There has been a debate on which better storage device to use for a gaming PC. There are two types of storage devices: HDD and SSD. HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive, while SSD stands for Solid State Drive.
HDDs are the more commonly used storage device. They are less expensive and offer larger storage volumes, making them more popular than SSDs. And due to their sturdy build, HDDs also have a longer lifespan than SSDs.
SSDs, on the other hand, are flash memory chips that can store data and retain information without any power supply. They are smaller than HDDs, allowing more space inside your unit to improve airflow. SSD is also more durable than HDD as they require no moving parts to read-and-write data.
Learn more about the difference between the two in the infographic below to help you decide which storage type to get for your gaming PC:
The Difference Between HDD vs. SSD
Which Is The Better Storage Option For Your Gaming PC?
ATTRIBUTES | HDD | SSD |
Speed | takes 5,000-10,000 microseconds to access data | takes 35-100 microseconds to access data, nearly 100x faster than HDD |
Cost | a 1TB HDD can cost about $50 | a 1TB SSD usually costs around $100+ |
Reliability | has moving parts and magnetic platters, prone to wear and tear | no moving parts, keeping your data safe |
Power | consumes between 6 and 15 watts | consumes between 2 and 5 watts |
Capacity | 500GB and 2TB options for notebook size drives, 4TB max for desktops | 512GB for notebook size drives, 1TB max for desktops |
Noise | spinning platters and moving heads producing noise when running | no moving parts that will make much noise when working |
Heat | moving parts generate more heat, potentially causing damage | generates less heat, contributing to its lifespan and durability |
Size | comes in 2.5″ – 3.5″ for laptops and desktops respectively | available in 1.0″ – 2.5,” allowing more space in the PC case |