Upgrading from a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) to a solid state drive (SSD) is one of the best ways to dramatically improve your computer’s performance. SSDs are much faster, more reliable, and more power efficient than HDDs. But SSDs are also more expensive per gigabyte and have lower maximum capacities. So is it worth paying the premium to upgrade?
What is the difference between an HDD and SSD?
HDDs and SSDs are two different types of data storage devices.
Hard disk drives (HDDs) use spinning magnetic disks to store data. Data is read or written by a mechanical arm that moves over the disk to access the correct location. This makes them slower, more prone to failure due to moving parts, larger in physical size, and more power hungry. But HDDs are inexpensive per gigabyte compared to SSDs.
Solid state drives (SSDs) use flash memory chips to store data digitally, with no moving parts. This allows for much faster data access speeds, better durability and shock resistance, a smaller size, and lower power consumption. But SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.
| Comparison | Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | Solid State Drive (SSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower access times (5-10ms latency) | Faster access times (0.1-0.2ms latency) |
| Reliability | More failures due to moving parts | No moving parts, more resistant to shock/vibration |
| Noise | Audible spinning and mechanical sounds | Silent operation |
| Power consumption | More power hungry | Lower power use |
| Capacity | Higher maximum capacities | Lower maximum capacities |
| Cost per gigabyte | Around $0.03 per gigabyte | Around $0.20 per gigabyte |
Benefits of switching to an SSD
Upgrading to an SSD provides several noticeable benefits:
Faster boot and load times: SSDs can boot up computers and launch applications much quicker than HDDs. Boot time can be reduced from minutes to seconds.
Faster file transfers: Copying or moving files and folders is significantly faster with SSDs.
Improved responsiveness: Programs and files load instantly on SSDs, eliminating lag.
Increased durability: SSDs are less prone to damage or failure from bumps and drops.
Lower power consumption: SSDs use less energy, reducing electricity costs and battery drain on laptops.
Quieter operation: SSDs emit no noise from spinning disks or mechanical parts.
Smaller storage footprint: SSDs take up less physical space with their compact design.
For typical consumer workloads like booting the operating system, launching programs, opening files, downloading/uploading, SSDs can provide performance improvements of 50-500% or more compared to HDDs. The gains are very noticeable in everyday use.
When should you upgrade to an SSD?
Here are some good times when upgrading to an SSD makes sense:
You need to replace an old or failing HDD: Instead of swapping in a new HDD, install an SSD for a fresh start.
Your computer feels slow overall: An SSD will speed up boot times, application launches, file transfers, and general responsiveness.
You regularly deal with large files: File transfers, loading video/image editing projects, and other large file workflows will become much faster.
You are building a new PC: Start with an SSD rather than HDD for optimal performance. Add a secondary HDD later if more storage is needed.
You own a laptop: The reduced power draw, heat output, and noise of SSDs are especially beneficial for mobility and battery life.
You can afford the higher cost: With your budget, you are able to pay more for the performance and reliability perks.
Upgrading to an SSD provides the most noticeable boost when transitioning from an older HDD. Computers that are a few years old are good candidates for an SSD replacement. Newer systems may already come equipped with an SSD though.
Reasons you may want to stick with an HDD
SSDs have clear benefits, but HDDs may still make sense in certain scenarios:
You need lots of storage on a budget: HDDs provide far more gigabytes per dollar spent. A 4 TB HDD costs around $80 while a 4 TB SSD costs over $400.
You don’t regularly use storage-heavy applications: If you mainly just browse the web, use office software, or stream media, an HDD won’t hold you back.
Your computer already feels fast enough: If you are satisfied with the speed and responsiveness, an SSD may be unnecessary.
You can’t afford to upgrade currently: HDDs are the more budget-friendly storage option if funds are limited.
For secondary storage and infrequently accessed files, HDDs are often still a smart choice. The ideal setup is typically combining an SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs, along with an HDD for extra capacity.
Factors to consider when choosing an SSD
If you decide to upgrade to an SSD, there are several factors to consider while selecting a model:
Storage capacity: SSD capacities range from 120GB to 8TB+. Choose enough capacity to hold your OS, apps, and files.
Physical size: Confirm the SSD will fit your computer if upgrading an internal drive. External enclosures provide more flexibility.
Interface: SATA III is standard. NVMe offers max speeds but requires compatible motherboard slots.
NAND type: Higher quality TLC or MLC NAND offers better endurance than lower cost QLC NAND.
Manufacturer reputation: Stick with recognizable brands like Samsung, Crucial, Western Digital, SanDisk, etc.
