SSHD VS SSD: Comparison, Definition, & What Device To Choose!
SSHD versus SSD comparison and defining how they operate. What is SSHD and how it works compared to SSD. Which is better choice? This guide will help!
Your operating system is toast and now your hdd broke and you have no clue what type of device you where using. The last thing you know is you had an SSD in there… or was it a solid-state hybrid?!
So are you going for SSHD or SSD data recovery service?
It will be easier if you can familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of each one. So to help you narrow down your options read this article first!
Having a hard time understanding the difference between a solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD) and a solid-state drive (SSD) is very common. In order to choose one that can address your specific needs, you’ll need to learn some important factors about each type.
Learn more about SSHD and SSD, and then you can decide for yourself which one is better, SSHD vs SSD. What would be the best storage device for your computer?
Further Reading: How To Check SSD Health Guide
What is Solid-State Hybrid Drive?

The Solid-State Hybrid Drives (SSHD) is a common hard disk with a small amount of SSD built on it but has identical storage capacity. SSHD uses NAND; it’s a type of flash memory named after the NAND logic gate. SSHD was initially known as Hybrid Hard Drives.
It refers to a combination of the old traditional hard disk drives and the new Solid-State Drive technologies. The SSHD has been recognized as highly effective and efficient.
The SSHD technology mixes the small amount of solid-state memory in the core architecture of the HDD to create remarkable benefits. The purpose of the SSD in a hybrid HDD is to act as a cache for the data stored on the HDD. It makes the operating system work smoother!
It helps to improve the overall performance of your operating system by keeping copies of the most frequently used data on the much faster Solid State storage built.
How Does the Solid-State Hybrid Drive Work?

SSHD use a small volume of high-performance NAND flash memory. It can save the most frequently used data through the help of flash memory. You can gain access to the files quickly because it has an SSD portion in the drive which is 8 GB in size.
SSHD has a memory manager in the hard drive. This memory manager can identify which data and files are used most frequently. They will then be stored into the flash memory. In that way, you can easily access those files because the system will know all your frequently used data and files.
Better performance overall, but…
Common Advantages of Solid-state Hybrid DriveS
- Solid-State Hybrid Drives are very reliable to use because of its high speed and large space.
- SSHD performans spins and moves less.
- You can access most used files without difficulty.
- Solid-State Hybrid Drives last much longer.
- Solid-State Hybrid Drives are affordable. You can stay with your budget in buying one.
Common Disadvantages of Solid-state Hybrid Drives
- The portion of the HDD in SSHD drives is made up of fragile materials. There is a possibility of issues like SSD not showing up and damaging it once the Solid-State Hybrid Drives are exposed or dropped.
- The entire SSHD will fail if either part of it stops working. It's a huge downside of an SSHD performance.
What is Solid-State Drive?

The Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a type of mass storage device like a hard disk drive (HDD) with same storage capacity. It supports read and write the data. An SSD also maintains stored data in a permanent state even without power, hence it offers better overall performance. Internal SSD’s connect to a computer like any traditional hard drive, using standard IDE or SATA connections.
What is SSD storage?
Solid-state storage offers the same function as hard drive but their internal components are much different. It uses storage similar to SD cards or USB. SSD’s uses flash storage, but on a larger scale. SSD and SSHD performance is also much faster than HDDs.
How Does the Solid-State Drive Work?

The SSD controller does all the operations of reading and writing. This controller serves as a processor. SSD drives use “flash memory” as RAM but it doesn’t clear the memory when power is down. The memory chips remains stored in it.
There is no chance of data overwriting in SSD since it only writes if any blank page is unfilled, otherwise, it does not write in an already written page. It uses a grid of electrical cells to rapidly receive and send the data. These grids are divided by pages. The pages serve as the location where the data is stored.
SSD offers the same function as a traditional hard drives but their internal components are much different. It uses storage similar to SD cards or USB flash drives. SSD’s use flash storage, but on a larger scale. They are also much faster than HDDs.
Checkout this How do Solid State Drive Works guide to learn more.
Common Disadvantages of Solid-State Drive
- Solid-State Drives are reliable and durable because they have no moving parts; the chances of failure are decreased.
- No data is overwritten in Solid-State Drive.
- Solid-State Drive consumes less power.
- Solid-State Drive has no noise while operational.
Common Disadvantages of SSD vs SSHD
- Solid-State Drive is more expensive than other HDD.
- Solid-State Drive has less and limited memory space.
- Solid-State Drive is hard to find in the market because it is more uncommon.
- Solid-State Drive flash memory can only be used for a limited number of writes. It has a shorter life.
SSHD and SSD Lifespans

You may have heard the saying, “nothing lasts forever.” Unfortunately, that is true. It doesn’t matter if it’s SSD vs SSHD all hard drives have limited lifespans.
Any traditional hard drives HDD, SSD and SSHD and it’s moving parts in active use is prone to failure. If you are lucky, you will have already upgraded when this occurs. Hard drives can last anywhere from months to several years.
SSHD and SSD Failure and Recovery

Always remember that all hard drive and storage devices, whether it’s an SSHD or SSD, are prone to failure. To avoid losing important data, you can back up your information with a solid SSHD with higher amount of storage capacity.
This will keep you from having to recover your data in case of failure. TTR Data Recovery can help you to recover data from any type of HDD.
ABOUT TTR Dat REcovery

The TTR Data Recovery is one of the most trusted leaders in hard drive data recovery. We are experts in identifying data retrieval problems and developing solutions to solve them. Our priority is to give 100 % satisfaction to every customer.
TTR Data Recovery certifications are proof that we are able to provide quality HDD data recovery service. Our people are always ready and prepared to serve you.

About the AuthorTommy Khamoushi, Data Recovery Expert
Tommy Khamoushi is an IACRB-certified Data Recovery Engineer and a Certified Forensic Computer Investigator. He has more than 20 years of experience in data recovery including providing technical support for the House of Representatives.
Tommy leads a team of data recovery engineers and experts at TTR Data Recovery to recover highly sensitive data for government agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and enterprise businesses using advanced and proprietary techniques and processes.
Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn.
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