SSD are used as the main permanent storage on a computer. An SSD performs the same basic function as a hard drive, but all information is stored on interconnected flash memory chips that protect data even when there is no power flow.
Hard drives have served us for many years and still find their place in the system of most of us. With the decrease in costs, the number of users who use only SSDs and shelve HDDs continues to increase every day. Solid-state drives have changed many things and brought us countless benefits since they entered our lives.
If you have purchased a new portable laptop in the last few years, you are most likely using an SSD as the primary boot drive. On the other hand, if you have recently assembled a desktop system, you must have purchased at least one SSD.
You may still be having a hard time choosing between HDD or SSD Dec Now let’s briefly touch Dec the differences between SSDs and HDDs. Especially here we will focus more on the benefits of SSDs.
SSD and HDD
Traditional hard drives are used as the main permanent storage on a computer. That is, unlike the data stored in RAM, the data does not fly away when you turn off the system. HDDs, as you know, have a metal plate with a magnetic coating that stores your data. The read/write head, on the other hand, is used to access data when the plates are rotating. So we are talking about a purely mechanical system.
Internal structure of HDD and SSD
An SSD performs the same basic function as a hard drive, but all information is stored on interconnected flash memory chips that protect data even when there is no power flow. These flash chips (often called “NAND”) are a different type from the type used in USB flash drives and are usually faster and more reliable. As a result, SSDs are more expensive than USB flash drives of the same capacity.
SSDs are usually much smaller than HDDs, and therefore provide a lot of flexibility when building a system. We are able to use them on traditional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drive bays (SATA). On the other hand, “M.it is possible to install drivers known as “2” into a PCI Express expansion slot on the motherboard. Thanks to this, the cable clutter is also reduced.
Advantages of SSDs
Now let’s quickly talk about the advantages offered by SSDs.
Durability
As we mentioned above, traditional hard drives contain moving parts. Hard disk failures are usually caused by them and lead to the formation of heat, which is another important factor. Since SSDs do not have moving parts, they are more reliable and more resistant to impact than conventional hard drives. Most hard drives put their read/write heads on hold when the system is turned off, but when they are running, they move over the drive plate by a few nanometers.
As a result, we can safely say that solid-state drives are more resistant to falls, accidents, wear and tear because they do not have small, vulnerable parts. If you drop your laptop and the SSD is installed, your screen will probably break before the SSD. If you are not careful about handling in general terms, you should definitely choose an SSD.
Much Faster
This is exactly where SSDs shine. An SSD-equipped computer turns on in much less than a minute, usually in just seconds. With HDDs, these times are many times higher. On the other hand, your hard drive will still be slower than the SSD in every scenario where you use the system.
A PC or Mac with an SSD opens faster, launches applications faster, runs them, and can transfer files faster. Whether you are using your computer for entertainment, school or work, you will feel the difference of SSD in any situation.
M.2 SSDs
Magnetic disks have one significant drawback. Due to the rotating recording surfaces, hard drives work better with larger files arranged in adjacent blocks. The driver can start and end his head reading with a single continuous movement. When hard drives begin to fill up, large chunks of files are scattered around the disk plate, and the data begins to fall apart. Although read/write algorithms minimize this negative effect, by their nature, reading files on hard drives proceeds with a slower process. On SSDs, data can be stored anywhere on the drive and is easier to access. Naturally, solid-state drives work much faster.
Portability
SSDs are lighter and smaller than hard drives, so they are much easier to carry. In addition, with its sturdy structure, it is more resistant to fall and impact, so you can easily carry it with you.
Since hard drives are based on rotating plates, there is a certain limit at which the product can shrink. Many years ago there were attempts to develop smaller 1.8-inch hard drives, but these drives stuck at 320 GB. Smartphone manufacturers, on the other hand, use only flash memory for their primary storage.
A WD HDD with a capacity of 12 TB
SSDs have no such limitations, so they can continue to get smaller as time goes on. SATA SSDs are available in 2.5-inch sizes. On the other hand, M.products that use the 2 connection (there are NVMe and SATA variants) continue to replace SATA-connected SSDs. As you know, these drives come in lengths such as 42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm and 120 mm.
Productivity
Solid-state drives powered by NAND flash chips have no working moving parts and, as a result, need less power. And this means quiet operation and better battery life.
None of the energy consumed by the SSD is wasted as friction or noise, which makes them more efficient. In other words, desktops or servers contribute positively to the electricity bill no matter what. You can work longer if it is on a laptop or tablet.
Easy Installation
We are able to mount SSDs with ease with a screwdriver. Also M.installing products that come in 2 form factors is a little more effortless.
SSD Form Factors
Solid-state drives are defined by three form factors. These include: the size of the drive, the type of connection interface, and the physical space that the drive will occupy on the computer.
2.5 inch SATA SSD
The standard form factor for an SSD is 2.5 inches, which fits into the drive bay of most laptops or desktops. Since many users have replaced their hard drives with solid-state drives, the 2.5-inch drive has become the standard for all HDDs and SSDs. It was designed to make the transition to a higher-performance drive as easy as possible, minimizing the need to change the connection interface cables.
mSATA SSD
mSATA SSDs are small in size, which is low compared to SATA. The mSATA is one-eighth the size of a 2.5-inch drive and can be plugged into the mSATA socket on the motherboard. mSATA drives are used as secondary drives in ultra-thin and mini-devices or desktop computers.
Size comparison of SSD types
M.2 SSDs
It is the smallest form factor for SSDs. M.it is also possible to use it in PCIe slots thanks to some adapters when connecting to the motherboard via the 2 interface. M.2 You can see SSDs in all areas, but they are perfect for small tablets and laptops.
Summary
As a result, SSDs have numerous advantages. Solid-state drives provide faster loading times for games, applications, and movies. However, when used for business purposes, it can shorten working hours a lot and make your work easier.
In fact, there is only one minus side: prices. Although SSD prices continue to get cheaper every day, they are still behind HDDs in terms of price/capacity ratio. But let’s end our words by saying that at least one SSD should be present on every computer at the moment, regardless of what happens.