When configuring a computer, one of the most important decisions is what type of storage to use. The two main options are solid state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Many people wonder if they actually need both an SSD and an HDD. The quick answer is that it depends on your storage needs and budget. Here’s a more detailed look at whether you need both drives or if you can get by with just one.
SSD Overview
SSDs use flash memory to store data, similar to a USB drive or smartphone storage. The key advantages of SSDs are:
- Much faster read/write speeds compared to HDDs
- Silent operation
- Lower latency for faster access to data
- More resistant to physical shocks/vibrations
- Use less power, increasing laptop battery life
The downsides are that SSDs:
- Have higher cost per gigabyte than HDDs
- Typically have lower capacities than HDDs
- Can wear out after extensive rewriting of data
HDD Overview
HDDs use spinning platters with magnetic coating to store data. Key attributes are:
- Much lower cost per gigabyte compared to SSDs
- Capacities up to 10TB for desktop and 2TB for laptop drives
- Proven technology with a long lifespan
- Slower read/write speeds than SSDs
- Produce noise and vibration from spinning disks
- Use more power, reducing laptop battery runtime
Do You Need Both SSD and HDD?
Whether you need both an SSD and HDD depends on four main factors:
- Operating system drive: You should install your operating system and primary applications on an SSD. This provides a significant speed boost over an HDD for boot times, launching apps, and overall system responsiveness. An SSD for the OS is highly recommended.
- Program storage: If you do media editing, run data-intensive programs, or work with large files, storing these programs on an SSD can accelerate workflows. The speed boost may be worthwhile for your usage.
- Frequency of access: Files you access daily or weekly should be on an SSD to benefit from faster access. Media, documents, or data archives that are infrequently accessed can be stored on an HDD.
- Budget: SSD costs are dropping but are still higher per gigabyte than HDDs. Decide if the extra cost of an all SSD storage configuration fits your budget or if you need higher capacities of an HDD.
Recommended Configurations
Based on the above factors, here are some typical recommendations for SSD and HDD configurations:
Desktop PC
- 512GB-1TB SSD for OS, programs, and primary data
- 2-4TB HDD for secondary data and archives
Gaming PC
- 512GB-1TB NVMe SSD for OS and games
- 2-4TB HDD for media archives
Laptop
- 256-512GB SSD for OS, programs, and files
- No HDD needed unless large storage required
Media Editing Workstation
- 1-2TB NVMe SSD for OS, programs, project files
- 4-10TB HDD for media storage
These configurations optimize speed for the OS and frequent tasks while providing larger HDD capacities for data that doesn’t need quick access.
When Only an SSD Is Needed
In many laptops and pre-built PCs, a single SSD may be sufficient storage. Here are some cases when you may only need an SSD:
- Basic home or office PC for web browsing, productivity apps, streaming media – 250-500GB SSD
- Ultrathin laptops where an HDD won’t fit – 512GB SSD
- Gaming laptops that need fast loading – 512GB-1TB SSD
- Desktop PC with external USB HDD for extra storage
If your programs and files fit within the SSD capacity and you have an external drive for backups, you may not need a secondary HDD.
When an HDD Is Sufficient
There are still some cases where a HDD alone may be sufficient:
- Desktop PC for basic office work with no demanding programs – 500GB-1TB HDD
- Media server or PC with storage-heavy use case – Large HDDs up to 10TB
- Gaming PC on a budget – 1-2TB HDD and external SSD
If your computer needs emphasize large storage over speed, a HDD alone could work. But the system may feel slower overall without an SSD.
SSD and HDD Usage Tips
If your computer has both an SSD and HDD, be sure to follow these tips:
- Install Windows, Linux, or your OS on the SSD
- Use the SSD for programs like office suites, creative tools, IDEs
- Store games on the SSD for faster loading times
- Keep files you access daily on the SSD
- Use the HDD for media libraries, archives, and backups
- Don’t run programs or games from the HDD
- Disable HDD indexing if available to reduce unnecessary work
With proper setup, you can maximize your system’s speed and take full advantage of both the SSD performance and HDD capacity.
SSD vs HDD: Quick Pros and Cons
Here is a quick recap of the major pros and cons of SSDs and HHDs:
| SSD | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SSD | Faster speeds More reliable and durable Lower power usage Silent operation |
Higher cost per GB Lower capacities available Can wear out over time |
| HDD | Pros | Cons |
| HDD | Much lower cost per GB Higher capacities available |
Slower read/write speeds Noisier and vibrations Shorter lifespan Higher power draw |
Conclusion
Most PCs and laptops can benefit from having both an SSD and a HDD to balance speed, storage needs, and budget. An SSD should be used for the OS, programs, and frequently accessed files to maximize performance. An HDD provides economical storage for media, documents, and other files that are infrequently accessed.
With both drive types, you can build a high-performing system tuned for both speed and capacity. Carefully consider your computer usage, storage requirements, and budget when deciding between SSD, HDD, or both.