Data storage has become a lot more convenient thanks to cloud storage services and the easy accessibility of fiber-fast Internet connection. However, there are still advantages to storing your data on a local external drive. From added security to the ensured accessibility since it doesn’t require the Internet, storing data on a local storage device still has its advantages.
What kind of storage device should you get, though? Find out and see which data storage drive fits your needs more!
The hardware
Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid state drives (SSD) are both storage devices, but differ in how they store and access data. HDDs have been around for decades–being mainly used on older computers and laptops–and use mechanical parts to store data magnetically. On the other hand, SSDs use a type of flash memory to store data electronically. It may seem trivial, but this main difference in hardware is what gives each storage device their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and cons
Photo from Seagate Official Website
Let’s start with cost-effectiveness. External HDDs are typically more affordable, thanks to their widespread use. HDDs can also store more data for a cheaper price in comparison to SDDs that have the same storage capacity. For example, a 2TB Seagate external HDD retails at around ~P4,400, while a 2TB Seagate external SSD retails at around ~P14,800.
Why is there a huge price difference for the same storage capacity? It boils down to performance, which is one of the SSD’s main advantages. Because it doesn’t have moving parts and utilizes a flash memory to function, SDDs can read, write, and transfer files much quicker than their HDD counterparts. Meanwhile, the HDD is limited by the mechanical parts of its hardware, which sometimes results in higher latency during file transfer sessions.
Another criteria to consider is durability. SSDs are typically more durable than HDDs, as the latter’s mechanical parts can be damaged if handled incorrectly, resulting in slower performance or even damage. A common warning sign that an HDD is nearing failure is a clicking sound that results from the wear and tear on the mechanical parts of the HDD. Meanwhile, an SSD’s durability is tied to a process called programmed/erase (P/E) cycles, which has to do with writing, erasing, and rewriting data on the drive. The amount of cycles vary between SSDs, but it’s usually an amount that can last for years even with regular use.
Which one should you get?
If all you’re looking for is an extra storage device to back up important files, an HDD is more than enough for this purpose–the fact that hard disk drives have been so widely used for decades is testament of their reliability. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use an external storage device to transfer larger-sized files, that’s where an SSD will be more useful. Transferring your hi-res photo or video library or even your installed game library is much quicker with an SSD. So if you’re putting a premium on file transfer speeds over storage capacity, go with the SSD!
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