SSD vs HDD

[86technie]

Let's break down into few points:

Boot up times

With most modern PC running Win 8.1/10, it is running on UEFI
than legacy BIOS.
Which means faster boot time even with HDD.
You don't necessary need SSD for fast bootup.
The laptop I am using now to post this, uses UEFI (AMD A10 APU).
Took few seconds to boot into Windows.
Now that is something as compared with legacy BIOS.
Where Legacy BIOS got to:

BIOS initialize -> Boot -> Windows loading drivers -> Windows UI/Log in
UEFI initialize/boot/load Windows (During BIOS screen)-> Windwos UI
Everything is streamline when using UEFI

HDD configuration

Yes SSD is fast but what some do is
SSD as primary OS only and a HDD as a second for data, application
and etc. a
You don't really need a big SSD solely to act as like a HDD.
Which is not only really expensive but redundant.

Big file transfer

One thing that you are wrong is SSD does not improve file transfer speed.
Your chipset, SATA controller and USB controller plays a crucial part in the transfer speed than the SSD.
Disk to disk transfer by SATA is usually faster.
However for USB devices, not all devices support 3.0 transfer.

Even if they do support, not all brands/maker the speed is fantastic.
One thing I can advice is upgrade the stock cable of the USD device like portable HDD/SSD.

With this Elecom USB 3.0 cable ($29.90, can get at Best Denki, Harvey and etc. )

http://www2.elecom.co.jp.e.gj.hp.transer.com/cable/usb/usb3-amb/bk/

It sought of jolt the HDD at higher voltage so the transfer rate is even higher.
Test and proven but do take note that your devices may become hotter
because of the higher speed.

Pricing of SSD

SSD has come a long way, in the past SSD is very expensive.
Now the entry model can cost as low as $100, now that is really a steal.
But of cuz if compare with HDD, SSD clearly lacks in space.

One trade off you may have to live with if you are using SSD.

Ultimately, SSD is good but do take note of your computer specs.
Like chipset, SATA controller plays a high part in getting the SSD full speed.

Unless you are pocket deep and want even more speed.
Maybe can play around with either:
- PCI Express SSD
- SAS Controller with SAS SSD
The SAS setup will cost a lot, only applicable unless you want
to setup a data center.

 

[freezerz]

I think a lot of people value 'responsiveness' even if it's not as tangible ...
... waiting for stuff to load, if even 3-5mins saved a day over various applications add up to a less frustrating experience, ends the day happier, it would be well worth it.

Well said!

 

[freezerz]

Ok, I get it that most people use SSD as a systems disk. Now the question is where do you place the swap file? In HDD, then will slow down the system everytime it need to write to disk. In SSD, then won't it wears down the cell faster due to frequent read/write?

 

[jjtml]

Been building PC's since the Pentium 4 era. From my experience, using an SSD for OS drive and software makes a significant difference as compared to HDD.

1) Startup speed for both OS and programs are considerably faster

2) Rendering for Photos and Videos are faster compared to HDD.

3) No need to defrag OS HDD. (Major plus. I hated the era when I needed to defrag every month or two to reduce slowdowns.)

For storage of data, definitely stick to HDDs for now. Even the WD Greens will suffice for long term storage with minimal reads. WD Blacks are overkill. WD reds for Raid setups.

I understand SSD faster than HDD, but I'm curious about how this speed translate into actual daily usage benefits.

I read that SSD starts OS faster, faster BIG file transfer etc. But to me these are small non-consequential benefits. You only start your system maybe once a day, how much is an extra 20-30 seconds wait? Also how often do an average user transfer 20-30gb files to reap the benefits?

From reading HWZ, seems most people are upgrading their system with SSD, but looking at brand name full system, majority are still using HDD. Is it due to price difference?

HDD wins hands down in term of price per GB, and most of today's are 7200rpm. And today's increased Internet bandwidth means most users are downloading more contents. Our take-everywhere mobile phones camera means we are taking more high resolution photos and full HD videos. So won't it seems more logical to get the bigger, cheaper HDD when the benefits are more tangible?

Maybe some specific users may constantly require the high speed of SSD, but does the average home users reap the full benefit?

