Which is better, a 250GB SSD or a 1TB HDD?
The 250 SSD is the best choice if you need fast response times. If you need a lot of storage, then a 1TB HDD is the most suitable option.
SSDs are better than HDDs, we all know that. One of the biggest advantages of this device is its faster speed, especially in the area of random reading and writing. As a result, SSDs are faster at booting up computers, starting programs and games, and loading maps in games.
When it comes to 256GB SSD vs 1TB HDD or 256GB SSD vs 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD, most people don’t know what to do. Do you think a 256GB SSD is better than a 1TB hard drive? That depends on your needs and budget. Here’s what you need to know.
Speed VS Storage Space
One of the most important considerations when buying a new SSD is the balance between speed and storage space. Generally speaking, the faster the drive, the more expensive it will be. But what exactly is speed, and how does it impact the overall performance of an SSD?
Speed is measured in terms of throughput, or how much data can be transferred per second. The higher the throughput, the faster the drive will be able to boot up your computer, load applications, and transfer files. However, it’s important to keep in mind that speed is not the only factor that determines how well an SSD performs.
Another important consideration is storage space. The larger the drive, the more expensive it will be, but you’ll also have more room to store your files. So when deciding between speed and storage space, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If you need a fast drive for gaming or video editing, then you’ll want to prioritize speed. But if you just need a basic drive for storing documents and files, then storage space should be your top priority.
What is more important to you, speed or storage space? SSDs have the advantage of high speed, whereas HDDs have the advantage of large storage and low price. What is the most significant factor for you when using the computer, the faster response time or the larger storage space?
The Number of Drive Bays
Many people ask whether they should buy a laptop with 256GB SSD or 1TB HDD. Others ask whether they should buy a laptop with 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD. In both questions, the number of drive bays is different.
The former indicates that the computer contains only one drive bay. Your operating system, programs, and personal files are all on one drive. So If you get 256GB SSD, you might run out of space. And if you choose a 1TB HDD, you might have a slow computer. If this is the case, you may want to consider an SSHD (solid-state hybrid drive).
In the latter case, there are two drive bays. Install your OS, programs, and games on the SSD (it’s your C drive) and save your personal stuff on the HDD. If you don’t have any special needs, I recommend you get the 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD.
Of course, if you think 128GB is too small, you can get a 256GB SSD and then get an extra HDD. Then, insert the HDD into your computer.
What is SSHD?
SSHD stand for a solid-state hybrid drive. As the name implies, it is a traditional spinning hard drive with a small amount of fast solid-state storage. An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device made entirely of memory chips as opposed to spinning magnetic platters found on a traditional hard disk.
SSHDs consist of both a hard drive and an SSD, which is why they’re referred to as hybrid drives. Windows (or any operating system) sees the drive as a single unit, and the SSD portion is merely used as temporary storage while your data is permanently stored on the mechanical disks.
Recommended reading: What is SSHD and Which Is Better: SSD or SSHD
Below I have listed some recommended SSHD for your reference.
| Brand | SSD size | HDD size | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Gaming SSHD | 8GB | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check on Amazon |
| Seagate Firecuda | 8GB | 500GB | Check on Amazon |
SATA and NVMe
SSDs are now available in two main types: SATA and NVMe. Physically, SATA SSDs are similar to laptop hard drives, and they connect to a SATA port on your PC or laptop.
NVMe is the latest type and looks like a RAM stick. It fits into an M.2 slot on your PC or laptop and provides much faster speeds. For your info here I am going to list down some recommended SSD brands from each type.
Recommended SATA 2.5 SSDs
| Brand | Available Sizes | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| Crucial MX500 | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check On Amazon |
| WD Blue | 240GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check on Amazon |
Recommended NVME SSDs ( Ideal For Gamers, Video Editors )
| WD BLACK SN750 | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check On Amazon |
| Seagate FireCuda 530 | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check on Amazon |
| Corsair MP600 CORE | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Check on Amazon |
Budget
When you are looking to upgrade your computer, one of the best ways to do it is by installing a Solid State Drive, or SSD. An SSD can dramatically improve your computer’s speed and performance. However, SSDs can be quite expensive, so it’s important to budget carefully before making a purchase. One thing to keep in mind is that not all SSDs are created equal. Some are much faster than others, and the price can vary widely.
For eg, if you take SATA 2.5 SSD s the speed will be around 550MB/s to 600MB/s for reads and 520MB/s to 580MB/s for writes. On the other hand, PCIe 3.0 x4 NVME SSDs can reach speeds of up to 7500MB/s for reads and 7000MB/s for writes and even more. So it is evident that the speed at which these devices function is different and thus the price will also be varied.
The capacity is another factor you should consider when selecting an SSD. Most SSDs on the market today range from 120GB to 1TB. If you have a lot of data, you’ll need a larger drive. But if you’re just using your computer for basic tasks, a smaller drive will suffice.
If you take a regular HDD the speed will be around 100MB/s to 150MB/s. So it is much slower when compared to SSD. It means the price also differs for both these storage devices.
Is a good 250 GB SSD+1 TB HDD better or a 1 TB decent SSD?
A single big SSD is better than a small SSD for most uses. A large HDD is much slower, but it is much cheaper. I have a large SSD that handles all of my duties and a larger HDD that is just used for backups. If you can afford a higher capacity SSD, I suggest you do it. If you want to, you can also add an HDD.
Using 250GB to install OS is good. But if you install the most demanding applications on a slower HDD, like Games you will see a decrease in performance. So the idea is to install OS and other applications on SSD and store data(like music, and videos)on HDD. With this approach, you will get the best of both worlds i.e. speed and storage space.
Having an SSD will make your computer feel snappier overall. If you are booting up your computer or launching programs, they will open almost instantaneously as opposed to taking several seconds with a regular hard drive. Trust me, once you go SSD, you won’t want to go back!
So which one should you get? Again go for a larger SSD and get rid of that HDD.
References
- Hybrid drive: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_drive
- Forum disscussions at linustechtips : https://linustechtips.com/topic/765146-sshd-good-or-bad/
