In 2020, global unit shipments of hard disk drives (HDDs) fell to 260.3 million units, a 17.7 percent fall from the 316.3 million units shipped in the previous year. The highest shipment figure was recorded in 2010 where over 650 million units were shipped.
Data storage
Computer memory refers to the physical devices which are used to store data or programs for use in a computer. Primary storage allows for the short-term storage of data: information is retained for immediate use and is directly accessible by the CPU, usually until the main device is reset or turned off.
Secondary storage
Secondary storage, either in the form of HDDs, solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, or other longer-term storage devices, record and hold data indefinitely, even when the main device is unpowered. A traditional hard drive contains a circular disc, known as a platter, that stores your data. The disc spins, allowing data to be read or written – the faster the platter spins, the faster the hard drive works.
Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2020
(in million units)
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StorageNewsletter, & TrendFocus, & The Register, & Forbes. (February 7, 2021). Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2020 (in million units) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, und TrendFocus, und The Register, und Forbes. "Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2020 (in million units)." Chart. February 7, 2021. Statista. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, TrendFocus, The Register, Forbes. (2021). Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2020 (in million units). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 23, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, and TrendFocus, and The Register, and Forbes. "Hard Disk Drive (Hdd) Unit Shipments Worldwide from 1976 to 2020 (in Million Units)." Statista, Statista Inc., 7 Feb 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter & TrendFocus & The Register & Forbes, Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2020 (in million units) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/ (last visited May 23, 2022)
