Compare list full


Hard drives or hard disk drives are a method of data storage for devices. They can be internal hard drives where they are physically built-in to the PC, desktop or laptop and mounted onto computer PCBs (printed circuit board), or they can be external hard drives where they are used outside the main unit itself and are portable. You can learn more in our complete [hard drives guide](/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/hard-drives-guide).

**What are HDDs?**

These hard drives have been around for a long while and consist of several mechanical components. These components include storage platters, a motor to spin them, and a mechanical actuator arm with a read-write head on it for each platter. When you ask the computer to update or retrieve data an I/O controller tells the actuator where on the spinning platters the data is located, it then goes to the correct address in that sector to read or write the data.

**Benefits of HDDs**

• Proven technology

• Cost Effective

• High storage capacity

**What are SSDs?**

SSDs are a form of flash-based or Flash memory storage and will each have a capacity, given in MB, GB or TB.

They get their name "solid state" from their use of electric charge to store code, instead of physical moving parts. This means that there are no components that will wear out from movement. They are generally reliable and long-lasting devices.

**Benefits of SSDs**

• Fast reading and writing data

• No moving pieces

• Compact, lightweight devices

• Low failure rates

• Economical, use less energy than conventional HDDs

**Where are Solid State Drives used?**

Servers

Computers

Laptops

Smartphones

Tablets

Memory Sticks

**Why choose an SSD hard drive?**

Solid State Drives store data continuously. The solid state disk drive will store your data, ready to go, even when powered down. This gives it a distinct advantage over a traditional hard drive. If used correctly, these hard drives can greatly improve the operating times on your laptop or computer.

**SSD Interfaces:**

Solid State Drives come with different I/O interfaces such as:

PCIe

SATA

PATA

USB

**What is a NAND?**

Negative-AND (NAND) is a flash memory storage technology that is able to retain data without power. NAND memory chips house the memory cells. There are various types of NAND memory cells such as; ISLC, MLC, and SLC (single-level cell).

**SSD vs. HDD**

The SSD hard drive replaces the traditional hard disk drive (HDD) as it is much faster. The HDD has multiple moving parts, whereas the SSD does not. The lack of moving parts enables the SSD to be a lot smaller and require less power to operate.

A Solid State Drive can be used alongside your current HDD. Using one of these drives to store your operating system will greatly decrease the initial start-up time of your PC/Laptop. SSDs also have a much lower failure rate than HDDs.



Buy high quality Hard Drives including External Hard Drives & SSD Hard Drives. Browse our Hard Drive offers from leading brands. Free Next day Delivery

Hard Drives, External SSD 1TB, 120GB SSD & 8TB SSD | RS

Hard Drives

Shop our range of Intel Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Intel Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of iStorage Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

iStorage Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Kingston Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Kingston Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Lexar Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Lexar Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Seagate Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Seagate Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Transcend Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Transcend Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Apricorn Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Apricorn Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Atp Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Atp Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Crucial Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Crucial Hard Drives | RS

Shop our range of Innodisk Hard Drives. Free Delivery Available.

Innodisk Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Freecom. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Freecom Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Micron. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Micron Hard Drives | RS

Buy Samsung Hard Drives. Browse our latest Samsung Hard Drives offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Samsung Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Sandisk. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Sandisk Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Toshiba. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Toshiba Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Verbatim. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Verbatim Hard Drives | RS

Buy from our selection of Hard Drives from Western Digital. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Innodisk Hard Drives

Popular Searches