English "hard (magnetic) disk drive". This phrase translates as a hard disk drive. It is on a hard disk, because there used to be drives on soft disks, also known as floppy disks. In the HDD, information is stored on a magnetic disk. At the same time, a large amount of additional equipment is placed in the HDD to service this magnetic disk. This is a motor for rotating the disk, a drive for moving the reading heads, as well as a board for controlling all this equipment.

Internal SSD and HDD

In general, SSD and HDD are disks that work on two completely different principles and these principles follow their other differences, which we will discuss below.

Difference #2: SSDs are much faster than HDDs.

Due to the fact that the SSD works exclusively on chips, these drives are characterized by high speed. An SSD is much faster at writing and reading data. Now even the most expensive and advanced HDDs cannot provide a read or write speed of more than 150 MB / s. Whereas even mid-range SSDs can deliver 550 MB/s, which is more than 3.5 times faster than an HDD. More expensive models of SSD drives that work through PCI Express lanes can deliver more than 1000 MB / s, which is completely incomparable with HDD speeds.

With this speed of reading and writing data, an SSD drive can significantly speed up the entire computer. If an SSD drive is installed on the computer, then such a computer turns on faster, launches programs faster, and responds faster to all other user actions.

Difference #3: SSDs are more shock and shock resistant.

Everyone knows that HDD drives do not tolerate shocks, shocks, and any overload in general. It is worth dropping it on the floor and it can be carried to the trash, well, or to data recovery specialists. An average HDD drive can survive 70 G's during operation and 350 G's during storage. While for an SSD drive, even 1500 G is not a problem.

It may seem like it doesn't matter, because you don't throw your computer on the floor. But, if we are talking about a laptop, then such increased reliability will not be superfluous. The laptop is constantly subjected to small shocks and in some cases this leads to breakage. hard drive.

Difference #4: An SSD consumes a lot less power.

Another important difference between SSD and HDD is power consumption. The average HDD drive consumes about 4 watts of power during idle and 6 watts during active operation. While an SSD drive consumes about 0.5 - 1.3 watts during idle time and about 0.5 - 3 watts during active operation. The difference is very significant, especially when it comes to a laptop.

Difference #5: The SSD doesn't make any noise.

SSD drive works exclusively on microcircuits and there are no moving parts in it. Due to this, the SSD works absolutely silently.

Difference #6: An SSD weighs a lot less than an HDD.

Heavy weight is another disadvantage of HDDs, which is especially noticeable on laptops. The weight of an average hard drive for a laptop is about 100 grams, while the entire SSD drive is at least 2 times smaller.

Difference #7. HDD is more reliable.

But, HDDs also have advantages over SSDs. For example, HDD drives are more reliable. There is an opinion that HDD is much more reliable than SSD. Actually it is not. There is a slight advantage in reliability, but the difference is not as critical as it is sometimes said. Now there are SSD drives on sale, the manufacturer of which gives them a guarantee of 10 years, and this already says something. In any case, backing up important data should be done regardless of the type of drive you have.

Difference No. 8. HDD is noticeably cheaper.

Another important difference where HDD wins is the price. If we compare the cost of SSD and HDD, taking into account the amount of information they store, then HDD drives will always be cheaper.

Good afternoon. Computer users have long been accustomed to referring to internal hard drives as HDDs. But, not so long ago, SSD hard drives began to appear on the markets. Many people have a bad idea, but what is it, SSD drive? Is there a need to replace them with a regular HDD? Are these SSDs really as good as users make them out to be?

What is an SSD drive

An SSD is, as I said, a solid state drive. At this disk NAND memory is used. What is interesting about this memory is that it does not require electricity to store information. I can say in a language more understandable to you, this disk can be compared with a decent-sized flash card. In fact, this is a flash drive.

I already wrote about a flash card for 1 TB, and for 2 TB. The technology is very similar. The only difference is that for 1 and 2 TB flash drives, which I wrote about, these are just flash cards. And the SSD is HDD and it has a very decent speed of writing and reading data.

The difference between SSD and HDD and their features

In order for us to be able to identify these differences between solid state drives and drives with spinning mechanisms, let's touch on the theory and operation of these drives.

HDD is a series of round metal plates that rotate on a spindle. Data is written on the surface of the plates with a special small head. If a person starts copying any information to the disk, or simply starts the software, the disk head starts moving to find the place where the information the person needs is located.

Most of all, it resembles the usual records of the Soviet era, which the inhabitants of our country loved so much. But, instead of a needle in this design, there is a head for reading data.

Advantages of SSD over HDD

The SSD drive does not have a single part that moves.
Based on the first point, the hard drive does not heat up, unlike the HDD, which heats up very much when a complex program or game is running.
Since the disk does not move, it works silently. Also, noiselessness is obtained due to a small cooler, which does not have to cool the disk.
Due to the absence of moving parts, low power consumption is obtained, about half as much.
The most obvious thing is that such a disk responds very quickly to human action. That is, if you set to such Windows disk, the computer will start very quickly.

