Solid State Drives

Solid state drives (SSDs) are storage devices that use memory chips to record data. They perform the same function as a hard disk, only much faster. There are two main categories of SSD available. Internal drives fit inside a desktop or laptop computer's case and enhance onboard storage capacity. Most external SSDs plug into a USB port. Use them to transfer data between computers or back up critical files. Browse the data storage products available at Staples® and find a solid state drive that matches your home or business storage needs.

Enjoy Fast Access and Reliable Storage With Solid State Drives
Unlike traditional hard disks, which use spinning platters and mechanical read/write heads to access data, SSDs have no moving parts. Many products can carry out up to 100,000 read/write operations per second, and transfer data at speeds of up to 550 megabytes per second. These fast data transfer rates reduce system and application startup times and provide near-instantaneous access to stored files. Storing data on memory chips and eliminating moving parts also enhances reliability. Many SSDs can withstand impacts of up to 1,500 gravities and operate at temperatures between 32 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solid State Drives Are a Secure Storage Solution
Protecting data requires more than reliability. Many SSDs provide hardware AES encryption. This technology stores data in a format that's unreadable without a password. Some drives also support the Opal Storage Specification, which helps ensure interoperability between devices. Choose SSDs with advanced security features, keypad locks, data-destruction mechanisms, and epoxy-sealed components, to protect critical data.

What Type of Connectors Do Solid State Drives Use?
Most external SSDs have USB connectors that offer plug-and-play compatibility with many devices. Select products have Thunderbolt plugs compatible with Apple® devices. Most internal drives use industry standard SATA 3.0 connectors that work with almost all computer motherboards. Some SSDs have mSATA or M.2 SATA connectors. These devices are smaller than SATA drives and are ideal for adding storage to laptop computers.

Are Solid State Drives Better Than Hard Disks?
Both these devices perform the same function: they store data. SSDs are faster than hard disks. They are also quieter, produce less heat, and use less power. However, hard drives do cost less per gigabyte of storage. Solid state drives are an excellent choice for operating system installations or storing frequently accessed files, while hard disks are a good bulk storage solution.

How Big Are Solid State Drives?
Most SSDs have capacities between 128GB and 1TB, but a few higher capacity drives, up to 4TB, are available. Install an operating system on a small drive to boost system performance, use a mid-sized drive to store critical files, or make the switch to solid state storage with a high-capacity drive.

Are Solid State Drives Easy to Install?
Most internal SSDs fit in a standard drive bay or plug into a PCI card slot. Anyone that can identify connectors and cables, use a screwdriver, and understand static protection procedures can probably install an internal drive. External SSDs are even easier to use. Just plug in the USB connector and let the operating system find the drive.