Understanding Different Internal Computer Storage Types

Computers rely on storage, a core hardware component for retrieving and saving data such as software, documents, videos, photos and such. As technology advances with the boom in IoT and innovation for higher quality data, the demand for different types of storage heightens. There are a few types of computer storage that are commonly used: hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state disk drives (SSDs), and embedded multimedia cards (eMMCs). In this article, we will explore the intricacies of these storage types and better understand which will best accommodate a users’ requirements.

HDDs: Hard Disk Drives

 
Hard disk drives (HDDs) are traditional storage devices that use magnetic platters and an actuator arm to read and write data; a similar concept to CDs and DVDs. In terms of performance and speed, it utilizes the SATA interface and is dependent on the RPM (revolutions per minute) of the platter to read and write data. Although a legacy technology in the technological world, HDDs are an extremely cost-effective storage solution with a lower cost per gigabyte.  

Pros

• Capacity: HDDs can offer massive storage, often up to 20TB or more 
• Cost: They are generally the most cost-effective storage solution per gigabyte 

Cons

• Slower performance compared to SSDs
• Prone to mechanical failures due to moving parts 

SSDs: Solid-State Drives

 
Solid-state drives represent the current gold standard in storage technology, using flash memory chips to deliver exceptional speed and reliability. With no moving parts, SSDs offer remarkable advantages in daily use. While HDDs use rotational storage similar to CDs and DVDs, SSDs access data instantly through electronic memory chips, much like an MP3 player. Their near-instant data access dramatically improves boot times and program loading, while their durability makes them perfect for mobile and portable devices. SSDs also consume significantly less power than traditional drives and come in compact form factors. While SSDs may have a higher price per gigabyte, their performance to value ratio justify the investment as primary internal computer storage drives. 

Pros

• Performance: Utilizes NAND flash memory for instantaneous data retrieval 
• Speed: Average to high read/write speeds (up to 550 MB/s with SATA or 7,500 MB/s with NVMe) 
• Durability: Does not comprise of any moving components 
• Innovation: Widely adopted with various form factors, storage technologies, and ease of accessibility  

Cons

• Higher cost per gigabyte compared to HDDs 
• Limited write endurance (though not a concern for most users) 

Types of SSD Form Factors 

SSDs have become an increasingly popular type of internal computer storage due to their agnostic design architecture using flash memory. This led to different kinds of SSDs that utilize different interfaces to transfer and store data.  

2.5" SSD

2.5" SSD is the common type of SSD. These drives use the SATA interface with data transfer speeds up to 550MB/s and require a dedicated power cable to be utilized. 2.5” SSDs are extremely versatile as they are easily portable and even be retrofitted into hot-swappable drive bays for convenient data swapping/offloading.

M.2 SSD

M.2 SSD follows a compact, gum stick-sized form factor that connects directly into a dedicated M.2 slot on the motherboard. By leveraging the PCIe interface and no longer limited by the bandwidth of cables, M.2 SSDs can achieve significantly faster speeds up to 7,500 MB/s. If you want to dive deeper into the different types of M.2 slots and its capabilities outside of internal computer storage, visit our technical article here. 

mSATA SSD

mSATA SSD utilizes the micro-SATA (mSATA) interface that connects directly onto the motherboard, similarly to the M.2 slot. Due to the advancements in M.2, mSATA is becoming a legacy interface as M.2 has clearer advantages and less limitations than mSATA. 

U.2 SSD

U.2 SSD is a high-performance 2.5” SSD form factor that connects directly to the PCIe bus rather than SATA; providing speeds up to 4,000 MB/s. It shares agnostic characteristics and are primarily used in enterprise storage arrays for datacenters and servers.

eMMC: Embedded Multimedia Chip

 
eMMC storage offers an integrated solution by combining flash memory and a controller directly on the motherboard. This design creates an extremely space-efficient and power-optimized storage solution, ideal for portable applications. While being soldered to the motherboard means no upgrade potential, eMMC provides a cost-effective solution for devices with predetermined storage needs.

Pros

• Durability: Soldered onto the motherboard with no moving components, utilized in mobile applications 
• Efficiency: Consumes minimal power and generates little to no heat 
• Cost: Lower cost per gigabyte than SSDs  

Cons 

• Fixed storage capacity 
• Lower speed and performance than SSDs 

Comparing HDD vs eMMC vs SATA SSD vs NVMe SSD

NVMe vs. SATA: Which is Right for You?

 
There are a few considerations to take when selecting between NVMe and SATA. Although NVMe may have triple the amount of performance and speed than SATA, SATA is considered a standard speed that can save and retrieve data in a timely manner. For everyday usage such as loading or saving documents, photos and videos, SATA is suitable as these applications are not demanding and files are not demanding. Where NVMe shines is when large amounts of data are required to transfer in quick succession. Loading resource-intensive applications or processing high-fidelity camera feeds with NVMe will prevent performance bottlenecks. 

