Solid state drives, also known as SSDs, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). With no moving parts and faster read/write speeds, SSDs seem like an obvious upgrade choice for many. But are they really worth the extra cost compared to HDDs? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
The Benefits of SSDs
There are several key benefits that make SSDs stand out from old-school HDDs:
- Faster boot and load times: SSDs can boot up computers and load programs and files much quicker than HDDs. This is because SSDs can access data almost instantly, while HDDs need to spin up and find the data on the physical platters.
- Faster file transfers: The same near-instant data access makes copying or moving files around much quicker on SSDs.
- Better reliability and durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are less susceptible to damage or component failure over time and from drops, bumps, etc. They are better suited for laptops that get moved around a lot.
- Lower power consumption: HDDs need to spin constantly, using more power. SSDs only draw power when data is being accessed.
- Compact size: 2.5-inch SSDs are smaller than 3.5-inch HDDs, making them well-suited for laptops and ultrabooks. M.2 SSDs are even smaller.
- Silent operation: No Spinning platters means no noise coming from the drive.
For tasks like booting the operating system, launching programs, saving files, loading games, and more, SSDs can make a big difference in performance compared to HDDs. The extra speed can directly translate into better workflow and productivity.
The Downsides of SSDs
While SSDs have some clear advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Higher cost per gigabyte: SSDs have a higher price per GB compared to hard drives. The price gap has narrowed over the years but HDDs still offer more storage capacity for the money.
- Maximum storage limitations: Consumer SSDs typically max out at 4TB. HDDs can offer higher capacities, with 10TB+ models available.
- Potentially shorter lifespan: While today’s SSDs are more durable than early models, they can still wear out over time after heavy long term usage. HDDs have much longer max usage lifespans.
- Slower sequential speeds: HDDs can have faster sequential read/write times when accessing large blocks of contiguous data.
For general computing and gaming tasks, SSD speeds are more impactful than sequential speeds. But for certain professional workloads like media editing, HDDs may be a better fit.
SSD vs HDD Performance
Let’s break down the performance differences in more detail:
Boot Up Time
SSDs can boot up computers in just seconds, thanks to nearly instantaneous data access. Even a budget SATA SSD can boot in 10-13 seconds, while high end NVMe SSDs can boot in under 5 seconds. HDD boot up time generally range from 30 seconds to a minute or more as they have to get the disks spinning and head arms moving.
Game/App Load Times
When launching games and apps, SSDs again have a massive advantage. Accessing small random files needed to initialize a program is far faster than on traditional HDDs. Even large open world games can see double digit percentage decreases in load time. Upgrading to an SSD provides one of the biggest perceived performance gains in day to day use.
File Transfers
Copying gigabytes worth of mixed file types between drives or networks is faster with SSDs. Smaller files benefit the most compared to large single files. The speed up is most noticeable when copying from one SSD to another over a fast interface like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3.
File Open Times
Whether it’s opening a large work file like a video project or opening an office document, SSDs fetch the data instantly. This adds up time saved when opening many files in a work session. Photoshop projects with tons of individual layers see a big speed up.
Program Installs
Installing programs requires unpacking thousands of small files and writing them all over the storage drive. Here, HDDs have no chance of keeping up with SSD speeds. Large games can install 2-10x faster on SATA SSDs.
Sequential Read/Write
This test involves reading or writing very large single files, usually in gigabytes. HDDs are closer in performance to SSDs for this workload thanks to their higher sequential bandwidth once the disks get up to full speed. But for more typical mixed random access, SSDs maintain a commanding lead.
SSD vs HDD: Capacity and Price
SSDs are currently more expensive than HDDs in terms of cost per gigabyte. Here’s a comparison between model capacities and prices:
| SSD Capacity | Price Range | HDD Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250GB | $40 – $70 | 1TB | $35 – $60 |
| 500GB | $60 – $100 | 2TB | $50 – $75 |
| 1TB | $80 – $150 | 4TB | $90 – $130 |
| 2TB | $170 – $250 | 6TB | $130 – $180 |
| 4TB | $300 – $700 | 8TB | $150 – $250 |
As you can see, HDDs offer more storage capacity for the money throughout the typical consumer range of 1TB to 4TB. At the low end, 250GB and 500GB SSDs are reasonably priced for most budgets.
Very large 8TB+ HDDs do carry a price premium, so the cost difference is lower there when comparing to 2-4TB SSDs. Currently the maximum consumer SSD capacity is around 4TB for SATA drives and 8TB for the fastest NVMe models.
SSD Types and Interfaces
SSDs can be categorized into form factors, interfaces, and protocols. Here are some of the most common types of SSDs:
2.5″ SATA SSD
The standard 2.5″ SSD size, usually plugging into SATA ports just like 2.5″ hard drives. Peak sequential read/write speed of around 550MB/s.
