While SSDs offer several advantages over HDDs, such as faster performance and lower power consumption, HDDs have cost-saving benefits that make them appealing for certain use cases. Here are some of the cost-saving benefits of using HDDs over SSDs:
1. Cost per Gigabyte: HDDs are generally cheaper per gigabyte compared to SSDs, making them ideal for storing large amounts of data. This is particularly beneficial in data centers where massive storage capacity is required at a lower cost per terabyte[2][4].
2. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Despite SSDs having lower power consumption, HDDs often provide a better TCO for many cloud workloads due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability. This is supported by the fact that over 90% of data in cloud data centers is stored on HDDs[2].
3. Capacity and Scalability: HDDs can offer larger storage capacities than SSDs, with sizes reaching up to 20 TB, making them suitable for applications requiring vast storage without the need for high-speed access[3][4].
4. Long-term Storage Needs: For users who prioritize long-term storage over speed, HDDs are more cost-effective. They are well-suited for archiving data or storing large files that do not require frequent access[5][6].
However, it's important to note that while HDDs are cost-effective for storage, SSDs offer significant performance benefits that can enhance productivity and reduce operational costs in environments where speed is crucial[1][3].
Citations:
[1] https://superuser.com/questions/589709/power-consumption-ssd-vs-hdd
[2] https://www.seagate.com/blog/how-do-hdds-and-ssds-store-data/
[3] https://www.solidigm.com/products/technology/ssd-vs-hdd-which-is-best-for-you.html
[4] https://www.securedatarecovery.com/blog/pros-cons-hard-drive-vs-solid-state-drive
[5] https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/ssd-vs-hdd
[6] https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-ssd/ssd-vs-hdd
[7] https://unixsurplus.com/hard-drives/ssd-vs-hdd-a-cost-benefit-analysis/
[8] https://www.solved.scality.com/high-density-power-consumption-hdd-vs-qlc-flash/