I have presented to you the main advantages of SSD drives, which you can check for yourself. But interestingly, people are still asking questions like this and comparing the merits of these Hard Drives:

Because there are no moving parts, SSDs run silently and have a much longer lifespan. Ordinary drives break most often due to external damage - solid-state drives do not have this problem.
The temperature of the solid state drive is constantly at the required level, regardless of whether the cooler cools it or not. A moving drive without a fan can overheat. Overheating can lead to malfunctions in the program or its mechanical part.

Disadvantages of SSD drives

The main disadvantage of a solid state drive is its price. It continues to be decent and has a direct relationship with its volume. The second disadvantage of such a disk is a smaller number of write/delete cycles. A movable hard drive can be overwritten and turned on / off a lot of times. Solid state has limitations in this sense. However, these restrictions in records are difficult to achieve in practice.

As a rule, the SSD warranty period is in the region of three to five years. But, in ordinary life, such disks work much longer. Hence, do not worry too much on this issue.

The most interesting thing is that there is a hybrid in which part of the solid state drive is involved, and there are moving elements. It's called a hybrid SSHD. Manufacturers in SSHD drive tried to combine the advantages of these two drives. But, the high speed of work is noticed only during the boot of the computer. The output of information and recording in this model is approximately the same as that of a conventional HDD. Hence, hybrid models are not particularly popular with people.

How to choose the right SSD drive

Let's say you came to the conclusion that you need to replace an obsolete hard drive and purchase an SSD drive. It became clear to you why it is more profitable to take an SSD. But, there is another question, namely, which of the SSD drives is better to choose in this case?

When you go to computer stores, you see drives that have different controllers, form factors, prices. With all this diversity it is difficult to choose a worthy one. Therefore, to make it easier for you to choose among such drives, I will give the parameters by which it is worth buying an SSD.

Disk speed

Every hard drive, including a solid state drive, has two types of speed: reading information and writing. The greater these speeds, the greater the benefits. But, it is worth remembering that in the descriptions of the railway, max speed is most often written.

SSD disk capacity

I have already said that the main disadvantage of solid state drives is its cost. As a rule, it depends on the volume of the disk. The minimum size for today is 60 GB. In modern realities, Windows 10 with all its updates may require 80, 90, 100 GB. Therefore, such a volume may not even be enough for the system.

But, if you like to play games, and are addicted graphic programs like Photoshop, you need to look into discs with a capacity > 120 GB.

Controller and Memory

There are 3 memory variations that differ from each other in the number of bits in a memory cell - 1 bit (SLC), 2 bits (MLC), 3 bits (TLC). Option 1 is outdated this moment it is no longer used. From here, if you notice a similar option in the descriptions of the disc, immediately pass by.

MLC is currently more common than others. We will choose him. Although, it also has its downsides. But, at the moment, there is no replacement for him, because. TLC is just beginning to be introduced on store shelves and its price is appropriate.

The problem is the same for controllers. The most common (popular) technology at the moment is SandForce, which increases the speed of the drive by compressing information before the user writes it.

But, it also has a drawback: when the disk is almost completely filled with data, then, having cleared this disk, the recording speed will no longer return to its previous pace. In other words, now it will be lower. To solve this problem, you need to remember one simple thing: do not fill the disk with data to the eyeballs. In this case, after deleting the data, the speed will be OK.

Of course, there are other, expensive controllers with Indilinx, Intel, Marvell technologies. Analyze your finances, and if they allow, look at SSDs that have controllers from these manufacturers.

Form Factors and Design

Most of the solid-state drives that exist now are made in the 2.5 form factor, which support the SATA 3 design. But, in addition to these, other, more expensive options are possible:

SSD external,
PCI card that fits directly into the motherboard slot
Drive, with mSATA design, which is installed in small PCs and laptops.

If we consider the design, then all new SSDs have a SATA 3 interface, but when the motherboard has an old generation controller (I - th, or II - th), then the hard drive, despite this, can be connected. But, there is a limitation. The data rate will be like the old generation controller. In other words, when connecting SATA 3 to SATA 2, the speed data will be SATA 2.

If the 3.5-inch form factor is important for a PC, then if you want to install a 2.5-inch SSD, you will need an adapter device called "Sled". This adapter is like a small shelf that needs to be hung where you are going to mount the drive.

Note: using special The adapter has the ability to install an SSD in place of a laptop DVD. Some users remove the little-used drive now and install an SSD drive in its place. On the new disk Underneath people install Windows. At the same time, the laptop's native hard drive is formatted and used to store personal information.

