Pros: The Advantages of HDD
1. One of the notable advantages of a hard disk drive or HDD is that it is cheaper when compared to a solid-state drive or SSD. An SSD with a similar storage capacity can be twice more expensive than an HDD. What this means is that computers with an HDD are cheaper than those equipped with an SSD.
2. Availability in the market is another advantage of an HDD. Internal and external HDDs of varying storage capacities flood the market. Meanwhile, solid-state drives, despite becoming more available, can be tough to source due to their prices and constraints in storage capacities.
3. When compared further to an SSD, a hard disk drive has a larger storage base capacity. HDDs have a starting capacity of 500GB in the market whereas SSDs have a starting capacity of 128GB. The same is true for computers. Those equipped with HDDs have a base capacity of 500GB while those using SSD have a base capacity of 128GB.
4. Longer lifespan based on a higher read-write cycle is another strength of an HDD. An SSD has a lower read-write cycle due to the finite number of writes its flash memories can handle. Repetitive reading-writing cycle shortens the lifespan of these flash memories like SSDs and USB flash drives. An HDD handles reading and writing differently than an SSD.
Cons: The Disadvantages of HDD
1. A critical disadvantage of a hard disk drive is that it has a slower read-write speed than a solid-state drive because of the mechanical nature of this storage hardware. HDDs also have a varying rotation per minute or RPM specifications. Furthermore, HDDs fragment data due to the rotating nature of its operation. In application, this means that computers with HDD boot slower than those with SSD. File transfers are slower as well.
2. HDDs produce mechanical sounds that come from the rotation of the disk and movement of the magnetic head while in operation. The sound can be distracting for others. Meanwhile, an SSD does not produce any sound because it does not have any moving parts.
3. Nevertheless, another notable disadvantage of HDD is that it is vulnerable to damages due to physical trauma than an SSD. The mechanical parts of an HDD, particularly the rotating disk and its magnetic head, can be damaged due to drops and inappropriate handling. On the other hand, because an SSD has no moving parts, it is more durable and thus, more suitable for portable or mobile computers and other devices.
4. Energy inefficiency is another drawback of HDD. The fact that it has moving parts means that it needs more power while in operation. The implication of this centers on inapplicability portable or mobile computers and devices in which battery life is a critical consideration.
5. When compared to a solid-state drive, a hard disk drive has a larger form factor. It is impossible to reduce the size of an HDD down to a point that is similar to an SDD simply because of its moving parts. In other words, an HDD is not suitable for applications in which mobility and a slim physical profile are critical considerations.
