3.3 Hard Disk Drive Flashcards
What are the common sizes of HDDs?
2.5-inch (laptops), 3.5-inch (desktops), and 5.25-inch (optical drives).
How is data stored on an HDD?
Data is stored on metal/glass platters with a magnetic coating, accessed by a read/write head.
What determines an HDD’s performance?
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and buffer size (cache).
What RPM speeds are typical for HDDs?
5400 RPM (budget), 7200 RPM (standard), 10,000+ RPM (high-performance), and 15,000 RPM (rare).
What are tracks and sectors on an HDD?
Tracks are circular data paths; sectors are chunks of data (typically 512 bytes each).
What are the standard SATA speeds?
SATA 1: 1.5 Gbps, SATA 2: 3 Gbps, SATA 3: 6 Gbps.
What are the advantages of HDDs?
Large storage capacities, lower cost per GB, ideal for bulk data storage.
What are the disadvantages of HDDs?
Slower performance, mechanical failure risks, and noise from moving parts.
What are the advantages of SSDs compared to HDDs?
Faster data access, no moving parts (more durable), and quieter operation.
Why do many systems combine SSDs and HDDs?
SSDs provide speed for OS and applications, while HDDs offer cost-effective bulk storage.
What buffer size is ideal for high-performance HDDs?
Larger buffers (e.g., 256 MB) improve speed and performance.
What is the role of RPM in HDD performance?
Higher RPM results in faster data access and improved overall performance.
What are IDE/PATA and SCSI used for in HDDs?
Legacy connections for older systems, slower than SATA.
What are hybrid systems?
Systems using both SSDs (for speed) and HDDs (for capacity) to optimize performance and storage.
What should you consider when choosing an HDD?
RPM, buffer size, interface type (SATA/IDE), and storage capacity.
How does mechanical failure affect HDDs?
Moving parts wear over time, increasing the risk of failure and data loss.
Why are 15,000 RPM HDDs rare today?
They are costly and have largely been replaced by faster, more durable SSDs.
What is the primary use case for HDDs today?
Bulk data storage like videos, backups, and large media libraries.
What are the typical use cases for 7200 RPM HDDs?
General-purpose computing and standard performance tasks.
Why are SSDs better for OS installation than HDDs?
They provide significantly faster boot times and application load speeds.