Warranty length: 5-year warranties are ideal to cover the lifespan of most SSDs.
Price per gigabyte: A good rule of thumb is around $0.15-$0.25 per GB for higher-end models.
Avoid the cheapest options as they often have slower speeds or use lower quality NAND chips. Paying slightly more provides better performance and reliability.
Performance differences between SATA and NVMe SSDs
Consumer SSDs typically come in two interface types: SATA or NVMe (PCIe).
SATA SSDs connect via the same SATA ports used for HDDs. They max out around 500-550 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. Any 2.5″ SATA SSD will work in computers that have SATA ports, making them very compatible.
NVMe SSDs connect directly to PCIe lanes and offer over double the bandwidth of SATA. High-end NVMe drives boast sequential reads up to 7,000 MB/s and benefit certain workloads. But they require NVMe-compatible motherboard slots and operate slower over a SATA adapter.
For most everyday tasks, SATA SSDs provide plenty of speed. NVMe drives shine for very large file transfers or jobs that constantly read/write like video editing, but average users won’t notice the difference in normal use. Stick to SATA SSDs unless you know your specific workload will benefit from NVMe.
Here is a comparison of typical speeds:
| SSD Type | Sequential Read | Sequential Write |
|---|---|---|
| SATA SSD | 500-550 MB/s | 400-500 MB/s |
| NVMe SSD | 3,000-7,000 MB/s | 2,000-5,000 MB/s |
Internal vs external SSD upgrades
When upgrading to an SSD, you have the choice between internal and external drives:
Internal SSDs replace your computer’s existing HDD inside the case. They connect via SATA or NVMe ports on the motherboard. Installation is quick but requires opening up the computer.
External SSDs connect over USB and do not require installation inside the PC case. Setup is as simple as plugging in the drive, but USB is slower than SATA/NVMe interfaces. Portable external SSDs are popular for additional storage or backups.
Most older computers have internal 2.5″ or M.2 slots readily available to replace an existing hard drive with an SSD. For newer computers, you may need to clone the HDD contents over to the new SSD.
External SSDs can extend storage or serve as portable solid state drives. But for best performance as the operating system drive, choose an internal SSD connected directly via SATA or NVMe rather than external USB.
Steps for upgrading to an internal SSD
Here is an overview of the process for replacing an internal HDD with a new SSD:
1. Select an appropriate SSD based on your budget, storage needs and computer’s compatibility.
2. Use cloning software to make an exact copy of your HDD onto the SSD before installation. This migrates the OS, programs and files.
3. Physically install the SSD in the computer by connecting it to a SATA or NVMe port, securing it in place. Remove the existing HDD if no longer needed.
4. Boot from the SSD. In the BIOS, select the SSD as the first boot device instead of the old HDD.
5. Partition and format the SSD using Disk Management in Windows or Disk Utility on Mac. This preps it for use as the system drive.
6. Confirm the OS and files migrated correctly. Reinstall any programs that didn’t transfer properly.
7. Enjoy your speedier computer! The OS and daily apps will now load much quicker.
With the right steps, replacing an old HDD with a new SSD is a straightforward process that breathes new life into a sluggish computer. Just don’t forget to clone your data first!
Tips for cloning your HDD to the new SSD
To avoid having to reinstall your operating system, applications and files from scratch, you’ll want to clone your HDD contents over to the new SSD before removing the HDD. Here are some tips:
– Use disk cloning software like Acronis, Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla. Many SSDs include free cloning software.
– Backup important personal files separately before cloning, just in case.
– Delete unnecessary files and programs first or clone partition-by-partition to save time and disk space.
– Opt for sector-by-sector cloning over file selective cloning, for best results.
– Disconnect other external drives during cloning to avoid accidentally copying their contents.
– Once cloned, check that the OS and apps work properly on the SSD before removing the old HDD.
– Expect the process to take 1-5 hours depending on the used disk space and write speeds.
With careful preparation, disk cloning will migrate your system and files to the new SSD smoothly. Just research your cloning software options beforehand.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a solid state drive remains one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to make an older computer feel much snappier for everyday use. Boot times, application launches, file transfers, and overall responsiveness are significantly improved.
SSDs provide big speed boosts thanks to their fast flash memory technology and lack of moving parts. They’ve also come down enough in price over the years to be affordably for mainstream consumers.
The ideal scenario is pairing a speedy new SSD as the primary system drive for your OS and apps, along with a higher capacity traditional hard disk drive for additional storage. With some strategic planning and proper setup, converting over to an SSD can breathe new life into an aging computer.