For the longest time, gaming PCs have come equipped with HDD storage, though SSD storage is becoming more and more common. The two may seem similar - after all, they are both types of data storage devices, which retain information such as software, files, and games in your computer’s long-term memory (unlike RAM, which only stores information until you turn off your system). 

However, the way SSDs and HDDs actually store information is very different, and these differences influence their performance. For example, SSDs tend to perform better when storing games, while HDDs are quite efficient for files like documents and photos. 

Is HDD still enough? Should you opt for SSD instead, or a hybrid between the two? Our guide covers all the pros and cons for each below: 

What is HDD?

Hard drive disks (HDDs) have been around for over 50 years and are still going strong. As a data storage device, HDDs still rely on the same mechanical technology from a few decades ago, which uses spinning disks (or platters) to read and write data. 

Hard disk drives still have lots of mechanical components associated with them, which can sometimes reduce performance.

However, over the years HDDs have greatly improved, decreasing their size and increasing their storage capacity. PCs nowadays can have even up to 10TB of HDD storage capacity - definitely enough to install the entire library of your favourite games with PLENTY of leftover storage. 

Pros of HDDs 

Here are the main reasons why HDDs are still very much in the game:

• They have undergone massive optimisation over the decades

• They are less expensive than SSDs for the same amount of storage

• They usually come with ample storage capacity, a lot more than the average SSDs

Cons of HDDs

This type of storage device comes with a few caveats as well, such as:

• They run slower than SSDs due to the mechanical parts involved

• They use more energy compared to SSDs

• Shorter lifespan - HDDs run the risk of mechanical failure which can result in losing your data (the annual failure rate, or AFR for modern HDDs was around 1.57% in 2024)

What is SSD

Unlike HDDs, Solid State Drives (SSDs) have no moving parts. Instead, they use a type of flash memory called NAND (similar to USB technology), which delivers better performance in terms of data processing speed.

SSDs are much more compact than HDDs and help your software run smoother due to higher data processing speeds.

Pros of SSDs

Nowadays, many people prefer SSDs due to their amazing benefits:

• Due to not having any moving parts, SSDs are more durable, use less energy, and run cooler than HDDs

• SSDs also deliver much faster loading times for files and apps, making them better suited for resource-intensive files like games and even your operating system

Cons of SSDs

There are a few downsides to consider as well:

• SSDs cost more than HDDs as it is a newer technology

• Limited storage capacity - HDDs still hold a much higher storage capacity (up to 2.5 times larger), though SSD technology is slowly catching up

So, Is SSD Better Than HDD?

Most modern gaming PCs nowadays increasingly come equipped with SSDs as the primary drive, as this has a huge impact on gaming performance. Still, HDDs are not gone just yet - since they have larger storage capacity, some gaming PCs may include a hybrid storage system. You can also always use external storage devices like external drives to safely store data in a secondary place for extra protection.

SSD vs. HDD - Which One Is Better For Gaming?

If gaming is your main focus, you can’t skip on SSDs anymore. SSDs read and write data much faster, which means faster load times for your games and optimal performance.

HDDs can still be used for gaming but will lead to longer load times and a less responsive performance. 

Your SSD is also a very good storage option for your operating system - it will help you get quicker boot times and quicker access to your apps, overall improving your rig’s performance.

SSD vs. HDD - Which Is Better For Long-Term Storage?

When storing larger files like videos, graphics, and documents, speed isn’t as important. That means that, for the same amount of money, you can get a much larger storage capacity via HDDs compared to SSDs, and overall a similar performance level. There is no issue with saving personal files on your SSD instead, just keep in mind that the cost might be higher if you want lots of storage space. 

How Much Faster Is An SSD vs. HDD?

So, we know SSDs are a much faster storage solution than HDDs, but exactly how much faster?

In terms of numbers, a typical HDD will achieve read and write speeds of around 250MB/s. Even a basic SATA-bus SSD will average speeds twice or even four times that value, with newer models such as PCI Express Gen 4 drives reaching speeds of 3,500MB or even 7,000MB per second.

Differences Between SSD vs HDD

Here, you can see a simple breakdown of the major differences between SSDs and HDDs, in terms of speed, durability, capacity, cost, mechanism, and their best usage.

Find Your Fast & Gaming-Ready PC At Alex Davis PCs

SSDs have become the go-to storage technology. At Alex Davis PCs, our gaming systems come with a default of 500 GB of SSD storage, as well as upgrades up to 2TB to satisfy all your gaming needs. Browse our collection of gaming PCs today and get yours today!