Personally, I'm all for HDD until the cost and capacity of SSD can match. To me, it seems most SSD buyers are upgrading just because this is the newest and latest. But is it cost effective? Don't mean to diss SSD users, just trying to discuss and understand. Hope we can have a healthy discussion without getting flame...

 

[Krabs.]

Ok, I get it that most people use SSD as a systems disk. Now the question is where do you place the swap file? In HDD, then will slow down the system everytime it need to write to disk. In SSD, then won't it wears down the cell faster due to frequent read/write?

reduced to minimum 1024mb to store BSOD log file

let big ram capacity take over the task

 

[Koenig168]

Ok, I get it that most people use SSD as a systems disk. Now the question is where do you place the swap file? In HDD, then will slow down the system everytime it need to write to disk. In SSD, then won't it wears down the cell faster due to frequent read/write?

The SSD will become obsolete long before it wears out.

 

[wacko]

Ok, I get it that most people use SSD as a systems disk. Now the question is where do you place the swap file? In HDD, then will slow down the system everytime it need to write to disk. In SSD, then won't it wears down the cell faster due to frequent read/write?

the 128GB SSD I had in my previous system was where the swap file was on, and in close to 5 years of 24/7 running, disk health was at 93% according to CrystalDiskInfo.

 

[royfrosty]

If you were to ask me, there is more benefits than cons of having an ssd in a system.

Need not be blazing speed of pcie ssd that is running 3x faster than a regular sata ssd, just regular sata ssd make good improvement as a whole.

Back then people were using the fastest processor just to make sure they can boot fast to mainscreen. But all they did was normal word processing and other light duties. But with the aid of ssds, more people are actually buying pentiums or an i3 cpus with a ssd. Yet it is way much faster. Even my mum feels the speed and rather appreciates it than hdd with an i7 back then.

Also it helps in productivity. Such as surfing webs, finding database infos at work. I find myself talking to contractors and feeding them faster infos than before. And yes i picked up more calls than usual and provide fast info.

The overall stability of the OS is much responsive.

Also things like gaming. Mmorpg, battlefield heavily relies on map loading are faster.

List goes on lah.....

 

[freezerz]

Seems like SSD is increasing your workload and making you work harder....

 

[Krabs.]

the faster bootup of OS and games also will make the user more willing to close the app or shutdown PC for a meal or shower

overall energy savings

 

[royfrosty]

Seems like SSD is increasing your workload and making you work harder....

Yes in a positive way lah. U imagine contractors talking on the phone with u. And wants some info. The pc so slow.... you tell them hang on.... 5mins later a small info out.

 

[jtjt00]

Once you use SSD for OS and Apps, you will never look back at HDD.

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

Here is my very reason for getting SSD for my system. To revive the living dead system era. Meaning BERI OLD PC have Hugr performance boost on SSD.

 

[Magickiller9]

Imagine you are playing GTA waiting 30 plus sec between each scene is insanely ridicuous. My SSD take seconds only. And with faster network speed. You need faster drive or else there's a bottleneck.

 

[BiomedicalPasta]

Before I change to SSD, I have alot of doubts. But once you use it. The first 5 minutes, you will not regret it. In fact you will ask yourself why t f didnt I change it earlier.

 

[poooooo]

Ssd saved my keyboard and monitor from being smashed. If you throw me back into hdd os I will probably have an emotional trauma.

From your perspective you may deem ssd as a luxury item. But its not just always about the money:gb ratio that are under the user considerations,

not needing to deal with the frustration using a laggy system when your work is piling up are much more important to me.

 

[Kiwi8]

*bookmarked*

 

[tigerwoods]

if you want fast bootup using hdd, enable Fast Statup in windows 10. System bootup up in 15seconds with Fast Statup on. Only works on system startup not restart.

 

[nannan82]

Dont need think so much.. Jus get any cheap ssd.. And it will win any hdd in loading time... Thus saving time.. Meanwhile use back yr currwnt hdd as a storage disk... Once u go ssd.. U wont go back hdd.. It not a matter of speed vs capacity.. Ssd make yr windows experience ao much better

 

[Elvin_Chong]

http://techreport.com/review/27909/the-ssd-endurance-experiment-theyre-all-dead

Migrated all my data to SSD for its durability.