Learn more about NVMe vs SATA Computer Storage Technologies >> 

RAID Configurations for Enhanced Performance and Redundancy 

What is RAID? 

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method that leverages multiple storage drives for data redundancy and reliability. By distributing data across multiple drives using specific protocols, RAID systems can protect against drive failures, improve read/write speeds, or achieve both simultaneously. The choice of RAID configuration dependent on specific requirements for performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency. 

Common RAID Levels 

• RAID 0: Stripes data across drives for faster performance but without redundancy 
• RAID 1: Mirrors data for redundancy, safeguarding against drive failures 
• RAID 5: Combines striping and parity for a balance of speed and redundancy 

Explore more about Software vs Hardware RAID >> 

How to choose the right internal computer storage? 

Motherboard Compatibility 

Before investing in storage hardware, verify your motherboard's specifications. Key considerations include available ports and maximum drive support. For example, pairing a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD with a motherboard limited to PCIe Gen 3 will result in unused performance potential, as the drive will operate at the lower Gen 3 speeds 

Size & Space Constraints  

Physical space limitations can dictate your storage options, particularly in compact builds. In ultra-small form factor systems, traditional 2.5" SSDs or 3.5" HDDs may be impractical, making M.2 SSDs the only viable solution due to their minimal footprint. 

Durability 

While HDDs offer cost-effective storage, their mechanical nature—rotating platters and moving read/write heads—makes them vulnerable to physical shock and vibration. In contrast, solid-state solutions like SSDs and eMMC storage contain no moving parts, offering improved reliability for portable systems and mobile environments. 

Data Transfer Speeds 

SATA interfaces provide sufficient speeds for everyday computing tasks, from basic file operations to general workflow requirements. However, data-intensive applications—such as high-definition video streaming or large dataset processing—benefit from NVMe's significantly higher throughput and reduced latency, effectively eliminating storage bottlenecks. 

Cost  

While premium storage solutions offer impressive performance metrics, budget constraints often influence final decisions, especially in large-scale deployments. SATA SSDs typically offer an optimal balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for most applications, delivering significant speed improvements over HDDs without the premium price of NVMe drives.

How is each internal computer storage type used in industrial and embedded applications?

Solid-State Drives: SSDs are the preferred choice for most industrial and embedded systems due to their impeccable balance in performance, durability, and flexibility. With no moving components, SSDs are able to withstand frequent shock and vibration in varying edge deployments.  

This type of computer storage is compatible with both SATA and NVMe interfaces, providing configurable read and write speeds, and making them ideal for real-time data processing. Additionally, SSDs are very flexible with various form factors (M.2, mSATA, and M.2) and seamless integration into hot-swappable drive bays to seamlessly integrate into varying system designs. Industrial computers like Premio’s RCO Series, x86 super-rugged industrial computers, provide both internal and hot-swappable SSD drive bays for convenient data offloading and data redundancy with RAID.  

Embedded Multimedia Cards: eMMC storage is compact and soldered directly onto the motherboard, providing a cost-effective and space-efficient solution. It is ideal for embedded devices that require moderate storage capacity with reliable performance such as Premio’s JCO Series, powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin SoMs, that utilize a limited eMMC for more cost-effective, large-scale solution developments. 

Hard Disk Drives: HDDs have been phased out of modern embedded systems due to their mechanical nature and susceptibility to shock and vibration, they are still used in some edge server applications where deployment environments are more controlled and cost-effective, high-capacity storage is required. 

FAQs 

Can I use both an HDD and SSD in the same PC? 

Yes, it is possible to use both an HDD and an SSD in the same PC. Many users choose this combination to take advantage of the large storage capacity of HDDs for files and media, while using an SSD to enhance the speed of the operating system and frequently used applications. This setup balances performance and storage space efficiently. 

What is the difference between memory (RAM) and storage? 

Memory (RAM) is used for temporary data storage that the computer accesses quickly while running programs, while storage (like SSDs or HDDs) holds data and files permanently until deleted. RAM is faster but clears when the computer is turned off, whereas storage retains data even when powered down. 

What is the difference between M.2 and NVMe? 

M.2 and NVMe refer to different aspects of SSDs. M.2 is a physical form factor for SSDs that connects directly to a compatible M.2 slot on the motherboard, whereas NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a storage interface protocol that provides fast data transfer speeds. While M.2 describes the shape and connection type, NVMe specifies the way data is read and written, delivering higher performance compared to the older SATA interface. 

Do SSDs last longer than HDDs? 

SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure. However, SSDs have a limited number of write cycles, which can affect their lifespan over time. HDDs, while more prone to physical damage due to their moving components, can last longer for archival purposes where frequent writing isn’t necessary. Both types of drives can offer reliable performance, but their longevity depends on usage and maintenance.