Storage is one of the most important components in a computer or laptop. It stores all the data in a permanent manner. When you request an application, the CPU can process the data after taking it from the storage. It is transferred from storage to the RAM and finally processed for the output. There are two major types of storage- HDD and SSD. The type of storage can differ in different systems. If you are wondering how to check SSD, you can pick any one of the easy ways for doing so.
Types of storage- HDD and SSD
HDD or hard disk drive and SSD or solid state drive are two types of permanent storage in any system. HDD is the older version of storage that can handle large amounts of data. It is relatively cheaper and found in most of the systems due to the low cost. It also has a much larger capacity that makes it a desired choice for storage. If you have many files, applications, programs, images, and videos, you may require a storage with capacity of up to 500GB or 1TB.
HDD contains mechanical parts such as a spinning platter and arm. When the arm moves over the spinning platter or disk, it can extract data as necessary. The involvement of mechanical parts can reduce the processing speed of an HDD. It can also cause delays and slow down due to the mechanical process. But on the other hand, SSDs do not contain any moving parts. It consists of integrated circuits or flash memory chips. When the request is sent, the SDD can transfer all the data at once, thereby ensuring faster speed, secured transfer, and data reliability.
You can find out the type of storage in your system to determine if you need an upgrade. If you notice significant delay while switching from one task to another or notice frequent interruptions due to slow speed, you may require a new SSD. By opting for an SSD with faster speed, you can take advantage of multi-tasking. SSDs can save large volumes of workload and help you with optimum performance.
How to check SSD in Windows
1. By using Windows System Information Tool
This is a useful diagnostic tool that can be used to identify any issues with the hardware. It is a tool built into all the versions of Windows. It also gives basic details about the components. You can go to Run and enter msinfo32. It opens a new window where you can read under the components section. Here, you can select disks.
It opens a new window with details about the disk. You can find information such as manufacturer, model, media type, size, and other features.
2. By using PowerShell (Command line)
Consider this as the quickest and easiest way if you are wondering how to check SSD. You can select Run and enter PowerShell. After opening the PowerShell, you must enter the command ‘PowerShell “Get-PhysicalDisk | Format-Table -AutoSize’. The command shall open details such as number, disk name, serial number, media type, and size.
3. By using Drive Optimizer (Disk Defragmentation tool)
This is another simple and fast method to determine the type of storage. You can open the Drive Optimizer Tool in Windows. It is a tool that can guide you whether you must consider new disk options for saving data. It optimizes the drive automatically. You can also select a schedule for optimization. Here, you can read a list of all the disks in your system. Next to the name of the drive, it mentions the media type such as hard disk drive or solid state drive. This tool is called Drive Optimizer in Windows 8, while it was called Disk Fragmentation tool in the previous versions.
4. By using third party tools
There are many third-party tools that can help you to know details about the disk. It can give information about disk type, total capacity, speed, and available capacity. One of the most common and preferred tools is Speccy. Besides, you can also use HWiNFO and PC Wizard.
5. By using Task Manager
You can open Task Manager where it opens a list of parameters such as processes, performance, app history, startup, users, details, and services. You can select Performance. Here, it shows CPU, memory, disk, GPU, and WiFi. The disk shows the type such as HDD or SSD.
How to check SSD on macOS
Check SSD by using system information
Most of the newer versions of Mac contain SSD. Some versions offer both SSD and HDD. You can check the health or performance of SSD and HDD to determine if you require newer upgrades. In order to check the type of storage, you can go to the System information window.
1. You can select the Apple icon on the top left corner
2. Select the option ‘About this Mac’
3. It opens a window with the general information about the Mac. Here you can select an icon called System Report at the top lower corner. It opens a list of hardware, network and software.
4. You can read a list of items under hardware and locate storage. When you select storage, it gives all the details about the drive. You can read the media name, medium type, protocol, and few other details. You can also read about the available and total capacity. It also gives the S.M.A.R.T status of the SSD. For example, it may show the word ‘verified’ to indicate the good health of the SSD.
You can also use tools such as Chamelion and Blackmagic Disk Speed test to understand the health of the SSD. While determining the health, you can find out the type, capacity, and speed of the SSD
It is easy to answer the question ‘How to check SSD’ after following a few easy steps. After finding the type, capacity, and speed, you can decide if you would need an upgrade. There are many types of SSDs that can solve the purpose of handling large workload. You can check compatibility with the motherboard and opt for the right upgrade. For selling your used SSD or HDD, you can contact us at BuySellRam. Here, we accept all types of HDDs and SSDs and offer a great value in return.