Fusion Drive Versus SSD: The Main Differences
Summary: Many Mac users are unfamiliar with the concept of Fusion Drive. How is it different from SSD? Will this storage option meet your needs? In this article, we will analyze the main differences between Fusion Drive vs. SSD and help you make the right choice.
Choosing between various types of storage options can become a dreadful ordeal for a new Mac user. If MacBook Air users’ options are limited to 125GB or 256GB models, those who decide to acquire an iMac or MacPro can decide on storage capacity and the type of drive. Though most users have a general idea of what HDD is, they typically know little about such storage models as Fusion Drive and SSD. So, let’s compare Fusion Drive vs. SSD, investigate the main differences between each technology, and check their possible pros and cons.
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What is Fusion Drive?
Fusion Drive is a hybrid storage model which consists of two different drives: Serial ATA and solid-state drive. In other words, it is a combination of a traditional hard disk drive and a flash drive.
The technology was first launched by Apple in 2012 and stayed available for the Mac mini and iMac series until the 27-inch iMac with Retina display was released in 2020.
Fusion Drive demonstrates two key advantages over conventional hard disk drives: speed and storage capacity. With the help of advanced algorithms, it determines frequently used files and places them on SSD for faster access. Meanwhile, data that is used less often is moved to a hard drive. Moreover, Fusion Drive reacts to a user’s file access pattern. If you stop frequently accessing the files located on SSD, they are automatically moved to HDD part of the drive and vice versa. Such dynamic modifications result in a faster boot-up time and overall faster performance compared to a regular HDD.
What is SSD?
SSD, a solid-state drive, is a newer technology that replaced a traditional hard drive. The innovation at the heart of SSD is the absence of moving and spinning parts in a regular hard drive. It reads and writes data to a set of interconnected memory chips. That makes SSDs less prone to mechanical issues. They are also lightweight, quiet, and energy-efficient, making them a great fit for portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
Fusion Drive vs. SSD
Now, let’s check the parameters to consider when choosing between these storage options.
I. Speed
The key difference between Fusion Drive and SSD is the performance speed. Though Fusion Drive uses SSD to load frequently accessed files, which makes the overall speed of the drive faster than that of a traditional hard drive, it still cannot match the performance level of a pure SSD. Depending on the type, SSD speed starts at 320MB/s, while for a Fusion Drive, it varies from 300MB/s for its flash drive components and 80-120MB/s for the hard disk parts. Such a considerable difference in speed makes SSD ideal for processes requiring quick data access, for example, gaming or video editing.
II. Storage Capacity
One more thing to consider comparing Fusion Drive vs. SSD is the storage capacity each drive offers. Fusion Drive has a noticeably larger storage capacity and a lower cost per gigabyte. Thus, the maximum capacity a Fusion Drive can offer is 3TB of a hard disk drive and 128GB of a solid-state drive. On the other hand, though SSD’s capacity can be as large as 16TB, typical consumer capacities are 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. However, SSD’s capacity problem can be resolved by installing an additional external HDD. All things considered, Fusion Drive is a perfect solution for users who need to store large quantities of data and cannot afford additional expenses related to SSD.
III. Reliability
Another characteristic worth paying attention to is the reliability of the storage options. Because SSDs lack moving parts, so they are less likely to experience failure due to mechanical issues. They also are more shock-resistant and tolerate heat better. By contrast, Fusion Drive contains moving elements that can wear out and break over time. That means solid-state drives are a better option for critical situations when data loss is not desirable.
IV. Noise
Even though Fusion Drive is much quieter than hard disk drives, the amount of noise it generates is far from ideal. SSD, however, benefits from the absence of any moving elements and, as a result, doesn’t produce any audible noise.
V. Cost
When it comes to money, SSD’s price is one major drawback of the technology. Solid-state drives are noticeably more expensive than classical hard disk drive storage and Fusion Drives. However, if you require a top level of reliability for storing your data, the extra expenses for SSD can become worth the money. In addition, there is a tendency for a decrease in prices for SSD, which makes this storage option more widely spread.
Conclusion
So, what is better? Fusion Drive or SSD? There is no right answer. SSD seems to be a better choice in almost any category. It offers a better performance speed, a higher degree of reliability and less noise. However, the price of SSD and limited storage capacity may become an issue for some users.
To make an optimal decision, consider what you use your computer for. Fusion Drive can be a better fit if you mostly perform basic tasks such as searching the web or working with docs and you are on a budget. If you utilize your machine for more complex activities, you should stick to SSD as it is more likely to meet your performance demands.
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