Most commonly, write limits of 2 - 3k per cell are quoted for 2D MLC flash. However, Samsung are doing pro enterprise grade versions with EMLC NAND - giving 30k writes per cell. He says that the newer version - TLC NAND - is being used in some Samsung consumer products and has a programme erase limit of 1-2k per cell (which is tiny compared to the old SLC 100k writes limits). The durability of SSD very much depends on what type of NAND Flash it has, i.e. NAND type used - from a Drivesavers YouTube invo video I gleaned this info

Thought it would be useful to post here as a starting point to getting a fuller answer. I arrived at this question hoping to find a definitive answer myself but it seems like there are so many factors which affect the answer of how long an SSD lasts - the answer is not simple.Īlthough I could not find information on the specific type of SSD used by Apple (in my Macbook Pro say), I was able to find some of the key factors. It would be the same if you would constantly go to a doctor to verify if you're healthy and he would give you an Xray scan each time, just to tell you you are fine (but too much Xray exposure will kill you). That just stresses you SSD unnecessarily. Same applies to the SSD chips, so keep them cool and do not overload your drive and it will last and last.Īnd!, try not to use too much of the SSD health test softwares. The actual reason is the CPU becomes too hot if it operates at 100% all the time. Why do you think Intel invented the so called 'I' processors they call it Intelligent CPU. Does not mean you have to move to Alaska :). SSD are sensitive to heat (as any Semiconductor device) and will lose life if operated at elevate environment temperatures, means they love cold environment. Again, do not panic, a 'normal' user will never see that problem.Īll in all the SSD should last you longer than your computer screen or keyboard! Second life factor is the daily usage (read/write). Let's say when the SSD is 90% full, it will become a problem soon, since the drive tries to rotate the cells to preserve/avoid memory leakage. One of the biggest life limiting factor is the amount of data stored. The problem is there is limited supply (reserve) of new cells. They do that by simply replacing the dead cells. However, do not panic, the drives have a self repair capability! and make the SSD boards with their name on it. The buy them from Semiconductor manufacturer like Samsung or Intel etc. Just to clarify, I am talking about the most common type of SSD (using the Single layer memory cells), the dual layer lasts even longer but it is much more expensive.Īpple, Crucial, OWC etc. That means it will last minimum 7-10 years, otherwise they would be out of business replacing all dead SSD's. For example Samsung gives 5 Years on the 840 model. It is really difficult to say who is the best, but one can use the warranty as a guide. To my knowledge, Intel is still the front runner on quality = life time, but Samsung is chasing them. There is difference in life (quality) of SSD's depending on manufacturer (Intel, Samsung etc.). With that said, looking closer at the SSD, it is a flash memory type semiconductor device and could develop leaking currents (means the cells lose their charge (memory). Some of us still have computers from year 2000 or even before, thus older than 14 years. SSD is a Semiconductor device built to last a minimum of 10 years. A simplified answer to SSD lifetime would be:

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