What characteristic does an SSD lack that differentiates it from an HDD?

An SSD, or Solid State Drive, is fundamentally different from an HDD, or Hard Disk Drive, primarily in that it does not have moving parts. While both types of drives are used to store data, the physical construction of an SSD is based on flash memory, which allows for the storage of data on microchips. This absence of moving parts in SSDs makes them more reliable and less prone to mechanical failure compared to HDDs, which rely on spinning disks and movable read/write heads. The lack of moving components also contributes to the SSD's faster read and write speeds, enhancing overall performance when accessing and processing data.

In contrast, HDDs contain mechanical components that can wear out over time and are more susceptible to damage from drops or impact. Therefore, the differentiating feature of an SSD lacking moving parts is crucial to understanding its advantages over traditional HDD technology.