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An SSD is a solid-state drive: a storage device that keeps data on non-volatile memory, usually NAND flash in consumer drives. Unlike a hard disk drive (HDD), it has no spinning platters or moving read/write heads. “SSD hard drive” is common informal wording, but SSD and HDD describe different storage technologies.
What does SSD mean?
SSD stands for solid-state drive. The Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) defines an SSD as “a device for storing data on non-volatile memory.” Non-volatile memory retains information when the device is powered off. NAND flash is the most common storage medium in consumer SSDs, according to SNIA’s definition.
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An SSD is persistent storage, like an HDD: it can hold an operating system, applications, and personal files even when the computer is shut down. The precise terms are “SSD” or “solid-state drive”; calling one an “SSD hard drive” blends the names of two distinct technologies.
How does an SSD work?
An SSD stores data electronically in flash memory rather than magnetically on a disk. Its controller coordinates transfers between the computer and the drive’s memory. NAND cells are programmed and erased in pages and blocks. Depending on the product design, an SSD may also include cache memory such as DRAM, but DRAM is not a feature that defines every SSD. Samsung Semiconductor’s SSD overview describes these components and the role of the controller.
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Because an SSD has no motorized disk mechanism, it accesses stored data electronically. That can make it more responsive than an HDD, although the difference depends on the particular drives and the workload.
SSD vs. HDD: what is the difference?
| Feature | SSD | HDD |
|---|---|---|
| How it stores data | Electronically on non-volatile memory, most commonly NAND flash in consumer drives | Magnetically on rotating platters |
| Moving parts | No moving parts | Uses spinning platters and moving read/write heads |
| How it accesses data | Through solid-state memory and a controller | Through mechanical movement of the platters and heads |
| Typical performance tendency | Generally more responsive, with higher I/O performance as a broad tendency | Mechanical access can make it less responsive for some workloads |
Both types provide persistent storage, but performance is not captured by a single universal speed figure. Sequential transfer rate, random input/output (I/O), and latency measure different aspects of a drive, and results vary with the drive and task. SNIA describes SSDs as typically smaller, more reliable, lower-power, and higher in I/O performance than HDDs, but these are broad tendencies rather than guarantees for every product or workload. See SNIA’s SSD entry.
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Are SATA, NVMe, and M.2 types of SSD?
These terms describe different aspects of SSD connectivity and construction. SATA and NVMe relate to how a drive communicates with a computer; M.2 describes a physical form factor. An M.2 drive is not automatically an NVMe drive: M.2 drives can support different protocols, so the supported type must be checked for both the drive and the computer. SNIA notes that NVMe is the most common standard for SSDs, while SATA and SAS remain in use, including for legacy compatibility. Its NVMe overview explains the terminology.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBefore choosing a replacement or upgrade, check the computer manufacturer’s documentation for the exact model. Confirm the slot, interface, protocol, physical size, and supported capacity; the word “SSD” alone does not establish compatibility.
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When should you choose an SSD or an HDD?
Choose based on the computer’s compatibility and your workload rather than assuming that one label settles every trade-off. For an actual purchase comparison, check:
- Compatibility: whether the computer supports the drive’s interface, protocol, form factor, and capacity.
- Workload: whether you care most about sequential transfers, random I/O, latency, or write intensity.
- Capacity and cost: the available capacity and current price per unit of storage for the specific drives you are considering.
- Endurance and warranty: the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact model and its intended workload.
Those details are model-specific. The general distinction is that an SSD uses electronic flash storage, while an HDD uses magnetic storage and mechanical parts.
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- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer and feel the difference with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
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- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
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- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest
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