Whether you happen to be a fan of online gaming or are hoping to take the processing power of your computer to the next level, hardware is always an important concern to address. One key variable involves the type of hard drive that you choose.
Although this can be a rather technical subject, we have highlighted a handful of the key takeaway points to help you make the best section. We will examine the differences between HDD, SSD, and M2 drives so that you can draw an objective conclusion.
HDD
Hard disk drives (HDD) have existed for some time and tend to be considered the most traditional drives on the market. While cheaper than other hardware packages, it is important to keep in mind that HDDs contain many moving parts and therefore, they tend to be more sensitive to mechanical failure as they age.
However, HDDs are often able to store a significant amount of information and in the event that data becomes corrupted, it tends to be easier to retrieve. HDDs are therefore wise choices for everyday computing tasks or if you are governed by a tight budget.
SSD
Solid state drives (SSDs), use flash memory for storing important data, making them significantly quicker than traditional HDDs. For example, SSDs can achieve data writing speeds up to 550 megabytes per second. This advantage is particularly appealing to those who prioritize processing performance, such as online casinos and MMORPG players.
When accessing online gaming content, like the gaming catalogue by RoyalPanda, SSDs can enhance loading speeds. However, it should be noted that these drives generally come at a higher cost compared to standard HDDs.
M2 drives
M2 drives are yet another option to consider. It is first important to mention that an M2 drive is essentially nothing more than a scaled-down version of an SSD drive. This is sometimes described within technical circles as a more compact ‘form factor’. Most M2 drives offer dimensions similar to a stick of chewing gum; making them ideal for smaller devices such as tablets and laptops.
While size is the major difference, the majority of M2 drives do not offer significantly more storage space than their SSD counterparts. They might nonetheless boast slightly better processing times when performing memory-laden tasks. M2 drives are often considered to be the most expensive type of hard drive currently available.
Making the right decision
So, how can you make an informed decision? Try to answer these relevant questions:
- How much money can you afford to spend?
- What type of device will the hard drive serve?
- Are you primarily concerned with speed, performance, or availability?
Of course, this has only been a brief overview of the different types of hard drives on the market. It is a good idea to perform additional research to understand the finer points before committing to a specific configuration.