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Choose an SSD when fast access, quiet operation, portability, or better resistance to physical shock matters most. Choose an HDD when you need more storage for your budget and can accept slower access. If you need both speed and capacity, use an SSD for your operating system and active work, with an HDD for less frequently used files. Before buying an internal drive, confirm that your computer supports its form factor and interface; whichever type you choose, keep a separate backup.
How HDDs and SSDs differ
An HDD stores data on spinning magnetic disks and uses mechanical parts to read and write it. An SSD stores data in nonvolatile flash memory and has no moving parts. That difference helps explain why SSDs are the speed-oriented choice, while HDDs are often preferred for high-capacity storage on a budget. Seagate’s overview of how the technologies store data explains the basic distinction.
Which drive fits your storage needs?
| Your priority | Likely choice | Why and what to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Fast booting, application loading, or frequent access to files | SSD | Flash storage is the speed-oriented option. Confirm that the drive’s interface and form factor are supported by your device. Seagate’s PC gaming storage guide discusses the broad tradeoffs and mixed-drive approach. |
| A large photo, video, or game library at a lower cost per unit of capacity | HDD | HDDs are generally the capacity-per-budget option, but access is slower. Seagate characterizes HDDs as better for cost per byte in the context of its PC gaming guidance; that is not a live price comparison. |
| A portable drive that travels with you | External SSD | Lower weight and better resistance to physical shock can be useful in transit. An SSD is not indestructible, so keep it protected. |
| A high-capacity external archive or backup | External HDD | An HDD may offer more capacity for the money, but protect it from knocks and keep another copy of important files. |
| Both fast access and room for less-used files | SSD plus HDD | Put the operating system, applications, and active files on the SSD; use the HDD for large files you access less often. |
These are general tradeoffs, not guarantees about every model. For an explanation of external-drive portability and physical-resilience differences, see Kingston’s HDD and external SSD comparison.
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Compare the cost at the capacity you need
Compare current drives at the capacity you will actually use, rather than assuming one technology is always the better deal. HDDs are generally the budget-oriented choice for large amounts of storage, while an SSD’s faster access may be worth prioritizing for the operating system, applications, or files you work with frequently. No broadly applicable, current consumer price-per-terabyte figure is established here, so check current listings for the specific models and region you are considering.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
A 2015 Kingston Technology brief reported that price was an important evaluation factor for 83% of 169 IT professionals surveyed in the United States and EMEA. In that same dated survey, 79% cited reliability, 75% performance or speed, and 74% storage capacity. These are historical professional-survey results, not a current consumer poll. The practical lesson remains to weigh the workload and the amount of storage needed rather than choosing by a single headline specification. Read Kingston Technology’s survey brief.
Account for noise, power, and physical handling
SSDs can be lighter, quieter, and use less power than mechanical HDDs. Their lack of moving parts also makes them better suited to situations where a portable drive may be exposed to bumps or movement. Those qualities can matter for a laptop or a drive carried while traveling. They do not make an SSD immune to damage or data loss.
Rank #2
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology.Computer Platform:PC.Encryption : Class 0 (AES 256) TCG/Opal v2.0, MS eDrive (IEEE1667), Environmental Specs - Shock : 1,500 G & 0.5 ms (Half sine).
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance with 870 EVO, which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds, Accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- INDUSTRY DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 2,400 TBW
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: 870 EVO has been compatibility tested for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices. Interface- SATA 6GB/s, compatible with SATA 3GB/s and SATA 1.5GB/s interfaces
An HDD’s mechanical parts make careful handling important, particularly for a portable drive or an archive kept outside the computer. If you choose an external HDD, store it securely and avoid moving or knocking it while it is operating.
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Check internal-drive compatibility before you buy
Do not assume that a drive will fit or work simply because it is an SSD or has an M.2 shape. Computers support particular physical sizes, drive types, interfaces, and slot configurations; not every M.2 drive is interchangeable, and a SATA replacement will not fit every system.
Rank #3
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
- Look up the specifications for your exact computer or motherboard, including its model and revision where applicable.
- Confirm the supported drive type, physical form factor, interface, and available slot.
- Match the drive to those specifications before purchasing. If the documentation is unclear, consult the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support information.
- For an external drive, check that your computer has a compatible port and that the drive’s capacity suits your needs.
For workloads that write large amounts of data, compare the specific models’ endurance ratings and warranties. These details are more useful for an individual purchase than a blanket claim that HDDs or SSDs never fail.
Reliability depends on the drive and workload
Neither drive type is guaranteed to last forever. Model, workload, and conditions matter, so consider the specific drive’s endurance rating and warranty rather than treating one technology as universally more reliable.
Rank #4
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer and feel the difference with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance offering up to 535MB/s seq. Read and 500MB/s seq. Write speeds
- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
Backblaze’s April 5, 2024 reliability explainer examined SSD and HDD boot drives performing the same function in the same types of storage servers. In that particular cohort, it reported SSD annualized failure rates of 1% or less through the first four years, with the drives’ failure curves separating after about four years. Those observations are not a universal head-to-head test of consumer drives and should not be applied to every model or workload. Read Backblaze’s explanation of its SSD reliability data.
Keep a separate backup, whatever you choose
A storage drive is not a backup plan by itself. If a file matters, keep another copy on a separate device or in another suitable location, and check that you can access the copy when needed. A second drive can fail too, so avoid relying on a single HDD or SSD as the only home for important data.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560 530 MB/s sequential speeds,* accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer, Designed for gamers and professionals to handle heavy workloads of high-end PCs, workstations and NAS
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task — from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 600 TBW** under a 5-year limited warranty***
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: The 870 EVO has been compatibility tested**** for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
