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A hard disk drive (HDD), commonly called a hard drive, is a nonvolatile storage device that records and retrieves data magnetically on one or more rigid platters that spin inside the drive. Because it is nonvolatile, it keeps its data when power is turned off.
How does a hard disk drive work?
An HDD combines spinning disks with moving read/write parts. Its platters are mounted on a spindle motor inside a sealed enclosure. An actuator moves the read/write heads over the platter surfaces to reach the data.
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- To write data: the head changes magnetic patterns on a platter.
- To read data: the head senses those magnetic patterns and translates them into digital information.
The drive’s physical mechanism is why an HDD is an electromechanical storage device. IBM’s overview describes its main components as the disks, spindle motor, read/write heads, and actuator: IBM: What is a hard drive?
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The key difference is how each technology stores data. An HDD records information magnetically on rotating platters. A solid-state drive (SSD) stores information electronically in semiconductor memory and has no spinning platters or moving read/write head.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Feature | HDD | SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage method | Magnetic recording on rotating platters | Electronic storage in semiconductor memory |
| Moving parts | Spinning platters and moving read/write heads | No spinning platters or moving read/write head |
Neither technology is automatically the right choice for everyone. Consider the capacity, performance, physical form factor, and workload of the specific drive and device you are choosing. Product-level prices and performance vary, so compare current specifications for the products under consideration.
What forms do HDDs come in?
HDDs are available as internal drives fitted inside a computer, and as external or portable drives connected to a device. Before choosing one, check your device’s supported connection and the required physical form factor as well as how you plan to use the storage. IBM’s overview covers internal and external drive categories: IBM: What is a hard drive?
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What does “hard disk drive” mean?
HDD stands for hard disk drive; “hard drive” is its common shortened name. It is a nonvolatile device: the data it stores remains there without power. The word “hard” distinguishes the rigid disks inside the drive from older storage media that used flexible disks.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
