Are you planning to buy a hard drive but you’re confused about which one you should get? We’ll help you solve this. In this article, we will discuss different types of hard drives and which one you should get for your device. 

Hard drives are one of the most important parts of a laptop or a computer. It helps in storing all the important data. If one hard drive is full, you can get another hard drive to store data. You can store data like images, documents, videos, software applications, etc. on a hard drive. 

What is a Hard Drive?

Hard Drive (Types of hard drives)

A hard drive is a primary data storage device. It is mainly used for storing data and retrieving data whenever the user wants to see it. The other computer hardware becomes outdated after some time but hard drives are not one of them. We can store or retrieve data from even old hard drives if they’re in working condition. 

There are 4 main hard drive types

  • Parallel ATA (PATA)
  • Serial ATA (SATA)
  • Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)

Types of Hard Drives

Now that you have understood what hard drives are, let’s see the types of hard drives.

  • Parallel ATA (PATA)

Serial ATA

Parallel ATA is one of the most famous types of hard drives. PATA drives are called EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics) & Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE). It was the first hard drive that used the PATA interface and was developed by Western Digital in 1986.  

PATA hard drives provide a data transfer speed of up to 133 MB/second. PATAs are not in use now. It might be impossible now to find these hard drives in computer stores not. 

  • Serial ATA (SATA)

Serial ATA

Serial ATA is also one of the types of hard drives being used today. It is one of the best hard drives for PCs. SATA supports almost all kinds of motherboards and operating systems. It comes in two sizes- 3.5 inches and 2.7 inches. The bigger one is used for PCs while the smaller one is used for laptops. 

Though it is one of the best types of hard drives for laptops and PCs, the main problem is its mechanical failure. These drives provide the best speed and good storage but their mechanical failure is its biggest drawback. 

  • Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

Small Computer System Interface

It is also one of the types of hard drives. You can connect 7-15 SCSI to a single motherboard. Small Computer System Interface HDDs are also considered outdated these days and can rarely be found in any new devices. 

  • Solid State Drives (SSD)

Solid State Drives (SSD)

Solid-state Drives are the most used type of hard drive these days. Rather than being a big box-like structure, these drives are in the form of small chips. These drives don’t have rotating parts or disks. SSDs store data in the semiconductor chip. It doesn’t face any such mechanical failures as SATA hard drives but is much more expensive. 

Which Hard Drive is Best for You?

Which Drive is Best

Now you know all about the types of hard drives, let’s find out, which can be the best hard drive for you. Before choosing any hard drives, consider the following factors and then make any final decision.

  • Storage Space

Storage space should be the most important thing when buying a hard disk. If you want to buy a large storage space hard drive with less money then you can buy SATA. But, if you’re ready to spend more money then you can buy an SSD which will have comparatively fewer chances of mechanical failure and will provide good speed as well. 

  • Hybrid Option

These days, most professionals and industries go for the hybrid option. This allows them to use the best features of HDDs and SSDs. Here, the HDD can store data like images, documents, and videos, meanwhile, SDD can store the operating system. 

  • Performance

If the slow operating speed of laptops and PCs frustrates you then SSDs would be the best option for you. The only problem with SDDs is their cost. Otherwise, these are best because it provides a good speed and is less prone to damage and failures. 

Read more: HOW TO CHARGE LAPTOP IN CAR: BEST CAR CHARGERS FOR LAPTOP

Final Say

In this article, you got to know all about hard drives and types of hard drives. Now before investing in a hard drive, note down the factors that are most important to you. Look for the hard drives that have all those features and then make the final purchase. 

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Q1- What does a hard disk drive do?

A hard disk drive stores data. You can store your images, videos, and documents on hard drives. Also, you can use it to store software programs or operating system files required to run the laptop or computer. 

Q2- What does an internal hard drive do?

An internal hard drive is one that comes with a computer or laptop. The internal hard drive stores the computer and stores all the files and data. It is present inside the laptop or computer. It is the primary storage device of a computer. Moreover, it has all the pre-installed software applications, the operating system, and other files.