SSDs are the new storage standard, but HDDs are still useful. This article explores the differences between the two and will help you find the right storage solution.
Like your choice of CPU and GPU, your storage drive can have an impact on your gaming experience.
A fast SSD can reduce load times and improve system responsiveness, while a slow HDD can add minutes of wait time to each gaming session.
When you're weighing the options of HDDs and SSDs for gaming, finding a storage drive that fits your goals and budget is key. We'll break down the benefits of HDDs (traditional hard disk drives) and SSDs (solid-state drives) below.
SSD vs. HDD: Performance vs. Price
In short, the choice of HDD vs. SSD comes down to whether you prioritize performance or capacity.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) typically use flash-based memory to store data, so there are no moving parts. They have faster read/write speeds, faster access times (less latency), and a higher cost per GB of storage than HDDs.
Hard disk drives (HDDs) use spinning magnetic media to store data, accessed by a read/write head on an actuator arm (much like a record player). They have slower read/write speeds, longer access times, and a lower cost per GB of storage than SSDs.
Understanding Storage Performance
The most common benchmark for judging storage device performance is its read/write speeds—the time it takes to retrieve or save data.
Sequential read/write speeds are the most commonly used performance metric and represent usage that moves large blocks of data sequentially—for example, copying and pasting a large file to your desktop. They are measured in megabytes per second (MB/s).
Random read/write speeds use data located in random blocks around the drive, which takes more time to read or write than sequential blocks. This is a good reflection of everyday usage, as games and other applications often read and write small files to disk and access non-sequential data. These speeds are measured in IOPS (input/output operations per second).
Synthetic benchmarks are often used to market storage drives, but these tests should be treated with caution—they don't always reflect real-world performance. Manufacturers can show a drive's best performance by testing at a higher queue depth (the number of operations performed in a row), such as 32, although a queue depth of 8 or less is more realistic for most users.
SATA SSD vs. NVMe SSD
When shopping for an SSD, you may come across two different connection formats: SATA III and NVMe. NVMe is quickly becoming the standard, but it's still useful to know the difference between the two.
SATA III (Serial ATA) is a cable that works with the SATA protocol and is used to connect many older SSDs and HDDs to PC motherboards.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer protocol that allows for direct connection to the motherboard's PCIe lanes, providing higher throughput and lower latency. PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 drives can transfer data at several GB per second - much faster than SATA III - and PCIe 4.0 drives have about twice the bandwidth of 3.0.
Older motherboards and BIOS may not support NVMe, so make sure your system supports it before upgrading. You can do this by checking your motherboard documentation or searching for motherboard specs online.
What are the differences between SSD form factors?
The different form factors are more than just physical differences. They also determine how the drive connects and communicates with the motherboard.
2.5-inch
A 2.5-inch SSD is similar in appearance to a 2.5-inch mechanical drive. Consumer-grade drives typically use the SATA III protocol, which requires separate power and data cables. However, NVMe is quickly becoming the new standard for consumer-grade SSDs.
M.2
M.2 drives are shaped like small, thin rectangles and are often compared to gum sticks. They plug directly into the M.2 slot on the motherboard. They typically use the NVMe transfer protocol, but some older devices may use SATA. Additionally, the M.2 connector is keyed differently to avoid use with incompatible slots.
Side-by-side illustration of an M.2 drive
The M.2 slot may be located under a heat shield or even on the back of a Mini-ITX motherboard. If you can't find the M.2 slot, check your motherboard's documentation.
AIC
AIC (Add-In Card) SSDs connect to a PCIe slot on the motherboard for power and data. They use PCIe lanes to communicate directly with the system, just like NVMe M.2 SSDs.
AIC SSDs can also be used as PCIe to M.2 adapters if your system lacks an available M.2 slot.
Other Form Factors
There are other SSD interface types and form factors, such as NVMe-based U.2 SSDs. These are typically used in professional/server environments, not gaming builds.
Why use an HDD?
HDDs are generally slower and less durable than SSDs. But there is another important reason to buy an HDD: capacity. When used as a secondary storage drive, an HDD can cheaply provide several terabytes of extra space to store everything that can't fit on the primary SSD.
When comparing HDDs, keep the following in mind:
Spindle speed is the primary factor that determines read and write speeds. High-performance drives typically have 7,200 RPM, but speeds range from 5,400 to 15,000 RPM. Higher speeds generally mean better performance.
Form factor may be 3.5 inches or 2.5 inches. In consumer devices, SATA III cables and data cables require separate cables for power and data.
Should You Choose an HDD or an SSD?
Switching from an HDD to an SSD is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
A common choice is to pair an SSD with a larger HDD to improve boot and load times, while using the larger HDD for less frequently accessed files.
Your own storage solution may vary, depending on factors such as budget, hardware, and how you use your system. Regardless of your stance on using an HDD or SSD for gaming, consider the impact a fast, reliable storage solution can have on your PC.