What is an SSD?

While enquring about a new laptop or desktop, particularly its storage, you may have been presented with two storage options – an HDD, or Hard Disk Drive, and the newer, faster, SSD. Ever wondered just what SSDs are and why they are generally recommended over HDDs? We’re here to tell you just that. Read on. 

What are SSDs and how do they work?

Solid State drives or SSDs are a new generation of storage devices used in laptops and desktops. SSDs store data in semiconductor cells, which is why they are sometimes also called semiconductor storage devices. There were early semiconductor-based SSDs using RAM, but flash-based SSDs were invented by Fujio Masuoka at Toshiba in 1980. The first commercial flash-based SSD was shipped by SanDisk in 1991. 

 SSDs now use integrated circuit assemblies to store data, typically using flash memory. This is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. Unlike the traditional HDD, which uses electromechanical storage, SSDs use only electronic circuits with no moving mechanical parts.  

What are the advantages of an SSD?

Due to the lack of moving parts, SSDs are typically much more resistant to physical shocks than HDDs. They also run quieter as well. One of the biggest advantages of an SSD is the higher input/output rates and lower latency, making them much faster than HDDs as well. 

ALSO READ: What is a hard disk drive?

SSDs are more expensive than HDDs in terms of their per gigabyte price, which is the main reason why you will find SSD storage type being used typically in high-end laptops and computers. There are primarily two types of SSDs; SATA and NVMe. Among them, NVMe is three to ten times faster than a SATA SSD.