1.1 Monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques
📘CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
1. What Is Storage in Mobile Devices?
Storage is the hardware component that stores the operating system, applications, and user data.
In mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and some hybrid devices, storage is usually provided by HDDs or SSDs.
For the CompTIA A+ exam, you must understand:
- Types of storage used in mobile devices
- Differences between HDD and SSD
- Form factors and interfaces
- Replacement techniques
- Common issues and best practices
2. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
What Is an HDD?
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks (platters) to store data. A mechanical arm reads and writes data on these disks.
Key Characteristics of HDDs
- Mechanical (moving parts)
- Slower than SSDs
- Generates more heat
- Uses more power
- Heavier than SSDs
- Less resistant to physical movement
HDDs in Mobile Devices
- Found mostly in older laptops
- Rare in modern tablets
- Usually installed in budget or legacy systems
HDD Form Factor
- 2.5-inch is the standard size for laptops
HDD Interface
- SATA (Serial ATA) is the most common interface
3. Solid State Drive (SSD)
What Is an SSD?
A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses flash memory and has no moving parts.
Key Characteristics of SSDs
- Very fast read/write speed
- No mechanical parts
- Low power consumption
- Silent operation
- More durable
- Generates less heat
- Lightweight
SSDs in Mobile Devices
- Common in modern laptops
- Used in ultrabooks
- Found in high-performance tablets and hybrids
4. Types of SSDs Used in Mobile Devices
1. SATA SSD
- Uses the same SATA interface as HDDs
- Faster than HDD but slower than NVMe
- Often used as HDD replacements
2. NVMe SSD
- Uses PCIe interface
- Much faster than SATA SSD
- Common in newer laptops
3. M.2 SSD
- Small form factor
- Can be SATA or NVMe
- Plugs directly into the motherboard
4. PCIe SSD
- High-speed interface
- Found in premium laptops
5. HDD vs SSD (Exam Comparison)
| Feature | HDD | SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow | Very fast |
| Power usage | High | Low |
| Heat | More | Less |
| Durability | Low | High |
| Noise | Yes | No |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
Exam Tip:
CompTIA often tests why SSDs are preferred in mobile devices → speed, durability, and battery efficiency.
6. Storage Interfaces to Know (Exam Important)
You must recognize these interfaces:
- SATA – Used by HDDs and SATA SSDs
- PCIe – Used by NVMe SSDs
- M.2 – Small connector, common in laptops
- eMMC – Embedded storage (tablets, budget laptops)
7. Storage Replacement in Mobile Devices
When Storage Replacement Is Needed
- Storage failure
- Insufficient capacity
- Performance upgrade
- Operating system corruption
General Replacement Steps (High-Level – Exam Safe)
- Power off the device
- Disconnect power and battery
- Use ESD protection
- Open the access panel or bottom cover
- Locate the storage device
- Remove screws or connector
- Replace with compatible storage
- Reassemble the device
- Restore OS or data
8. Storage in Tablets and Thin Devices
Many tablets and ultra-thin laptops use:
- eMMC storage
- Soldered SSDs
Exam Note:
- Soldered storage cannot be upgraded
- Entire motherboard replacement may be required
9. Data Considerations During Replacement
Before replacing storage:
- Backup user data
- Ensure OS recovery media is available
- Use imaging or cloning if needed
CompTIA Expectation:
Technicians must protect user data and minimize downtime.
10. Common Storage Issues (Exam Focus)
- Device not detecting drive
- Slow boot times (HDD aging)
- Corrupted file system
- Physical damage
- Firmware issues (SSD)
11. Best Practices (Exam Language)
- Use manufacturer-approved storage
- Follow ESD safety
- Verify interface compatibility
- Check form factor size
- Update firmware if required
12. Key Exam Keywords to Remember
- HDD
- SSD
- SATA
- PCIe
- NVMe
- M.2
- eMMC
- Form factor
- Interface
- Soldered storage
- Data backup
13. Exam Summary (Quick Review)
- HDDs are mechanical and slower
- SSDs are faster, durable, and energy efficient
- Modern mobile devices prefer SSDs
- Storage replacement depends on form factor and design
- Some mobile devices do not allow storage upgrades
- Data protection is a technician responsibility
