Last updated on September 3rd, 2022
In the current world, a large part of files, applications, and data are operated and stored by machines and servers. Thus, you can infer that data storage has a very high role to play in the aspect of storage technology. A non-tech-savvy person will comprehend the concept of data storage just as the way of storing data on a computer or server. However, developers and other tech-savvy people strive to acquire the depth knowledge of various storage options available in the industry. Attaining this understanding becomes more crucial when it comes to deciding which web hosting option to pick. You can only make a wise decision when you are well aware of data storage and dedicated options available for storage.
Basically, there are two major options for data storage. The first is SSD, and the second is HDD. Here, you will get insights into both of these data storage and also will get to know the differences that will let you make the easier and right choice between them according to your requirements. Let us get started.
WANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SSD AND HDD?
The SSD is an acronym for Solid-State Drive. It is the dedicated server data storage having no moving parts because SSD renders the most basic storage. However, it enables you to read and write data with much greater efficiency. All the information under SSD (solid-state drive) gets stored in microchips. These microchips are quite similar to a memory stick or flash drive.
On the other hand, the HDD, the acronym for Hard Disk Drive, is the data storage moving mechanical parts. It needs power and also possesses mechanical limitations. The HDDs are built from a metal disk with a magnetic coating. This magnetic coating stores your data and information. Moreover, there is a reading arm that hovers over the disk and enables storing & extracting the data as and when the data is needed.
The subsequent sections incorporate the differences between the Hard Disk Drive and Solid-State Drive data storage based on various different factors. Let us go through them.
SSD VS HDD – SPEED AND PERFORMANCE
The SSD data storage happens to function and perform more effectively relatively to HDD data storage. The current age is seen as the fastest processing age where everything operates in a split second. Thus, barely anyone bears the wait for the data to load and process.
- The Solid-State drive makes use of flash memory and a few moving parts. The speed served by the SSD is higher. However, the speed of your device may differ depending on the system.
- The Hard Disk Drive makes use of rotational disks with heads that help to write or read the data. And, this makes the performance slow in the process. Moreover, if your site is required to store a large amount of data, then with HDD data storage, the speed and the loading time of your site can get affected.
The higher speed tends to save your efforts and time when you are operating on your system. Further, it intensifies the overall performance of your site. Thus, here SSD data storage wins in providing high performance and speed of your site and data processing.
SOLID-STATE DRIVE VS HARD DISK DRIVE – POWER CONSUMPTION
It is essential to consider the factor of power consumption while picking any dedicated server hosting plan with SSD or HDD.
- The Solid-State Drive needs less power to function, unlike the traditional hard drive. It may require less than 1 watt of power even when you are processing with a heavy load.
- On the other side, the Hard Disk Drive makes use of a spinning disk. The spinning disk can consume upto 5 to 10 watts of power. Furthermore, it tends to consume more power quickly with the raid array. The HDD can easily increase the heat inside the server. As a result, the heat can cause the fan to run faster, which further leads to more power consumption.
Therefore, it becomes clear that the SSD consumes lesser power if you compare it with the HDD data storage. So, if your site needs to run a heavy load, the SSD is the ideal choice for you.
HDD VS SSD- DATA SECURITY AND RELIABILITY
Since there is always a constant risk of data breaches and cybercrimes, data security must be your priority.
- As we have mentioned before, the HDD consists of moving parts. Thus, they offer a risk of failure that can easily affect your data. Further, the drive traffic can result in the total loss of data or data corruption. Your hosting provider will definitely execute high levels of security against these risks. However, the sites with a high volume of traffic will always be under a security threat. Also, the same risk is there for dynamic websites as well.
- On the contrary, the Solid-State Drive does not consist of moving mechanical parts. This fact automatically reduces the risk of failure comparatively. Also, the life expectancy of the SSD is far better than HDD data storage.
- If you consider the reliability factor, you have to know that since the SSD operates on fewer parts as compared to the HDD, the SDD data storage will not easily tear. Moreover, you can discover that SSDs do not need frequent repairs. They become more reliable with the time you work on them. Nevertheless, you cannot deny that the HDD serves as the better option for managing and storing a larger amount of storage. With the HDDs, you can store up to two terabytes on laptops and ten terabytes on desktops.
Thus, we can state that you can have data reliability with both the SSD and HDD data storage, but SSD will be rendering you the better data security option.
SSD VS HDD – VERSATILITY
You can acquire more versatility with the SSD data storage as compared to HDD storage.
- With SSD, you can have different memory cells, designs, chips, and sizes. In addition, it is powered with higher IOPS and HDD dedicated spindle drives with 7200 RPM. You will also get high memory chips. However, Solid-State Drive does not provide any additional data storage.
- On the other side, the HDD operates on DDR3 RAM chips and provides you with the benefit of extending the data storage whenever you want.
Thus, you can opt for SSD data storage to get high-performance servers offering high versatility. But, you should consider HDD servers if you want to store large data and may require to extend the data storage in the future.
HDD VS SSD – COST
Solid-State Drive data storage is more expensive than Hard Disk Drive data storage. Further, the SSDs that feature NAND and SLC become more costly. In comparison, the HDDs provide more affordability that also reduces the cost of your web hosting plans and packages to a considerable level.
SSD AND HDD – COMPATIBILITY
You must know that not all systems can operate with SSDs. Most of the current systems are compatible with both HDD and SSD. However, older devices or devices with limited functionality are only compatible with HDDs. Thus, switching to SSD with them will become very difficult.Â
Also Read: 5 Reasons to Switch to Dedicated Server
You can infer that both can offer similar compatibility depending on your system or server.
Conclusion
When you are done building your website, you will look out for the web hosting provider to host your website on a server. There are many factors that you must consider before you pick any web hosting package. One of the crucial factors is data storage. Now that you have clearly understood what data storage can mean to your websites and the differences between the two main data storage, you must select the web hosting package that renders you the type and amount of data storage most required by your website.
As discussed, Hard Disk Drive serves an ideal purpose for storing a large amount of data. At the same time, Solid-State Drive data storage offers high versatility in storage and has also gained great recognition over the years. Further, you know the rest differences between them. Also, this fact cannot be denied that SSD scores higher any day in terms of popularity. However, you may choose whichever fits the best for your web business.
Also Read: Why do you need a Dedicated Server for your E-commerce Website?
