Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about Solid State Hard Drives, or SSDs as they're better known. You may have seen them as options for desktops or laptop computers. As you know, new features and innovations in technology are routine, but many of them are minor. However, every few years, a major feature or upgrade is released; SSD technology is one of them.

Hard Drives

The hard drive is a device inside your computer that stores data such as the operating system, applications and files. Since the early 1980's, we’ve used hard drives to store data on our computers (even when it’s powered off).

Hard Drives consist of small round platters that spin at approximately 7,200 RPM (revolutions per minute), with a small arm and needle that constantly read and write magnetic data to the drive.

Over the past 30 years hard drives have gotten smaller, faster, cheaper and with a much larger capacity than before. However the basic technology has remained the same.

Hard drives have served their purpose well for all these years. But, as with any device, on occasion the mechanics will fail. In addition, data on the drive gets fragmented over time. This is where a single file is broken into pieces and stored randomly all over a hard disk's platters. When this happens it takes longer to read and write data, and slows down operations on the computer—being one of the biggest frustrations for computer users.

The SSD

Enter the SSD. An SSD performs the same function as a hard drive and also uses spinning platters; but the data is stored on solid-state chips soldered onto a motherboard (the main circuit board of the computer). SSDs are generally much more reliable and less prone to failure than standard hard drives. Additionally, they’re much faster—at least 300-400% faster —and use less power. They also aren’t affected by motion, where a standard hard drive is. This is good for anyone who uses a laptop while in transit. In short, SSDs are better than standard hard drives.

I recently purchased a new PC with an SSD. Now, everything I do such as restarting, running applications and opening browsers is nearly instantaneous. Plus I’m no longer annoyed by a hard drive constantly clicking in the background.

We Recommend SSDs Over Hard Drives

Our company recommends SSDs for all your new desktop and laptop purchases. It will add approximately $150 to the cost, but it’s well worth it.

If you still aren’t convinced, give us a call. Our experts are well versed in the function, performance and availability of SSDs, and they’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Happy Spring!

Morris