Core Hardware: Lecture 6
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A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores data on spinning magnetic platters. HDDs are usually installed internally in computers and contain one or more spinning platters housed in an air-sealed casing. Data is written to the platters using a magnetic head that moves rapidly over them. HDDs store operating systems, software, and personal files and can range in size from hundreds of megabytes to terabytes. Modern computers often use solid state drives (SSDs) as the primary storage instead of HDDs due to SSDs' faster read/write speeds.
Core Hardware: Lecture 6
- 2. Hard drive • About hard drive
- 3. • A hard disk drive (sometimes abbreviated as a hard drive, HD, or HDD) is a non- volatile data storage device. • It is usually installed internally in a computer. • It contains one or more platters, housed inside of an air-sealed casing. • Data is written to the platters using a magnetic head, which moves rapidly over them as they spin. • Internal hard disks reside in a drive bay, connected to the motherboard using an ATA, SCSI, or SATA cable. They are powered by a connection to the computer's PSU (power supply unit). • Examples of data stored on a computer's hard drive include the operating system, installed software, and the user's personal files.
- 4. • Can a computer work without a hard drive? • yes
- 5. • Hard drives in modern computers • Modern computers often use an SSD (solid-state drive) as the primary storage device, instead of an HDD. • HDDs are slower than SSDs when reading and writing data, but offer greater storage capacity for the price. • Although an HDD may still be used as a computer's primary storage, it's common for it to be installed as a secondary disk drive. • For example, the primary SSD may contain the operating system and installed software, and a secondary HDD may be used to store documents, downloads, and audio or video files.
- 6. • Where is the hard drive found in a computer? • All primary computer hard drives are found inside a computer case and are attached to the computer motherboard using an ATA, SCSI, or SATA cable. • Hard drives are powered by a connection to the PSU (power supply unit).
- 7. • What is stored on a hard drive? • A hard drive can store any data, including pictures, music, videos, text documents, and any files created or downloaded. Also, hard drives store files for the operating system and software programs that run on the computer.
- 8. • What are the sizes of hard drives? • The hard drive is often capable of storing more data than any other drive, but its size can vary depending on the type of drive and its age. • Older hard drives had a storage size of several hundred MB (megabytes) to several GB (gigabytes). • Newer hard drives have a storage size of several hundred gigabytes to several TB (terabytes). • Each year, new and improved technology allows for increasing hard drive storage sizes.
- 9. • External and internal hard drives • Although most hard drives are internal, there are also stand-alone devices called external hard drives or portable hard drives that backup data on computers and expand the available space. External drives are often stored in an enclosure that helps protect the drive and allows it to interface with the computer, usually over USB, eSATA, or FireWire. An excellent example of an external backup device that supports multiple hard drives is the Drobo.
- 10. • HDD being replaced by SSD • SSDs (solid-state drives) have started to replace HDDs (hard disk drives) because of the distinct performance advantages they have over HDD, including faster access times and lower latency. • While SSDs are becoming popular, HDDs continue to be used in many desktop computers largely due to the value per dollar that HDDs offer over SSDs. However, more and more laptops are beginning to utilize SSD over HDD, helping to improve the reliability and stability of laptops.
- 12. • Inside the hard disk drive following components are found: • Platter: The Platter is the flat aluminum disk which holds all the recorded data. A hard drive can have two or more platters stacked up depending on its storage capacity. To increase the durability, the platters are now a days coated with a magnetically retentive substance like oxide or thin-film. • Spindle and Spindle Motor: A spindle is the rotating shaft that holds the platters. The spindle rotates the platter in speed measured in RPM (revolution per minute), usually at the rate of 3,600 to 7,200 RPM. Spindle Motors are attached directly in the hard drive. Spindle Motor must be noise free and vibrations free for performing read / write operation smoothly. • Actuator Arm: Actuator Arm or Access Arm has the read / write head at the end of the arm. These heads move above the platter and access the data stored in it. The arm doesn’t touch the platter. Two magnets, one above and one below the actuator are located. • Ribbon Cable: With Ribbon Cable the read / write head are attached to the controller board.