Type 1: Magnetic Storage (HDD - Hard Disk Drive)

Type 1: Magnetic Storage (HDD - Hard Disk Drive)

How It Works:

Uses spinning metal platters (discs) coated with magnetic material. A read/write head floats nanometers above the platter surface, reading and writing data by magnetizing tiny regions. Like a high-tech record player that can also record!

Key Components:

• Platters: Metal discs that spin at 5,400-15,000 RPM (revolutions per minute)
• Read/write heads: Electromagnets that magnetize regions to store binary data
• Actuator arm: Moves heads across platter to different tracks
• Spindle motor: Spins the platters at constant speed
• Controller: Manages data transfer between HDD and computer

Advantages:

• Very cheap per GB - best value for large storage (£0.02-0.03 per GB)
• High capacity available - consumer HDDs go up to 20TB+
• Mature technology - reliable and well-understood
• No write cycle limit - can write indefinitely
• Good for bulk storage, backups, archives

Disadvantages:

• Slow compared to SSD (100-200 MB/s typical, 5-10ms access time)
• Has moving parts - fragile, can fail if dropped or shocked
• Mechanical noise (spinning, clicking, seeking sounds)
• Uses more power - generates heat, drains laptop battery faster
• Vulnerable to physical damage, head crashes, wear over time

Best Used For:

• Large file storage (video libraries, photo archives, backups)
• Desktop computers where weight/power don't matter
• Network-attached storage (NAS) for homes and small businesses
• Budget builds where cost per GB is priority