A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk [a] is an electro-mechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.

HDD is a common abbreviation that stands for Hard Disk Drive. HDDs are non-volatile storage devices, meaning they retain stored data even when power isn't being supplied. How does a hard drive work? An HDD includes two main elements: a spinning platter and an actuator arm.

Whether you're adding a hard drive to your desktop or laptop, increasing your gaming PC capabilities, connecting Network Attached Storage (NAS) to your system, or picking a backup drive, finding the best solution comes down to two fundamental factors: capacity and speed.

Apr 30, 2024 · HDD is a hard disk drive, which stores data on a spinning disk. SSD is a solid state drive, which stores data on a chip. SSD is faster and more durable than HDD.

HDDs are used either as the primary or secondary storage device in a computer. They are commonly found in the drive bay and are connected to the motherboard via an Advanced Technology Attachment, Serial ATA, parallel ATA or Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) cable, among other formats.

Feb 21, 2025 · 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, attached directly to the disk controller of the computer's motherboard. It contains one or more platters housed inside an air-sealed casing.

Hard disks are flat circular plates made of aluminum or glass and coated with a magnetic material. Hard disks for personal computers can store terabytes (trillions of bytes) of information. Data are stored on their surfaces in concentric tracks.

Sep 19, 2023 · The hard disk drive is the main, and usually most substantial, data storage hardware device in a computer. The operating system, software titles, and most other files are stored on the hard disk drive.

Mar 13, 2018 · Hard disk drives are magnetic media that store and retrieve digital data. Its architecture is rigid rapidly rotating disks, or platters, held in place by spindles. The platters are not magnetic but are coated with magnetic material.

Jun 2, 2024 · A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage and rotating disks called platters. It is one of the most common forms of storage in computers and other electronic devices due to its relatively low cost and high storage capacity. How does a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) work?