Have you ever gone hard-drive shopping and seen something like “16GB RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD Storage” and had no idea what it means? We know that reading device specifications can be tricky, but it’s important to be knowledgeable on these things especially in this day and age.
The focus of this blog post is the part of the description that says “SSD”. SSD stands for Solid-State Drive, which is a new-generation storage device used in computers. Contrary to the traditional HDD (Hard-Disk Drive), an SSD can withstand harsher conditions like being dropped or extreme temperatures.
They are also faster than conventional hard disk drives (HDDs), more compact, and have no moving parts! This makes them good for gaming, video editing, and running other heavy applications. Sounds good, right?
Well, there are some downsides to it as well. For one, they’re much more expensive than an HDD, though buying one would be a good investment. SSDs have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, which we listed below:
Advantages
- Durability
SSDs don’t have any moving parts; therefore, it can keep your data safe if you accidentally drop it or leave it in extreme temperatures. It is also lighter in weight than an HDD.
- Better computing performance
Booting is the process of starting up a computer. SSDs allow faster boosting of computers, thereby improving the computer’s performance.
- Generates less heat
Unlike HDDs, SSDs generate less heat, which means that you can use your laptop more comfortably on your lap without having to worry about burns.
Disadvantages
- Price
As discussed before, the pricing of SSDs continues to be its biggest con. A 120GB SSD can cost anywhere from R500 and upwards, while a 120GB HDD would cost around R300.
- Storage size
Because SSDs are generally expensive, they are mostly sold in smaller storage sizes as this is more affordable. An SSD’s storage capacity is usually under 160GB.
- High power consumption
SSDs consume more power than an HDD especially when the computer boots.
Despite its disadvantages, SSDs trump HDDs in performance and speed. It’s a great replacement to make, especially with its recent advancements in the tech space.
Contact us today to purchase your SSD!
Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.
Telephone: 011 784 9167
E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za
