
This is the same type of memory used by SSDs, the difference being that SSHDs incorporate very small amounts of this memory – 8 GB, in the case of the FireCuda drives. The answer lies in the NAND flash memory. So, you’re probably wondering how SSHDs manage to achieve performance superior to that of HDDs, all the while staying in their price range? With that said, there is little reason to go with this version for a desktop PC, as it is mainly meant for laptops and consoles. As mentioned above, it is slightly more expensive and has similar specifications, but still offers comparable performance. There is not much to say about the 2.5-inch FireCuda that has not already been said for its 3.5-inch desktop counterpart.

Though, of course, the more compact frame does mean that the smaller drive will be slightly more expensive, too. Other than that, it is pretty much identical to its larger cousin. It differs from the 3.5-inch desktop model in that it features a smaller 500 GB variant in addition to the 1 TB and 2 TB ones, and it also features a lower RPM of 5400, which is the norm for 2.5-inch drives. However, it still cannot come close to the kind of performance offered by a true SSD.Īs the name suggests, this is nearly the exact same SSHD as the above FireCuda model, barring the obvious exception – it is a 2.5-inch drive, which makes it the logical choice for laptop and console owners. Performance-wise, it easily outdoes mainstream HDDs and is capable of going toe to toe with the performance-oriented models such as the WD Black. It has proven to be quite reliable, despite the infamous failure rates of Seagate HDDs, and its affordability is unmatched. Granted, it has little competition and is the most widespread, but it also truly is the best SSHD available right now. The FireCuda series remains the most popular SSHDs on the market, and for a good reason.

It also comes with 8 GB of NAND storage and a 64 MB cache. The desktop 3.5-inch version of the FireCuda SSHD comes in 1 TB and 2 TB capacity variants, both of which utilize a disk spinning at 7200 RPM, which is pretty much the norm for gaming-oriented desktop drives these days. To this date, their FireCuda series of SSHDs remains among the most popular products in this category. Now, as a matter of fact, Seagate was the first company to use the term “SSHD” for a hybrid drive. Seagate is one of the best-known manufacturers of hard drives, and their products are generally known for their enormous storage capacity and low prices.
