What are the differences between SSDs and HDDs?
An HDD (hard disk drive) has been the traditional storage device used for more than 50 years. HDDs rely on spinning disks, or platters, to read and write data. They are still used today in many mainstream systems. Hard drives are mainly used because of their excellent storage capacity. With more storage space, information on it doesn’t “go away” when you turn off the system.
SSDs (solid state drives) perform the same basic functions as a hard drive, but data is stored on interconnected flash-memory chips. They retain data despite being powered. Micron Technology, Inc. states “Because there are lots of small, moving parts inside your hard drive — magnetic heads, spindles, and spinning platters — it’s easy for things to go wrong and you could lose your important data. Without moving parts, SSDs are more durable, run cooler and use less energy.” (Excerpt from www.crucial.com, “The Benefits of Solid State Drives.”)
Advantages and Disadvantages of SSDs and HDDs
There is an easy way to narrow down some key advantages or disadvantages of these devices. A few advantages of each device include:
- SSD
- Access programs and files instantly
- Better multitasking with quieter operation and system cooling
- More reliable since there are less parts to break
- HDD
- Cost-effective
- More storage
A few disadvantages include:
- SSD
- Hard to find large-capacity solid state drives
- Holds up to roughly 1 TB
- HDD
- Slow data retrieval
- Mechanical parts can skip or fail if dropped
- Use more energy due to weight of HDD
SSD Data Destruction (“Shredding”)
Whether it’s on active or retired technology, your data is always on the line. The consequences of a data breach are too critical to overlook.
SSDs have become the preferred standard for data storage, as they are much faster and less vulnerable than traditional HDDs. But the same qualities that make them superior are also challenges during the data destruction process. SSDs do not always respond to typical data erasure methods that use overwrites, magnets or shredders.
EPC’s SSD sanitization process includes a multi-phase, proprietary approach, using all available security protocols supported by SSDs. Additionally, we have custom-built disintegrators designed to turn SSDs into the legal minimum particle size, essentially turning your data into dust.
Both of these options can be performed at your facility so your data never leaves your custody.
As an industry leader, EPC is committed to properly shredding SSD devices. EPC’s revolutionary SSD disintegration technology is specifically designed to destroy circuitry-based storage and will significantly reduce data breach risks, identity theft and financial liabilities.
“With the expanded use of SSDs in the marketplace, our team predicted the need for more advanced shredding capabilities on end-of-use storage devices,” said Dan Fuller, president of EPC. “There is a common misconception that simply shredding SSDs in the same fashion as HDDs is acceptable. The truth is, it’s not. Chips from SSDs can easily fall through the cracks on standard HDD shredders and that means data is retrievable. Our team developed a solution to ensure that any SSD entering our disintegrator would result in the smallest residual size possible.”
Avoid being the center of yet another data breach headline by choosing a premium ITAD provider that is highly experienced, certified and reputable. EPC goes to great lengths to ensure your data is protected. Every step of our process is secure, certified and performed by highly-skilled professionals. You can rest assured knowing that your data is safe with EPC.
Watch and learn more about the differences between SSD and HDD technology and how EPC’s disintegrator turns data into dust.
Source:
“The Benefits of an SSD”
https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-ssd/the-benefits-of-an-ssd