The Most Complete Definition of SSD – Everything You Need to Know

 SSD or the abbreviation of Solid State Drive has become one of the most popular choice of data storage devices for computers. However, when you want to buy a new SSD device or maybe replace the old one with a newer one, then maybe you are curious, "what is an SSD?", "what does SSD mean?" "What's the difference between SSD and HDD or previous storage technology?" Well we are here to explain everything for you.

What is SSD

Let's start with a little comparison. Conventional hard drives, which you might be using now offer “nonvolatile” storage based on magnetism and physical movement. Inside a hard disk there is a disk that spins and writes code into a magnetic layer to store data. The hard drive is the most "okay" data storage device choice before because it can offer security, convenience, and nothing else can match it. But all is no longer the same when the SSD was created.

Unlike hard drives, SSDs use flash memory, which has actually been around for several years. Instead of relying on writing data on a disk, flash memory makes use of memory chips. Inside the chip, the semiconductor will invert the array into different forms of electric charge to store the code. Well, because there are no moving objects inside the SSD, that's why this device is named Solid State.

Did you know that flash memory technology was in use even before SSDs became popular? This technology can be found in devices such as flash drives and the like. However, early versions of flash memory were not fast enough and were still very expensive to build in large capacities. So that's what SSD means.

SSD advantages

With the same capacity size, SSDs are sold at a much more expensive price than hard drives. But this is not without reason. That means SSDs offer something much better than hard drives too. Here are the advantages that SSDs have.

1. There are no moving parts in it. The biggest problem with a device that has moving parts in it is the durability of those components. Eventually, the moving component will meet the “end of the road” and stop moving. Well, technology developers as much as possible eliminate moving components from the devices they develop because these components are very vulnerable to damage. Make no mistake, SSDs also have a certain lifespan. But basically SSDs are more durable and more reliable because there are no moving parts inside.
2. Speed. As we know that electricity can move very fast. SSDs are capable of writing or reading data at much higher speeds than hard drives. And also because there are no moving components, the SSD does not generate heat when working.
3. More compact form. SSDs are smaller and lighter than hard drives. This makes SSDs very supportive of the creation of super-thin laptops like the ones we have today. Ultra-thin mobile devices such as ultrabooks embed SSD technology directly into their motherboards. Indeed, you do not have the option to upgrade it in the future. However, this technology is what makes laptops incredibly thin.
4. Longer service life. Each SSD has a finite lifespan. But don't worry because in general the lifespan of an SSD can last up to decades, provided that the SSD is used in a normal pattern.

Various Types of SSD

Now, after understanding the meaning of SSD along with its advantages, now we turn to the various types of SSDs available today. There are several ways to tell SSDs apart, but one of the easiest factors is to look at the connection type.

1. SATA III. This is the latest evolution of the connection type that can be used on both hard drives and SSDs. This connection is very useful during the transition between hard drive usage to SSD. However, this type of connection will end soon because there are other, more up-to-date connection types. SATA III is capable of handling a maximum bandwidth of around 600 megabytes per second.
2. PCIe. This connection allows you to connect the SSD to the PCIe lane on the motherboard so that data transfer can be done directly. This makes the SSD work much faster with a write speed of about 1 GB per second. But unfortunately this option is a bit expensive.
3. NVMe. NVMe is specifically designed to go beyond PCIe connections for more flexibility, easier upgrades, and even faster. By offering these more features, the result is a higher price. But maybe in the next few years we can find this connection at a more competitive price.