As an IT support company in Edinburgh we understand the importance of fast, reliable data storage solutions.
Until very recently, the standard Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the predominant storage solution for servers, computers and laptops; however, Solid State Drives (SSDs) are now becoming a great alternative due to the fact that they offer several distinct advantages.
1. Faster speeds
Traditional HDDs store data on spinning magnetic disk platters. These platters have an arm which moves across reading and writing data. With SSDs, data is stored on flash memory chips, so there are no moving parts. This lack of moving parts is what makes SDDs much faster at reading and writing data. An SSD has an access speed of nearly 100 times faster than that of a HDD. This means that a PC or laptop with an SSD will boot up much faster, have faster application loading times and also better overall system responsiveness.
2. Greater reliability
Through time, moving parts will inevitably lead to wear and tear. Since SSDs have no moving parts and use flash memory to store data, they are much more reliable devices.
3. Lower power usage
SSDs use much less power than HDDs as they don’t have to power any moving parts. This also means better battery life for laptops.
4. Less noise and heat generated
Spinning platters on HDDs can be noisy and can also generate a fair amount of heat which can cause damage to electronic parts. SSDs do not have either of these issues because they have no moving parts.
5. Unaffected by magnetism
Unlike HDDs, data on SSD devices is not at risk of damage if exposed to strong magnetic fields.
6. More sturdy
With no moving parts SSDs are much hardier at surviving drops, bumps and collisions than HDDs. This is particularly useful for portable devices such as laptops.
7. More sizes available
HDDs are usually only available in 3.5” or 2.5” but with SSDs, different sizes and shapes e.g. 1.0”, 1.8” are becoming much more common. This means an increase in the free space available in desktops and laptops.
It is clear that SSDs offer many advantages over HDD technology. The principal downside is the higher cost. This is what has, in most cases, prevented a full switch over to this technology being used as standard in laptops and desktops. However, this year has seen a sharp increase in demand which is expected to lead to lower prices in the future. In the meantime, a way of keeping prices low has been to use a combination of both types of device. For example, SSDs are being used as primary drives on desktops or laptops to hold operating systems and key applications that benefit most from fast speeds. HDDs are then added to meet any additional storage that is required.
Data Computer Services is a company providing professional IT support for businesses in Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you would like to find out more about SSDs or have any other questions about our IT services please get in touch or call us on 0131 657 1666