Memory & StorageComparison
Complete Comparison: HDD vs SSD vs Optical
Part of Secondary Storage — GCSE Computer Science
This comparison covers Complete Comparison: HDD vs SSD vs Optical within Secondary Storage for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Secondary Storage in Memory & Storage for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 10 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 10
Practice
15 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
Complete Comparison: HDD vs SSD vs Optical
| Aspect | HDD (Magnetic) | SSD (Solid State) | Optical (CD/DVD/BD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow (100-200 MB/s) | Very fast (500-7000 MB/s) | Very slow (1-8 MB/s) |
| Capacity | High (1-20 TB) | Medium (256GB-4TB typical) | Low (700MB-100GB) |
| Cost per GB | Cheapest (£0.02-0.03) | Expensive (£0.10-0.15) | Cheap per disc but low capacity |
| Durability | Fragile - moving parts | Durable - no moving parts | Fragile - can scratch |
| Power Use | High (5-10W active) | Low (2-4W active) | Moderate (drive needs power) |
| Noise | Noisy (spinning, seeking) | Silent | Moderate (spinning) |
| Portability | Moderate (needs protection) | High (shock-resistant) | Very high (lightweight, no power) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years typical | 5-10 years (limited writes) | 10-25 years if stored well |
| Best For | Bulk storage, backups | OS, apps, speed-critical tasks | Distribution, archives |