HDD
Spinning data platters
HDD stands for hard disk drive, a data storage device that uses spinning magnetic platters to read and write information.
HDDs were the dominant form of computer storage for decades before solid-state drives (SSDs) began replacing them: The old laptop has a 500GB HDD.
HDDs remain common for bulk storage where speed matters less than capacity. (Lowercase hdd is informal shorthand.)
Large flat serving dish
- actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- sectorDistinct division of whole
track · cylinder · cache · buffer · PCB · arm · magnet · bearing
Turns in sixty seconds
- seek timeDelay moving read head
- latencyDelay in system response
- access timeDuration to retrieve data
- noiseUnwanted auditory disturbance
Maximum amount containable
- gigabyteData storage unit
- terabyteTrillion-byte measure
- megabyteData capacity measure
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
volume · backup · archive · data · files · documents · records · allocation
Serial disk interface
- IDEUnified coding software suite
- SCSIParallel peripheral interface standard
- SASThree-letter acronym, multiple meanings
- USBDevice connection standard
connector · cable · port · throughput · transfer rate · bandwidth · controller · bridge
Chip-based storage device
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
- operating systemSoftware managing computer resources
Sudden violent impact
- clickingMaking short sharp sounds
- degradationDecline in condition
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
mechanical failure · overheating · lifespan · wear · failure rate
platter
Large flat serving dish
- actuatorDevice producing controlled motion
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
sector · track · cylinder · cache · buffer · PCB · arm · magnet · bearing · servo
RPM
Turns in sixty seconds
- seek timeDelay moving read head
- latencyDelay in system response
- access timeDuration to retrieve data
capacity
Maximum amount containable
partition · volume · backup · archive · data · files · documents · records · allocation · formatting
SATA
Serial disk interface
- IDEUnified coding software suite
- SCSIParallel peripheral interface standard
- SASThree-letter acronym, multiple meanings
USB · connector · cable · port · throughput · transfer rate · bandwidth · controller · bridge · adapter
SSD
Chip-based storage device
- RAMTemporary data storage hardware
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
operating system · RAID · NAS · server · laptop · desktop · BIOS
crash
Sudden violent impact
- clickingMaking short sharp sounds
- degradationDecline in condition
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
corruption · mechanical failure · overheating · lifespan · wear · failure rate
- storage mediablank CD, blank tape, CD, DVD, floppy disk
- Tech AcronymsCPU, RAM, ROM, URL, HTML
- PC PartsCPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, power supply
- Tech SpecsRAM, bandwidth, CPU, storage, GPU
- disk drivesSSD, solid state drive, solid-state drive, floppy drive, optical drive
- Server Hardwarededicated server, server rack, motherboard, CPU, RAM
HDDSSD
Chip-based storage device
solid-state drive · flash drive · USB flash drive · SD card · memory card
HDDRAM
Temporary data storage hardware
volatile memory · DRAM · cache memory · SRAM · working memory