Buying a new computer or upgrading your current PC, you will notice a growing number of available data storage options. And the point is not only that you can choose hard drives of different sizes. Nowadays, it is difficult to decide on the choice, since the market presents solid -state drives, hard drives and hybrid options.

In our manual to buy a hard drive, we will consider storage formats available for consumer PCs with an emphasis on which one you can prefer depending on the conditions of use. We will also talk about typical prices and related functions, as well as how to control the data storage system.

In the end, the correct configuration of the data storage system can radically affect your daily work with the computer: speed up the load, improve the response time and increase the memory volume.

The most common configurations of reference storage systems for the purchase of a hard drive that is a hard drive?The advantages of the hard drive should use HDD?Key features: Guide to buy a solid -state drive what is a solid -state drive?The advantages of SSD should use SSD?Key features: hybrid data storage system (HDD + SSD) What is a hybrid data storage configuration?The advantages of hybrid storage should be used hybrid drives?Key features: how to increase the volume of memory of my computer SSD- or HDD drive?Where is the hard drive in my computer?Summary

The most common configurations of data storage systems

Computer data storage systems are usually configured in one of three ways: hard drive (HDD) Solid -state drive (SSD) Hybrid storage (HDD + SSD)

SSD is used more and more often, thanks to a gradual price reduction over the past couple of years. Although the hard drive can be associated with old devices, this is not always the case, and it is still the best choice for some applications. In fact, a hybrid hard drive can be an ideal option for some users, since it provides SSD speed and a large HDD capacity.

Let's look at the principle of operation of each format, and then move on to the most important advantages of each of them, which should be remembered when buying.

Buying hard drive guide

What is a hard drive?

A typical hard drive uses a rotating magnetic disk to control data, and a magnetic head fixed on the drive lever is used to read and record data. The system resembles a player, but is more difficult. If there are several discs for access to them, the control device is used in the HDD storage that helps the computer quickly determine where the existing information is stored. Thus, when you contact the program or file, the HDD controller sends the drive lever where you need.

The advantages of a hard drive

One of the largest advantages of the hard drive is its long history in the market. Perhaps over time this dynamics will change towards solid -state drives, but so far the hard drives have decades of experience in research, production and use by consumers. This means that it is easier to eliminate the problems with them.

Thanks to the best basic capacity, maximum capacity and cost of a data storage unit, a hard drive is usually considered the most affordable option. In many cases, solid -state drives of a comparable size are much more expensive. Some laptops may not even support the same amount of memory in both formats, which makes it difficult to set the computer to the necessary amount of memory if you prefer one of them to another.

It is also believed that the hard drive has a higher stability. This difference can be insignificant for the service life of most consumer devices, but for archival purposes and institutions, external HDDs are often preferable. We will talk more about this below, in the section on hybrid storages.

Who should use HDD?

HDD is ideal for budget buyers. If your main goal is the maximum container at minimal initial costs, you will definitely save on HDD. SSD can be more modern, but a reliable HDD is an excellent and affordable solution for storing data for both professionals and families.

Key features:

The most affordable price for gigabytes Large maximum container Longer service life Higher stability

Guidance for the purchase of a solid -state drive

What is a solid -state drive?

Solid -state drives perform the same functions as hard drives, without complex moving parts. Instead of rotating discs, access to which is carried out using the drive lever, SSD uses a set of flash memory chips to store data. Almost all its advantages are associated with this shift.

The technology underlying the SSD is rooted in small applications, and it is expected that it will give way to HDD even more when it comes to consumer computing technologies. As prices decrease and technology improvement, you can expect the appearance of more affordable and powerful starting SSD options.

Advantages of SSD

A reduced and simplified format of solid -state drives has many advantages. The absence of moving parts means that solid -state drives provide a significantly higher reading, recording and loading speed compared to hard disks. The absence of physical movements also protects against damage during strikes, which minimizes vulnerability after falls.

SSD smaller sizes and increased efficiency also leave more space in the PC assembly, which gives developers, manufacturers and users to do much more opportunities for work. In addition, they consume less energy, which can lead to a decrease in electricity costs for demanding users.

