SSDs have replaced the older HDDs as the standard storage component in devices like laptops and consoles, and it’s easy to see why. They are faster and more reliable because they don’t rely on mechanical components, like spinning disks or spindles and instead use chip-based NAND technology. This makes them more reliable for a longer timeframe, although you’ll still need to take measures to protect your SSDs from sudden data loss.
However, nothing lasts forever and SSDs, like outdated flash drives, have a limited lifespan and will eventually die. This means you need to manage your SSD’s health to keep track of its performance and to take precautions to safeguard your data for when that day comes. It’s also worth knowing how SSDs work and what their expiration date is so you can make the right buying decision and never have to stress about data loss. Here’s the rundown on your SSD’s expiry date and ways you can keep it in tip-top condition for longer.
What is NAND memory?
Chip-based data storage
You need to know how NAND memory works to understand why SSDs have an expiration date. Older HDDS stored data on magnetic media, but SSDs use NAND chips instead. Each chip comprises billions of tiny cells which hold an electrical charge. To work, the SSDs push electrons into a cell, where they become trapped behind an insulating barrier and stored for later use. In simple terms, your data is stored as trapped electrons within the cells.
These cells eventually degrade with frequent erasing and rewriting until they can’t hold a charge. That’s why modern SSDs include built-in controllers that manage the wear and fix smaller issues to prolong its lifespan.
How long will my SSD last?
Many variables to consider
It’s hard to say because each SSD is different and will experience different wear depending on how it’s used. Most SSDs should last for around five to ten years of regular use and withstand around 20 to 40GB of data transfer per day. Reputable brands include certain metrics on their SSDs to provide an idea of their durability. Here are two of the common metrics used to determine your SSD’s lifespan.
Terabytes Written (TBW): This is the total amount of data that can be written on the SSD in its entire life before its performance suffers. For example, Samsung’s 4TB Evo Plus has a TBW rating of 2,400. It means the drive can write up to 2,400 terabytes in its lifetime with regular use.
Reputable brands include certain metrics on their SSDs to provide an idea of their durability.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): This is measured in hours and is an estimate of the average operating time without failure across many drives. For example, the same Samsung 4TB Evo Plus has a 1.5 million hours MTBF rating, which in theory means it can run for many years without issues. However, it’s worth taking this rating with a pinch of salt as it’s based on estimates and doesn’t reflect guaranteed performance.
Most SSDs from quality brands will display these ratings. You’ll also get a manufacturer’s warranty, measured in years, as a guarantee of its build-quality and durability. Remember SSDs vary in quality, and you’ll get better life out of an enterprise-grade model than from budget-friendly options.
How can I prolong my SSDs life?
Basic housekeeping tips
Now that you know how SSDs work, you’ll need to keep to some best practices to ensure that yours is functioning at its best. These are some basic maintenance tips to keep your SSD in the best condition.
Use the software to monitor its heath: Most SSDs include bundled software, such as the Kingston SSD Manager or Western Digital SSd Dashboard. It’s recommended that you use these apps to monitor your SSD’s health and keep the firmware up to date. Then you’ll be able to know when your SSD is having issues and back up your data before it gets lost.
Always have free space on your SSD: SSDs perform better and last longer if they have at least 10 to 20% free space. This is because they use that extra space for essential functions, like wear leveling, which evenly stores data across the SSD, so some cells don’t wear out faster than others.
These are some basic maintenance tips to keep your SSD in the best condition.
Power the SSD regularly: This doesn’t apply to the SSDs you’re using regularly in your PC or console and is for the ones you have stored away for backups and data storage. Power it up at least once every three to six months to refresh the charge and scan for data errors.
Store your SSD in a safe place: This is the easiest of them all. Store your SSDs in a cool, dry place and keep them away from moisture. Also, keep them away from magnets and ensure they aren’t operating in extreme hot or cold environments.
Backup your data: Remember, most SSDs have an approximate 5 to 10 year lifespan which can go higher or lower, depending on many factors. It’s not worth taking chances and always backup up your data to multiple locations to keep it safe.
