Where data persists.
MECHANICAL DRIVES
Spinning platters with moving heads.
High capacity, low cost, slower, and vulnerable to shock.
SOLID-STATE DRIVES
No moving parts.
Far faster, more expensive per unit, more resistant to shock.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOLID-STATE
Connected directly to the system rather than through older interfaces, achieving much higher speeds.
WHAT DETERMINES PERCEIVED SPEED
Access time, more than transfer rate.
WHY
Most everyday work involves many small operations rather than large transfers.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Replacing a mechanical drive with solid-state transforms an older machine more than any other upgrade.
WHAT AFFECTS SOLID-STATE LIFE
Total data written, which is substantial in normal use and rarely the limiting factor.
WHAT AFFECTS MECHANICAL DRIVE LIFE
Age, heat, vibration and use.
WHAT TO MONITOR
Drive health indicators, which frequently warn before failure.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A FAILING DRIVE
Copy the data immediately, before attempting anything else.
WHY
Diagnosis can worsen a failing drive.
