Overview
HDDs were the standard for computer storage for decades. They store data on spinning magnetic disks (platters) and use a moving read/write head to access the data.
Key Characteristics
- Capacity: Offers very high storage capacities at a low cost per gigabyte.
- Speed: Limited by the physical speed of the spinning platters (typically 5400 or 7200 RPM).
- Fragility: Susceptible to damage from physical shocks due to moving parts.
Current Use
HDDs are now primarily used for bulk storage, backups, and in data centers where cost-effective high capacity is more important than raw speed.