All gamers agree that lag and frame rate drops are two of the most annoying issues that arise while playing video games. While there’s no cure-all solution to this problem, using a solid state drive (SSD) can significantly improve your gaming experience.
An SSD can reduce load times and increase performance in some video games since, it can read and write data faster than traditional hard disk drives do. This reducess the time the processor takes to access and load game data. It won’t fix or improve lag caused by the network connection.
An SSD will help you enjoy more consistent frame rates and faster loading times. But how does it compare to a hard disk drive (HDD), and which one should you use for your computer? Let’s take a closer look at both.
What Is an SSD?
A solid-state drive (SSD) like this one from Samsung (on Amazon) is basically a type of computer storage device. But unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs use non-volatile memory to store persistent data.
They don’t have moving parts like spinning disks, making them faster and more reliable than their traditional counterparts.
HDDs are the traditional hard drives that we see on most computers. They use spinning disks to store data, making them slower than SSDs. This can cause an issue in video games, where stuttering or lag can occur due to the slow read/write speeds.
When they were fairly new, SSDs came with a hefty price tag and limited storage capacity. Today, however, they’re much more affordable and have larger capacities, two qualities that make them an attractive option for gamers.
How Does an SSD Work?
SSDs contain interconnected flash memory chips known as negative-AND (NAND) cells that they use to store data. They then use an electronic controller to read and write this data. The controller manages the data flow between the NAND cells and the user’s system.
The controller-NAND flash memory chip combination enables SSDs to store and access data more quickly than traditional hard drives.
The NAND chips are also non-volatile, which means they can retain data without using power. This makes them ideal for applications such as laptops and tablets, where battery life is important.
Can an SSD Reduce Lag in Gaming?
Yes, SSDs can significantly reduce lag in gaming. How so? They’re able to read and write data faster, reducing the time the processor needs to access and load game data. The result is an improved gaming experience.
Compared to a traditional hard drive, an SSD can typically load a game up to 10-20 times faster. This is helpful in two ways: First, it reduces the time it takes to load the game; and second, it reduces the number of lag spikes and frame rate drops that occur during gameplay.
SSDs are also more durable and reliable than HDDs. As a gamer, you can trust that your game data will be safe for a long period.
SSDs vs. HDDs
There are many differences between SSDs and HDDs, but the major one is the type of memory used to store data. HDDs are a relatively old technology that has been around for decades. As mentioned earlier, they use magnetic heads and spinning platters to store data.
On the other hand, SSDs, the newer technology, use NAND flash memory chips. Since SSDs don’t have any moving parts, they’re typically more reliable and durable than HDDs. In addition, they’re lighter, slimmer, and last longer. Their lack of moving components also makes them quieter.
In terms of performance, SSDs are much faster than HDDs. They don’t need to wait for the platters to spin up so they can access data. Instead, they do so immediately. This makes them ideal for booting up your computer, opening applications, and loading large files quickly.
When it comes to cost, HDDs are slightly cheaper than SSDs, although the difference isn’t huge. HDDs are far from obsolete and are still used in many laptops and desktop computers.
That said, the cost of SSDs has come down drastically in recent years, and they’re now more affordable than ever before.
How Much Does an SSD Cost?
The cost of an SSD will vary depending on its brand and capacity. Generally, you can expect to pay around $50 for a 500GB drive and twice as much for a 1TB drive. This is slightly more than an HDD of the same capacity, but the advantage is that you get much faster performance and reliability in the long run.
SSDs were expensive back when they were launched, but their prices have dropped immensely ever since. You can now get an SSD and an HDD at the same price. But again, it will depend on the brand and quality.
Ultimately, choosing between an SSD and an HDD depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose an SSD if:
- You need faster performance
- You’re looking for something that will last a while
- You mainly use your computer for gaming or video editing
An HDD is an excellent option if:
- The price is your primary concern
- You mostly use your computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the internet or word processing
- You need a large capacity drive but don’t need the extra performance
In summary, SSDs offer faster speeds and better durability than HDDs, but they cost more. On the other hand, HDDs are cheaper and offer larger storage capacities but don’t provide the same performance.
SSD Is the Choice for Gaming
Advanced technology makes the world a better place. Gamers can now load games 50% faster, thanks in large part to the performance and incredible speeds of SSDs.
You get more speed, faster loading, less noise, and the ability to go back to playing your favorite game in no time. Plus, your SSD can last you longer than an HDD. Isn’t it wonderful?
However, it’s important to note that an SSD isn’t a guaranteed solution for lag problems. If you’re experiencing excessive lags, it could be due to several other issues, such as insufficient RAM or an outdated graphics card. Seek professional advice for a proper diagnosis.