HDD or SDD? – that’s the question that plagues many who are trying to upgrade their computers. While both are hard drives, they offer different benefits that are important to understand before you choose the one that will work best for you and your computer.
HDDs have a magnetic coating that captures your data and stores it, even when the system is powered off. SSDs are similar, but use flash memory chips rather than a magnetic coating to hold the information. Both types of hard drive also boot the system. However, the major differences lie in the fact that the HDD uses moving platters, while the SSD does not, and the overall speed.
If you choose a 1TB internal SSD, you will have faster boot times compared with the HDD. Your computer will also open applications quicker, and will have better overall performance than what is available with an HDD. Part of this speed is due to the fact that HDDs store memory in contiguous blocks. While this works fine when the drive is relatively empty, as it fills, larger files could become scattered over the recording surface. An SSD doesn’t have the same issue since it relies on the memory chips rather than a read head.
Another difference between choosing a 1TB internal SSD and a 1TB internal HDD is the durability. HDDs use an arm to read the information on the drive. While this is “parked” when not in use, it moves over the platters at very high speeds when in use. If you drop your laptop or are generally rough with your equipment, it can damage the arm. As the SSD doesn’t use an arm, it can stand up to a bit more abuse than an HDD.
From additional speed to durability, a 1TB internal SSD is a great choice for those who are on the move and don’t have time to wait for tiny things like their computer booting.