Which SSD company to choose

This issue requires close attention. Of course, in many forums you will find posts about what is the best Silicon Power, others will say Kingston. These companies produce discs of various types.

But it is not so. In reality, there are not many manufacturers that actually produce NAND flash memory, unlike brands.

You can also select companies: Samsung, Crucial, SanDisk.

How to work with an SSD drive

If you have successfully purchased and installed an SSD drive, you will start the system and be pleasantly surprised by the speed of all programs and applications. Also, the system will start very quickly. In order for your computer to continue to work so quickly, remember the requirements for operating SSD drives.

Do not fill the drive to the brim, to the eyeballs, otherwise, as I said, the data writing speed will decrease and, the saddest thing, it will not be able to recover. This is especially true for SandForce.
Operating systems that support TRIM are: Widows 7, 8.1, 10, Linux 2.6.33, Mac OS X 10.6.6.
It is worth storing personal information on HDDs. You should not quickly get rid of such a disk if it is in excellent condition. Insert two discs, and record video, audio, photos, and other information on the HDD that does not need high speed.
It is advisable to increase the capacity of the operational card and, if possible, do not use the swap file.

By following these recommendations, you have a chance to extend the life of your SSD without damaging it or slowing it down. You can buy it on Aliexpress. Disks on the page from 120 to 960 GB, i.e., actually 1TB. You can buy from the link.... Judging by the description, the disc is suitable for both Computers and (laptops).

From the screenshot you can see the volumes of the disks. If you need to install the system exactly, it is enough to purchase a disk with a capacity of 120 GB. If, however, as a full-fledged hard drive, then, at your discretion, from 480 to 960 GB. Why do I recommend installing Windows on a solid state hard drive? Your system will boot in seconds! If you purchase a 1TB disk, all your programs will fly!

First SSD, or solid state drives using flash memory, appeared in 1995, and were used exclusively in the military and aerospace fields. The huge cost at that time was compensated by the unique characteristics that allow the operation of such disks in aggressive environments over a wide temperature range.

If your fear of flash memory wear and tear reaches panic levels, then it's worth looking at new (and expensive) technologies in the form of storage formats. 3D NAND. And if no jokes, then this is the future SSD– high speed and high reliability are combined here. Such a drive is suitable even for important server databases, since the write resource here reaches petabyte, and the number of errors is minimal.

In a separate group I would like to highlight SSD interface drives PCI-E. It has high read and write speed 1000-2000 Mbps), and on average more expensive than other categories. If the focus is on speed, then this the best choice. Disadvantage - takes up a universal PCIe slot, motherboards compact formats, there may be only one PCIe slot.

Out of competition - SSD with NVMe logical interface, the reading speed of which exceeds 2000 Mb / s. Compared to SSD compromise logic AHCI, has much greater queue depth and concurrency. High cost on the market, and the best performance - the choice of enthusiasts or professionals.

1. HDD and SSD: main differences
2. Cost
3. Capacity
4. Speed
5. Fragmentation and defragmentation of disks
6. Reliability and service life
7. Shape and noise level
8. Results

In 2009, a new type of storage device, Solid State Drive, appeared on the computer equipment market (along with a hard HDD). This novelty actualized the problem of choice: SDD and HDD hard disk: what is the difference? What is best for the user? What nuances should be considered when choosing, and what can be overlooked? More details in our review.

HDD and SSD: the main differences

The main purpose of the solid-state SSD and magnetic HDD is to securely store the personal data of users. However, they perform their function differently. There are several differences - first of all, this is the principle of operation.

In the HDD variant, information is written and read thanks to a special head moving over the surface of the disk, which is rapidly rotating. In the second, there are no movable elements, and the "stuffing" looks like a lot of microcircuits on one board.

Price

The first thing users pay attention to when they think about discs is the price. In this regard, the undoubted advantage of the HDD. Typically, a standard 1TB drive will cost at least $50. While the cost of an SSD will be about four times more expensive - about $ 200. But technology is developing rapidly, and every year the difference in pricing for the two types of drives is decreasing.

Capacity

At the beginning of the 2000s, the difference between the maximum capacities of two different types of drives was huge. In fact, the SSD then could not compete. However, already now the maximum figures are 4 TB. While the amount of HDD-memory now reaches 50 TB.

Speed

Very often, it is speed that is the indicator that users most often pay attention to. In this regard, the SSD hard drive is the leader. The speed of this drive is several times higher than that of HDD.

Just a few seconds to download, launch the most complex games and applications, copy huge amounts of information data. And you can’t argue with that, because system acceleration when using SDD under operating system, is strongly felt in practice.

Fragmentation and defragmentation of disks

For an HDD hard drive, large files are ideal, while non-voluminous materials - photos, books and audio recordings - combined with constant copying and deleting inevitably lead to slow hard drive performance. Why is this happening?

