Which device typically requires more power, HDDs or SSDs?

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) typically require more power than Solid State Drives (SSDs). This is largely due to the mechanical components within HDDs, which include a spinning disk and moving read/write heads. These components need power to maintain rotation and perform data access operations. In contrast, SSDs use flash memory with no moving parts, leading to lower power consumption during operation.

Additionally, when comparing the two in terms of energy efficiency, SSDs often outperform HDDs, particularly in scenarios requiring high-speed data access or during idle states. This makes SSDs preferred for mobile devices and situations where battery life is a concern. As a result, the power requirements of HDDs are generally higher than those of SSDs, confirming that HDDs are the devices typically consuming more power.