SSD vs HDD: Which is Right for You?

Comparing solid-state drives and hard disk drives. Speed, reliability, and price explained.

What is an HDD?

Traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) use spinning magnetic platters to store data. They've been the standard for decades and offer large storage capacities at low prices. However, they have moving parts that can fail and are slower than solid-state drives.

What is an SSD?

Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory to store data, with no moving parts. They're significantly faster than HDDs, more durable, and quieter. The main drawback is that they cost more per gigabyte.

Speed Comparison

• SSD: 500-550 MB/s read/write (SATA), up to 7000 MB/s (NVMe)
• HDD: 80-160 MB/s read/write
• Boot time: SSDs boot in 10-15 seconds vs 30-60 seconds for HDDs
• Application load: SSDs load apps almost instantly

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose SSD if: You want faster performance, quicker boot times, and better durability
• Choose HDD if: You need lots of storage space on a budget and speed isn't critical
• Best of both: Use an SSD for your operating system and programs, HDD for bulk storage

Expert Help Available

JTG Systems provides expert computer services across St. Catharines and the Niagara Region. We can help you choose the right storage solution and install it professionally.

Call (905) 892-4555 for professional assistance.