Are SSDs required?

[XanderBuildsPCs]

So I'm building a computer and I currently don't have an SSD to put into it. So I'm wondering, if I have an HDD do I have to put in an SSD as well or does it only work if you have both? I know that everyone recommends that you install your OS onto an SSD so that it runs better, but I just can't afford an SSD right now, they're too expsensive. 

[IgorM]

2 minutes ago, XanderBuildsPCs said:

So I'm building a computer and I currently don't have an SSD to put into it. So I'm wondering, if I have an HDD do I have to put in an SSD as well or does it only work if you have both? I know that everyone recommends that you install your OS onto an SSD so that it runs better, but I just can't afford an SSD right now, they're too expsensive. 

SSDs perform the same function of an HDD and vice versa, they're storage devices. An SSD is just faster. There was a recent time when they didn't exist and computers worked fine as well

[Techicolors]

you can install the OS on the SSD, which speeds up overall performance. and/or you can store apps or files that you frequently access

[Jurrunio]

SSD isnt a must when there is an HDD, but I would rather have an SSD and no HDD.

[bellabichon]

1 hour ago, IgorM said:

SSDs perform the same function of an HDD and vice versa, they're storage devices. An SSD is just faster. There was a recent time when they didn't exist and computers worked fine as well

They also last longer, because they have no mechanical parts.

[LienusLateTips]

Buy the SSD first.

 

Having a SSD and adding in a HDD later takes at most 5 minutes-10 minutes.

 

Having a HDD and adding in a SSD later might take you more than a hour.

[cesarbg]

Not required, but improves speeds amazingly!

[Newbithian]

Some form of mass storage (storage that is non-volatile, unlike RAM), be it an SSD, HDD, SSHD, or otherwise, is necessary in order to install your OS, as well as whatever else you may want to store, such as programs, games, etc. Like others have already stated, it does not have to be an SSD; an HDD will suffice.

That said, I personally believe that an SSD is one of the most apparent and effective upgrades you can make to almost any system (that doesn't already have one) and I whole-heartedly recommend investing in a quality one as soon as you can afford it.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

You can install your OS and programs on the same HDD or SSD as your data. If you do go with one drive, I strongly suggest making a separate partition for your data and put only your OS and programs on the C: partition

 

You need to decide which you need most right now: speed or storage space. You can buy a large HDD for what a small SSD costs. You can buy the other drive later and move data or even the System Reserved and C: partitions to it later.

 

Even though it will stretch your budget, you need to get at least one more HDD (two is much better) to use for external backups as soon as possible.

[dcgreen2k]

There's nothing that says you need an SSD, and I use my hard drive for the OS and the SSD for frequently used programs.

[seagate_surfer]

Just to add to what the other users have said from a storage manufacturer perspective, an SSD is by no means a requirement. They're both storage mediums, SSD is just a newer technology which is much faster, has no moving mechanical parts, and is considerably quieter. Like saying you don't need to buy a brand new luxury car, it's nice if you can, but you can still buy a more bang-for-your-buck conventional one.