What is an SSD Drive?

A solid-state drive is a memory storage device that uses flash chips to store data. The chips are stacked in various configurations to achieve different storage density. The chips can be made of single-level cells, multi-level cells, or triple-level cells. Each cell can hold one bit of information — a ‘one’ or ‘zero’. In addition to the storage technology, SSDs use an underlying controller that manages the read/write operations of the device.

Compared to HDDs, SSD drives have lower latency and faster transfer rates. This is because they don’t rely on mechanical parts to retrieve and update data from the platters. When the actuator arm reads or writes data, it finds it by reading the presence or absence of a charge on the appropriate track and sector. This process takes more time when using an HDD, because the platters have to spin and the actuator arm physically finds its location on the disks.

While SSDs are still more expensive than HDDs, the prices have been steadily falling for many years. This means that they’re becoming a more cost-effective alternative for people who are looking to improve the performance of their computer and/or upgrade the storage capacity.

SSDs are also a lot more durable, as they don’t have moving parts. This makes them more resistant to damage, and they’re available in small form factors that make them ideal for laptops, where space is limited. They’re also much quieter, and they don’t generate as much heat as HDDs do.Cooling fans