In this article, we explain what SSD (Solid State Drive) for storage is. You can find an SSD storage device in almost all new computers nowadays. This is a logical choice because SSD storage compared to hard disk storage is a lot faster. An operating system like Windows boots much quicker. Programs installed on an SSD also start faster.
The disadvantage of an SSD is that it is more expensive than a hard disk. For the same amount of storage space, you pay about five times as much money. Therefore, you often see that in desktops or laptops an SSD with relatively little storage space (128 GB – 256 GB) is placed together with a large hard disk (1 TB – 2 TB). By placing two different storage devices, you have the advantage of fast storage by the SSD. And much cheaper but slower storage due to the hard disk.
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SSD is a storage device
An SSD is a fast storage device for the computer. It is a new form of data storage that is much faster than a hard disk (also abbreviated as HDD). The word SSD is an abbreviation of the English words Solid State Drive. This new fast storage device stores its data in some NAND flash memory chips.
This is done by means of electric charge in the memory chips. This is also the reason why they are so fast. This actually works just like with a https://hardsk.com/what-is-a-processor-in-a-computer/memory card that inserts into a photo camera or smartphone. Only this happens a lot smarter and therefore faster.
There is also no rotating magnetic disc in it. This is the case with an HDD. This means you can never talk about an SSD drive because there is no rotating disk in an SSD—only NAND memory chips on a printed circuit board.
Explanation:
- Why does an SSD drive not exist? »
- What is a storage device? »
- What is a hard disk (HDD)? »
SSD storage: Data is preserved
An SSD is able to store data for a longer period of time. This makes it a storage device just like an HDD. So don’t confuse this with the working memory in a computer that also stores data. That is the temporary memory for the processor. As soon as you turn off the computer, everything in the working memory is gone. This is not the case with a storage device. All data is retained even if you switch off the computer.
What is the working memory? »
Explanation: What is a processor? »
Structure
An SSD consists of multiple NAND memory chips and has no rotating disk or other moving parts. A memory controller ensures that all data is written to different memory chips. This memory controller also takes care of various things so that it continues to work optimally. The number of NAND memory chips differs per model, so there are also differences in the amount of storage space.
Often an SSD is still equipped with a piece of working memory (cache) that is also in a computer. This bit of RAM is even faster than the memory chips themselves, but can only remember data when power is present. More expensive luxury SSDs, therefore, have a battery that ensures that in the event of a power failure, this data that is still present in the working memory can be safely written.
Future
SSDs have become a trendy storage device in a few years. The benefits are also great. They are faster than an HDD. An outdated computer can make it a lot faster by adding or replacing an HDD with an SSD. A laptop with a speedy SSD storage device boots up in seconds. With a hard disk, it takes 20 to 40 seconds.
This is because hard drives were the bottleneck or weak link of current computer hardware. For many years, the speed of the storage device has remained the same. Other computer components, such as processors and working memory, just got a lot faster. That is why anyone who has ever worked with a computer with an SSD does not want anything else. It is a difference of day and night.
That not every computer is equipped with a fast SSD storage device is because they are still quite expensive. Especially when you compare it with an HDD with the same storage capacity. However, SSDs have become increasingly affordable in recent years. As a result, you see them more and more on cheaper computers. Often or in relatively small storage capacity such as 128GB to 256GB. You often see a hard disk is 500GB, 1000GB or 2000GB of storage capacity.
Advantages of SSDs
Advantages Despite the higher price, the SSD has many benefits. The most important is speed. This can be connected to the motherboard in a much faster way. Also, there is no longer any delay due to the rotating magnetic disk and the data required can be retrieved directly from the memory chip.
Other advantages are that they are a lot more energy-efficient. This is a godsend, especially for portable computers. This allows a portable computer to work longer on a battery. The lower weight and insensitivity to shocks is also an advantage. Because it also has no rotating parts, it is silent and a lot cooler than an HDD.
Explanation: Benefits of an SSD storage device »
Indispensable in every computer
SSD (Solid State Drive)
SATA SSD
In my opinion, every computer should have an SSD nowadays. Due to the fast data speed, your operating system, such as Windows, boots in a few seconds. But also programs, at least installed on the SSD, start a lot faster. It provides a better computer experience and ensures that a computer is in balance with its performance. A computer is just as fast as its weakest link. And that is often the slow hard drive.
Are you currently looking for a new computer? Then definitely choose a computer with an SSD instead of an HDD. The amount of storage will certainly be less than with a hard disk model. But you don’t want to miss the speed you get in return.
Should your budget not allow you to buy a computer with an SSD? Then take a look at an older processor generation. These are often a lot cheaper and certainly have less performance. But with fast data storage, you can easily compensate for that. You certainly won’t regret it!
eMMC: the little brother
eMMC Is your budget too low to buy a laptop with a Solid State Drive. Then you can also choose eMMC. 
This is a simple version of a Solid State Drive and is soldered to the motherboard. This means that you can never replace or expand the eMMC storage. Also, an eMMC is not as fast as an SSD.
What is eMMC? »
NVMe: Second Generation SSDs & M.2
M.2 SSD A new generation is coming and will get even better and faster. We call newer types NVMe SSDs and the first generation SATA SSDs. Along with this new type of control, there is also a new type of connection to connect them, M.2.
The laptops that you can currently find in stores are usually equipped with this new generation with an M.2 connection. They are a lot smaller than the first generation and do not need a separate cable for power.
