An Advanced Guide to Different Types of Hard Drives

Computers and laptops consist of many different but essential components, including hard drives. In fact, this data storage device is one of the most fundamental parts of a computer or even a company network setup. But did you know that there are different types of hard drives?

About Hard Drives

Hard drives have evolved since they first hit the market. A hard drive used to be a massive device that can only contain a small amount of data. But of course, it was a big deal back then. One hard drive used to be expensive, but now, almost everyone has a hard drive in a different form or size.

Modern hard drives are much smaller with a much bigger capacity. Not only that, they are now faster and safer in processing and storage. There are also different types of hard drives that you can choose from depending on your needs.

Hard Drives for Business

A hard drive is the storage component of a computer. It is in charge of data processing and storage. Most businesses have implemented technology into their operations making a reliable network setup and storage device vital to keep the business running.

In case a hard drive fails, all the other parts of a computer will not be able to function properly. So if any of your hard drives in the office starts clicking-- then you may want to have that checked the soonest.

As mentioned previously, hard drives are also in charge of storing all user data, company files, client information, and many more. It also stores data needed for your operating system to function.

Understanding the Different Types of Hard Drives

There are four different types of hard drives that have ever been created: PATA, Serial ATA, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), an SSD (Solid-State Drive).

PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment)

This type of hard drive is one of the earliest types ever used. It is the interface used to connect the hard drive to the computer.

They utilized 40 or 80-wire ribbon cables and were able to transport data in parallel in 16-bit pockets. The PATA drive system served as a foundation for the modern drives of today.

That said, this type of hard drive is of course no longer an ideal option for businesses to use in their office. A small number of manufacturers may still be producing PATA drives to accommodate consumers with older units of computers or laptops.

SATA (Serial ATA)

SATA hard drives can transfer data from 150 up to 600 megabytes per second making them faster than PATA drives which can only handle 133 megabytes per second. SATA drives also use less power compared to PATA drives. SATA drives have replaced PATA drives due to better performance.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

This type of hard drive enables users to connect various peripheral devices such as hard drives, printers, scanners, CD-Drives, and other devices. SCSI drives can also be connected internally and externally.

SSD (Solid State Drives)

Solid-State Drives is one of the latest types of hard drives. Unlike the older models, this type of hard drive does not consist of moving parts. The lack of moving parts makes it less susceptible to damage.

SSDs use flash memory chips to store data and provide faster data access. SSDs are often used in laptops and are also used for mobile transfers. Generally, solid-state drives offer a wide range of compatibility to devices. For some devices, you just need to use an additional wire to make it work.

Final Thoughts

Different types of hard drives have been developed over the last few years from PATA to SSDs. The evolution of technology and digital storage is still an ongoing process. Digital storage technology can still keep on getting better for both consumers and businesses.

Better storage devices mean better, faster, and safer drives for both PC or corporate network setups.