The components of the file are scattered over its surface, so the read head has to look for fragments in different sectors, wasting time. This phenomenon is called fragmentation. In order to "put things in order" and bring all parts of the files into a single chain, you need to periodically defragment. Only in this way can the speed of work be maintained at a good level. SSDs do not need such operations due to a radically different principle of operation.

Reliability and service life

SSD drives, unlike their competitors, have special moving elements. Therefore, you can use a laptop in transport, despite vibrations, and not worry about disruption of the stability of work and data loss. A completely different situation with the HDD. Here the reading head is in close proximity to the magnetized blanks. Therefore, even a slight vibration leads to the appearance of so-called bad sectors. However, the SSD design, despite its clear advantages, has the disadvantage of a limited cycle of use. Constant deletion, copying and writing of gigabytes of data reduces the working life of the solid state drive.

Shape and noise level

Everything matters in today's world. And of course, a more compact drive is a more promising popular one. In this respect, the SSD is the winner. The special design of the HDD does not allow it to be reduced to a miniature size.

The rotation of HDD drives will certainly lead to the appearance of noise - a characteristic crackle. Whereas the processes inside SSD drives are completely silent.

Results

It is impossible to unambiguously name the main winner of the battle between HDD and SSD. Each drive has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, HDDs are slow and noisy, with them there is a possibility mechanical breakdowns, therefore they require very careful handling - no mechanical impact, however, they are inexpensive and capacious. At the same time, SSDs have a limited service life and are expensive, but at the same time they are silent, fast, and do not need to be defragmented.

That is why, in order to answer the question of what exactly you need to buy, first think about the purpose for which you are purchasing the drive. If you need to save large amounts of information, and the computer will be used for social. networks and multimedia entertainment, then your choice is HDD. But if you never sit still, constantly travel, system boot speed is important to you, you hate noise and often deal with photo and video processing in various programs - feel free to choose an SSD, you won’t lose.

Almost every user has already heard about solid state drives, and some even use them. However, not many people thought about how these drives differ from each other and why SSD is better than HDD. Today we will tell you what the difference is and conduct a small comparative analysis.

The scope of solid-state drives is expanding every year. Now SSD can be found almost everywhere, from laptops to servers. The reason for this is high speed and reliability. But, let's talk about everything in order, so first let's see what is the difference between a magnetic drive and a solid state drive.

By and large, the main difference lies in the way data is stored. So the HDD uses a magnetic method, that is, data is written to the disk by magnetizing its areas. In an SSD, all information is stored in a special type of memory, which is presented in the form of chips.

Features of the HDD device

If you look at the inside of a magnetic hard disk (MHD), it is a device that consists of several disks, heads for reading / writing, and an electric drive that rotates the disks and moves the heads. That is, MZhD is in many ways similar to a turntable. The read / write speed of such modern devices can reach from 60 to 100 MB / s (depending on the model and manufacturer). And the rotation speed of disks usually varies from 5 to 7 thousand revolutions per minute, and in some models the rotation speed reaches 10 thousand. Based on the special device, there are three main disadvantages and only two advantages over SSD.

Noise that comes from electric motors and disk rotation;
The speed of reading and writing is relatively low, since a certain time is spent on positioning the heads;
High chance of mechanical failure.

Relatively low price for 1 GB;
Large amount of data storage.

Features of the SSD device

The device of a solid state drive is fundamentally different from magnetic drives. There are no moving elements, that is, there are no electric motors, moving heads and rotating disks. And all this thanks to a completely new way of storing data. Currently, there are several types of memory that are used in SSD. They also have two interfaces for connecting to a computer - SATA and ePCI. For the SATA type, the read / write speed can reach up to 600 MB / s, while in the case of ePCI it can range from 600 MB / s to 1 GB / s. An SSD drive is needed in a computer precisely for faster reading and writing information from a disk and vice versa.

Thanks to their design, SSDs have many more advantages over MZD, but they also have some disadvantages.

No noise;
High read/write speed;
Less prone to mechanical failure.

High cost per 1 GB.

Some more comparison

Now that we have dealt with the main features of the disks, we will continue our comparative analysis further. Externally, the SSD and MZD also differ. Again, due to their characteristics, magnetic drives are much larger and thicker (if you do not take into account those for laptops), while SSDs are comparable in size to hard ones for laptops. Also, solid state drives consume several times less energy.

Summing up our comparison, below is a table where you can see the differences between the disks in numbers.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that SSDs are better than MZD in almost all respects, they also have a couple of drawbacks. Namely, it is volume and cost. If we talk about volume, then at present solid-state drives are significantly inferior to magnetic ones. In terms of cost, magnetic disks also win, since they are cheaper.

Well, now you have learned what are the main differences between different types of drives, so it remains only to decide which is better and more rational to use - HDD or SSD.