Is a Solid-state Drive More Reliable than a Platter Drive?

Reliability of a SSD vs platter hard drive?

Reliability of a SSD vs platter hard drive?

That’s a very good question. In fact, it’s one that we are hearing more often here at The Data Rescue Center. Folks are beginning to ask our recovery engineers about reliability when they contract our data recovery services.
While it’s a good question, it’s one that is not that easy to answer. To begin with, we need to determine what reliability is not.
• SSDs are much faster than standard drives. There’s no questioning that fact. However, speed does not equal reliability.
• SSDs can withstand shock better because they have no moving parts. However, that points to ruggedness, not necessarily reliability.
SSDs are relatively new components. Reports from manufacturers and hard drive data recovery services don’t always provide enough real reliability data. Additionally, not everyone defines a failure in the same way. Once SSDs are around longer, the stats will be better indicators.
SSD recovery can be more complex and requires specialized equipment. Recovering data from a burned-out chip is much different from recovery data from a magnetic platter.
While the SSDs handle bumps and bruises better, they are still prone to logical failure of the operating system. Power surges, floods and other forms of physical threats can still damage them.
The electronic nature of the drive is still susceptible to damage and manufacturing defects, just like memory cards and flash media.
Are they more reliable? It does look to be the case, however you should always back up your data, no matter what drive you use. That’s always a good computing practice.

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Jennifer Bell

Marketing Manager at The Data Rescue Center
Jennifer is the Marketing Manager for Prosoft Engineering, Inc. and The Data Rescue Center (Award-Winning Data Recovery Service). She handles both Prosoft and The Data Rescue Center's marketing, advertising as well as all social media channels. Jennifer also handles all media relations and product reviews for our award-winning products. Jennifer began working in high tech in 1996 at UMAX Computers when the first Mac clones were released. Since that time she has worked for Integrated Micro Solutions, BMC Software, WildPackets, T-Mobile and has been with Prosoft since 2004.