Features of HDD
- Non-volatile: HDD is a non-volatile memory device, which means that the data stored on it persists even when the power is turned off. This makes it an ideal storage medium for long-term data storage.
- High Capacity: HDDs can store a large amount of data. Modern HDDs can store terabytes of data, making them an ideal choice for storing large files such as videos, photos, and audio recordings.
- Relatively Slow Speed: Compared to primary memory devices such as RAM, HDDs are relatively slow. The data access time for an HDD is typically measured in milliseconds, while the access time for RAM is measured in nanoseconds. This makes HDDs better suited for long-term storage rather than for frequently accessed data.
- Mechanical Parts: Unlike solid-state drives (SSDs), HDDs have mechanical parts that can wear out over time, leading to reduced performance or even failure. HDDs contain spinning disks and moving read/write heads, which can be susceptible to damage if the drive is bumped or dropped.
- Cost-effective: HDDs are generally less expensive than SSDs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious users. This is particularly true for larger capacity drives.
- Reliable: While HDDs are not as reliable as SSDs due to their mechanical components, they are still considered to be a reliable storage medium. HDDs are designed to withstand heavy use and are often used in enterprise-level storage solutions.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Secondary memory
Primary memory has limited storage capacity and it is volatile. Secondary memory overcomes this limitation by providing permanent storage of data in bulk quantity. Secondary memory is also termed external memory and refers to the various storage media on which a computer can store data and programs. The Secondary storage media can be fixed or removable. Fixed Storage media is an internal storage medium like a hard disk that is fixed inside the computer.