Mechanical hard disks have been around since computers were in ‘knickers’, and they have provided us with reliable service over the years. But even as our systems became faster with the use of higher cpu speeds, and now multi-core processing, plus more RAM, for the most part we still have relied on the mechanical hard drive. This is about to change with the advent of SSD [Solid State Drives], which some OEM’s have started to offer in their laptop systems.

So what is the big deal? Mechanical drives rely on information being stored on platters, that spin at a high rate of speed, and a arm is used to locate information on the platter[s]. As with any mechanical device which spins at a high rate [RPM], some drives spin at 10k RPM or more, heat is produced and mechanical wear and tear are involved. This can result in premature failure and loss of data. In it’s simplest description, another obstacle that must be overcome is how the disk stores information. Once a user ceases to use a application, saves a file or a new folder and so forth, this information is dropped anywhere that is free on the drive to speed up the system. This is where defragging comes in which is a process of lining up everything back to a more accessible position on the hard disk. As stated, this is how it works in its simplest form, but it is a little bit more complicated than what I have described. Even with the advent of the newer SATA drives, though faster, still the bottleneck remains.

Enter the newest of the new, SSD. In keeping with a simple approach, these new drives are non mechanical and use Memory to store information. This makes the drives extremely fast. I read one account in which it was stated that a SSD was about 200+ times faster than its mechanical counterpart. Since there are no moving parts, heat is reduced and there is no wear and tear. Plus energy use is reduced since no motor is needed to spin the platters. SSD can be used to replace standard mechanical drives as well.
Downside: Cost. SSD are currently extremely expensive compared to mechanical drives. Also SSD are currently small in terms of the data they can store. But like any new product, the pricing and size limitations will be overcome as the new SSD becomes a standard and not a option.

Samsung news center release here.

If anyone has had the opportunity to use one of these new SSD drives, your comments would be appreciated.

Tags: ssd, solid state drive, future, faster, expensive