M.2 SATA SSD
Compact M.2 form factor but still using the SATA interface. Similar performance to 2.5″ SATA SSD but in a smaller physical package.
NVMe M.2 SSD
M.2 drive that utilizes the PCIe bus and NVMe protocol for blazing fast speeds. Peak bandwidth over 3500MB/s. Comes in multiple lengths.
PCIe Add-in Card
Full size PCIe add-in card that fits SSD chips directly on the PCB. Very fast but bulky. Enterprise focused.
U.2 SSD
Enterprise SSD form factor that provides hot swap capability. Similar performance as consumer NVMe drives.
For most DIY PC builders, the 2.5″ or M.2 form factors offer the best blend of performance, physical size, and cost. NVMe drives are significantly faster than SATA, but at a higher price.
Ideal SSD Sizes
With 1TB 2.5″ SSDs becoming very affordable, around 500GB to 1TB is the ideal capacity for a boot drive with some core programs and files. A 1-4TB HDD can complement it for mass storage.
Here are recommended SSD sizes for different users:
- 250GB SSD for light computing and web browsing
- 500GB SSD for office work and moderate gaming
- 1TB SSD for power users, creative work, and gamers
- 2TB+ SSD for advanced media production workloads
For gaming PCs, a 1TB or 500GB NVMe SSD paired with a 2TB+ HDD is a balanced combination. Laptop users should opt for a 250GB at minimum unless exclusively working in the cloud.
SSD vs HDD Lifespan
Lifespan and reliability are other factors to consider. SSDs have made big improvements from early models. Let’s compare expected usable lifespans:
- Basic SATA SSDs: Up to 5 years
- High-end consumer NVMe SSDs: 5-10 years
- NAS/Enterprise SSDs: 10-20 years
- Enterprise HDDs: Around 5 years
- NAS HDDs: 10-20 years
For years, HDDs had the advantage in maximum usage lifespan. But some modern SSDs are rated for 1PB (~1000TB) or more of writes over the lifetime. The vast majority of consumers will never write that much data. Overall, both HDDs and SSDs are reliable for the average user.
When to Choose an HDD Over SSD
While SSDs are dropping in price, HDDs still have merits in some use cases:
- Cold storage of large media archives
- Network attached storage appliances
- Recording security camera footage 24/7
- Storing backups and media collections
- Cheap storage for older low performance PCs
For sequential streaming workloads like video editing, HDDs can still outperform many budget SATA SSDs while offering more storage for the price. Their higher capacities and mature reliability are also ideal for bulk NAS storage. Overall, HDDs are still useful within the right context.
SSD Optimization Tips
To get the most out of your SSD, be sure to follow these optimization tips:
- Enable AHCI mode in BIOS for SATA SSDs
- Keep at least 10-25% free space for best performance
- Use SSD firmware updates from manufacturer
- Install newest motherboard chipset drivers
- Disable hibernation and pagefile if possible
- Use Windows optimizer like Samsung Magician
Many SSDs include special software like Samsung’s Magician software to secure erase, update, benchmark, optimize, and manage the SSD. Third party tools can also help optimize Windows 10 itself.
The Verdict
SSDs provide huge real-world performance benefits over HDDs in common workloads like booting, loading apps, transferring files, and multitasking. Their nearly instant access speeds make a big difference perceptible in daily use.
While HDDs are still cheaper per gigabyte and offer higher maximum capacities, most consumers are better served by SSDs between 250GB to 2TB. An HDD can supplement for additional storage.
For performance PCs, power users, and gamers, an SSD is mandatory as the primary boot drive for the best experience. HDDs are still useful as external media drives or to complement the SSD in certain builds.
SSD prices continue to come down while maximum capacities increase. For a responsive system and workflows, SSDs deliver enough compelling advantages to justify the upgrade over HDDs in most cases.
Conclusion
SSDs have firmly established themselves as the premiere option for primary storage in both desktops and laptops. Their dramatically faster speeds compared to HDDs make a huge difference in perceived performance and snappiness of a system.
While HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte and offer higher maximum capacities, most consumers are better off with a 500GB to 2TB SATA or NVMe SSD as the boot drive. An additional HDD can provide supplemental bulk storage if needed.
For performance oriented computing and gaming, SSDs are mandatory for the operating system drive. The near instant access speeds accelerate everything from booting to launching games and apps. HDDs are still useful as external media storage or to complement the SSD in certain builds.
The higher price of SSDs is justified for most users based on the performance benefits seen in real world use. As technology continues maturing, SSDs will inch closer to HDD capacities while prices drop. But even current mid-range SSDs have enough space for most users paired with an HDD.
The verdict is clear – SSDs provide real benefits for typical workloads and are worth the price premium for better speed and responsiveness. HDDs still serve a purpose in high capacity mass storage scenarios.