What is SSD VPS hosting?

Katie Collins -

VPS hosting is a popular choice for businesses and solopreneurs alike looking to start projects big and small. Whether you’re looking to host client websites, or even your very own gaming server, a VPS is a great choice.

But what exactly do we mean by SSD VPS hosting? This post will delve into SSD VPS hosting in more detail, outline the advantages of SSD VPS hosting, and how it compares with standard HDDs.

The basics of VPS hosting

A VPS divides computing resources among virtual machines through a process known as server virtualisation. This eliminates the bandwidth and traffic constraints common with shared hosting plans. Essentially, you get the same control over server configuration as with dedicated hosting, but at a much more affordable price.

What is SSD VPS hosting?

SSD VPS hosting is when a server hosting provider equips their virtual private servers with SSDs (Solid State Drives) for storage instead of a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). SSDs store data permanently using flash memory chips formed using semiconductors, with no moving parts, unlike their hard disk counterparts. This offers many benefits, including faster write speed, greater resilience, and energy efficiency.

What is the difference between SSDs and HDDs?

There are numerous differences between SSDs and HDDs, the biggest of which is the technology they use. Solid-state drives use digital flash memory to store access data, whereas hard disks use mechanical motors and other moving parts. HDDs are still considered the traditional choice, ideal for those with tighter budgets, whereas SSDs are a newer form of storage technology.

1. Power and battery life

SSD: An SSD uses a small amount of power, making the VPS more energy-efficient and sustainable.

HDD: A hard disk drive uses a lot of power, making it more expensive to run, and reducing battery life.

Despite the greater initial cost, SSDs are the superior choice for servers due to their efficiency and gentler effect on other hardware.

2. Storage technology

SSD: A Solid State Drive uses flash-based memory. This type of memory contains a non-volatile storage chip, and this means that even when the power is turned off, the information is still retained.

HDD: This type of drive uses magnetic storage in the form of disks on the HDD, meaning the data can be more vulnerable to power surges or outages.

When it comes to storing data, SSDs beat hard-disks on reliability and access speed. HDDs should only be used for archiving large amounts of data you don't access regularly, such as photos or videos.

Plus, HDDs spin millions (if not billions!) of times a year, which can eventually wear down and cause a mechanical failure. But as we previously established, SDDs have no moving parts, but instead stores data on flash memory chips using something called NAND-based flash memory.

3. Read/write speed

SSD: Solid State Drives are designed to access and save files quickly and efficiently. Modern SSDs can achieve read/write speeds of up to 550 MB/s.

HDD: Hard Disk Drives have a read/write speed of up to 160 MB/s, which is considerably slower than an SSD. This is due to the older, more mechanical technology they use.

From these speeds it's easy to see that your VPS will be much faster and have better performance when it's equipped with an SSD rather than a hard disk.

4. Cost

SSD: SSDs are more expensive than hard-disk drives. However, you really do get what you pay for. With SSD VPS hosting, you'll get better server performance, meaning faster loading times for your websites and other projects.

HDD: HDDs are much cheaper than SSDs, thanks to their use of more established technology. Ideal for large volume storage, but not the best for performance.

Despite the higher cost, we'd definitely recommend using an SSD VPS. You'll enjoy far better performance, and your server will be far more futureproof.

Why use SSD VPS hosting?

Solid State Drives are built to optimise speed, storage and performance – which are all essential to high-quality VPS hosting. Due to flash memory, and the ability to work at higher speeds, an SSD will improve the overall performance of a VPS. They can also boost site loading speeds, improving SEO rankings and conversion rates. SSDs are also far more resilient than HDDs, meaning your data will be safer.

What are the benefits of SSD VPS hosting?

To summarise why you should use SSD VPS hosting, there are some benefits that may sway you from HDD to an SSD VPS solution.

1. Unmatched speed

SSDs have superior reading and writing speeds – which can enhance your overall VPS performance and in turn, your website(s). Plus, this means less time waiting for requests to complete, meaning increased productivity too.

2. Full root access

SSD VPS hosting typically provides full root access (much like we do with our VPS). This allows our customers to customise their SSD VPS to their liking and needs.

3. Enhanced data security

SSD VPS are highly secure by design, especially as they don’t have the mechanical parts of an HHD, meaning you vastly reduce the chance of downtime.

4. It’s green

SSD VPS hosting typically uses far less power than your standard HDD, especially if it’s hosted in one of our powerful and secure green UK data centres! This ultimately reduces your carbon footprint, which is incredibly important if you’re looking to improve your environmental initiatives.

5. No worries over data fragmentation

Because your SSD VPS is virtual, you won’t need to worry about data fragmentation like you would on an HDD storage solution. This means your data can be found at lightning speeds, which in turns speeds up your business or project operations.

6. They’re incredibly reliable

An SSD VPS is way more reliable than HDD due to the way they store and handle data. Without going into too much detail (otherwise we'd be here all day!) – a HDD uses circular platters and magnetic formatting, making it vulnerable to data loss from strong magnets. However, SSD relies on flash memory, making it impervious to magnetic interference, which in turn ensures your data remains safe. 

Plus, HDD's formatting and physical components can make it fragile during movement, but with an SSD VPS – this worry is eliminated entirely.

Who should use SSD VPS Hosting?

SSD VPS hosting is beneficial for all types of websites and projects. It’s especially useful for:

  • Websites using WordPress that retrieve information from a file system and database.
  • Any application or website with a database in use
  • Developers wishing to host a dev and testing environment
  • Ecommerce platforms – where speed is critical for sales and user management
  • Websites aiming to improve their SEO ranking (site performance is a factor in determining page rank in search engine results).

Does SSD improve server performance?

SSD vastly outperforms HDD when it comes to things like performance, multitasking, storage capacity, efficiency, power consumption, reduced latency, and lifespan.

Every VPS we offer is equipped with a state-of-the-art SSD, because we want our customers to have the best server performance possible. Need more information about our servers and other products? Talk to our sales team today, and let's get your project online.