Here’s Why HDDs are Sill the Preferred Option Over SSDs! (updated for 2024)

Hard drives, around for over five decades, now often come with waterproof and shock-resistant features for better durability.

When it comes to selecting a storage device for data backup, many people find themselves torn between Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). While these two options may appear similar in terms of specifications, they differ significantly in price, data read/write speeds, and overall performance. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between SSDs and HDDs to help you make an informed decision for your backup needs.

Menu

Main Differences Between HDDs and SSDs
- Data Recoverability

So Which One Should I Go With? SSDs or HDDs?
- Proper Disk Backup Practices

Main Differences Between HDDs and SSDs

Both HDDs and SSDs serve the same purpose of storing data, applications, and operating systems. However, when it comes to choosing the right storage device for your laptop or desktop computer, you must consider factors beyond portability, such as the device’s working principles, stability, and recoverability.

The primary reason most people opt for SSDs is speed. Unlike HDDs, where data access speed is affected by the physical location of the stored data, SSDs maintain consistent performance regardless of where the data is stored. This is because SSDs retrieve data electronically, while HDDs rely on a physical method of searching for data, resulting in slower read speeds. To put it simply, accessing data on an HDD is like searching for a specific book in a public library and having to flip to the correct page to find the answer. In contrast, using an SSD is like pressing Ctrl+F in an e-book to instantly locate the information you need.

Moreover, the storage mechanisms of SSDs and HDDs differ significantly. SSDs utilize non-volatile NAND Flash memory and have no moving parts, which makes them more resistant to physical shock and temperature variations. On the other hand, HDDs read and write data through spinning disks and platters, which are composed of moving mechanical parts, making them more susceptible to malfunctions caused by temperature fluctuations or physical impacts.

However, in recent years, HDDs have begun to incorporate water and dust resistance into their designs. While SSDs are generally perceived as more resilient to environmental factors, it’s important to consider that, at the same price point, HDDs offer larger storage capacities, making them a more cost-effective choice. Furthermore, although SSDs undeniably outperform HDDs in terms of speed, not all use cases require high-speed performance. It’s crucial to identify your specific needs and compare the advantages of each option accordingly.

Data Recoverability

When speed is not a primary concern, HDDs prove to be more cost-effective per GB compared to SSDs. Additionally, HDDs have been widely used for a long time, and many applications still rely on them due to their affordability and data recoverability — a crucial factor for personal backup drives. Even today, server drives are predominantly HDDs.

Although HDDs are more susceptible to physical damage due to their mechanical components, data recovery is often easier with HDDs compared to SSDs. SSDs have a tendency to overwrite old data, making it challenging to recover lost or damaged files. In contrast, the read/write process of HDDs facilitates more successful data recovery efforts.

Consider using an HDD instead of an SSD if your data has the following characteristics:

• Infrequently accessed data
• Primarily large files or a large quantity of data
• Performance and speed are not the main priorities

While SSDs have brought about many technological advancements and conveniences, HDDs have been around for over 50 years, and their mature, well-tested technology has allowed for consistent improvements in storage capacity and physical size reduction.

Traditional HDDs have benefits that SSDs can’t match.

So Which One Should I Go With? SSDs or HDDs?

If your budget allows for multiple hard drives, combining HDDs and SSDs can help you make the most of their respective strengths. For example, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices primarily use HDDs for their large capacity and usage characteristics. However, some manufacturers now incorporate SSDs into certain models to improve overall performance by storing frequently accessed data on the faster SSDs while maintaining the advantages of HDDs — lower cost and easier data recovery.

If you plan to purchase only one hard drive, it’s essential not to fall into the trap of thinking that SSDs are the only viable option. Although SSDs generally offer better performance and speed, both options have their unique advantages, and you must identify your specific needs before making a purchase. Modern HDDs have developed advanced protection technologies to withstand harsh environments. For the same budget, investing in a larger capacity HDD with more protective certifications may be a wiser choice than opting for an SSD. For instance, SP’s Armor series offers a massive 5TB capacity and military-grade shock resistance, making HDDs more durable than ever while retaining the irreplaceable advantages that SSDs cannot provide.

When shopping for a hard drive, consider your usage scenarios and determine the importance of performance speed based on different purposes, such as boot drives, game storage, or data storage. This will help you effectively allocate your budget for maximum efficiency.

Proper Disk Backup Practices

Lastly, while SSDs are convenient for boot drives or game storage, HDDs remain the best choice for general backup needs due to their lower cost and easier data recovery. For proper backup practices, refer to the “Photography Backup Guide” and follow the 3–2–1 backup principle. Whether you use SSDs or HDDs for backup, always remember the importance of multiple backups and off-site storage.