Solid State Hard Drive

The invention of the solid state hard drive, or SSD hard drive is a great one.  Until now, all hard drives have relied on steel magnetic platters to store information.  These platters spin and a rotor picks up the information by moving back and forth.  They work just like a record player.  Not obsolete, in fact, I still use conventional hard drives because they still offer a lot of storage for very little money.

The solid state hard drive uses chips to store the information which is accessible much faster for several reasons.  First, it doesn't need to wait for the information to spin by.  Second, it doesn't have to wait for the rotor to check the index, and last, it doesn't have to wait for the rotor position to line up with the information giving you the information you requested.

solid state hard drive

The SSD actually works much more like RAM to store information with one difference.  When you turn the power off, RAM loses any stored information.  The SSD will not.  It will continue to store information like a standard hard drive, with or without power.

What do I Need for my Build?

You will have to have a hard drive, it can be either an SSD or conventional hard drive.  If you choose a smaller SSD, it might be a good idea to get a normal hard drive for additional storage as SSD's are usually too small for everything.

The Best SSD Hard Drive

Samsung 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD256BW 256GBicon - This drive is simply fast.  If you have never experienced a SSD, this will knock your socks off.  

Samsung 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD128BW 128GBicon - Still the same model of drive, but a little smaller, a little slower but at a much better price.

TIP! If you really just want all kinds of fast, buy 2 solid state drives and set them up as a raid.

Choosing a Solid State Hard Drive

To pick a SSD hard drive, it's important that you check benchmarks and performance first.  Once you've found some solid benchmarks as a starting point, try to find one with a decent price point, something that works with your budget.  Next, it's time for a more in depth analysis.  We need to check that it is reliable by reading reviews and comparing real world benchmarks if you can find them.

Here again, I'm not brand specific, I just want fast reliable for cheap.  The only thing you really need to be careful with here is the new technology.  Something that is cutting edge fast usually has a drawback of reliability in the short term at least until all of the kinks are worked out.

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Updated October 14 2013

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