Solid -state drives are also not exposed to magnetic interference and release less heat. Less heat means higher efficiency, less wear and more space than you could use to cool the hard disk. Due to the absence of fans and moving parts, solid -state drives work much quieter than HDD.

Who should use SSD?

Solid -state drives are great for gamers and professionals who need fast loading of programs, as well as for students who can juggle a large workload and a dense schedule. Historically, SSD drives had the upper limits that could not compete with hard drives, but over time the situation changes, especially in laptops. Improving access to a greater amount of memory means that solid -state drives are becoming more suitable for ordinary users.

Key features:

The best response time The best energy efficiency Silent work Less vulnerable to blows

Hybrid data storage system (HDD + SSD)

What is a hybrid data storage configuration?

In a hybrid data storage configuration, manufacturers combine a hard drive with a solid -state drive to get the best of the two worlds. The solid -state drive usually performs the usual reading and recording operations, and the hard drive is used to store large volumes of data.

Advantages of hybrid storage

While SSD prices continue to fall, hybrid data storage systems are a great way to evaluate their advantages now. When using a hybrid storage, you get the main advantages of SSD speed, efficiency and decrease in noise level when accessing the most commonly used files, and HDD for files that you need not so often. This is a great solution to optimize the operation of a common device or work computer, although in general it does not improve the user experience of gamers.

For large files such as software, personal archives and backups, a hybrid installation uses a hard drive. This makes the process as a whole more effective, first of all, because both the hard drive and the solid -state drive have a lower total load. The main advantage of using a hybrid solution for data storage is that it should serve longer, so you will receive the maximum return on your purchase.

Although the SSD system will work faster, the hybrid storage is an ideal compromise, especially if you update the existing data desktop storage system or want an intermediate solution in anticipation of more favorable prices for SSD. Some modern devices are delivered with hybrid data storage systems as a standard or user version.

Who should use hybrid drives?

If you need a large amount of memory and a responsive interface, you should pay attention to hybrid drives. They are also especially suitable for users who want to improve the old or home -made system. In addition, you can extend the service life of the devices used or avoid large -scale migration, which is a big advantage for professionals and institutional users.

Key features:

Combination of hard disk and solid -state drive functions Minimizes the waste of materials Response time exceeds the response time of a separate hard drive Great for modernization

How to increase memory

If you want to add an additional hard drive to a desktop computer or install a new SSD drive, the process is similar. Often you can simply add a second (or third) disk to desktop computers if the motherboard allows you to do this. In laptops, on the other hand, there is usually a place for only one disk, which means that you will have to replace the existing storage with a new hard drive if you need a higher speed or more space.

Consider the possibility of using an outer hard drive or cloud storage. Provided that you will find a compatible device of the desired container, external discs are a simple way to increase the amount of memory without opening a computer.

My computer has a SSD or HDD drive?

Want to know what type of storage in your computer at the moment? If you are a Windows user, the procedure will be fast and simple: Click Windows/Start in the lower left corner of the desktop. Click on the settings in the shape of a gear. Select the System tab. Go to the storage tab on the left side panel. Scroll down to additional storage parameters and select the option to optimize the discs. In the new window, check the type of carrier to find out which format your device uses.

For an even simpler solution, you can always just listen to your computer for the next loading of the application or reboot. HDD drives are based on mechanical components, so you must hear the buzz of the disk when it rotates for reading. If you do not hear anything, most likely, your device uses a SSD drive.

Where is the hard drive in my computer?

The components of the data storage system are easy to detect regardless of the format.
In desktop PCs, discs are usually stored in an accessible place, for example, on the front panel of the case. Often they are attached using metal latches or in a disk cage to ensure their safety.
If you have a laptop, a hard drive is usually available from below. Unscrew a few screws to remove the bottom of the laptop body and you will get access to all components.

Summary

When it comes to choosing a storage suitable for you, the benefits are quite easy to remember. HDD has advantages in cost and container, but SSD has a high speed intended for users who are important for loading time, and is less susceptible to damage from random falls.
And if you need a container and speed at the same time, a hybrid storage is a win -win option. It is also important to remember that data storage technologies change very quickly. In a year or two, this guide to buy a hard drive may look completely different, so follow the updates.