FAQ
Do SSDs last longer than HDDs?
Current data suggests that an SSD can last around 20 years, and HDD is around 6 years. There are many factors that come into play with storage, such as how often you access, delete, overwrite or transfer data, and you may need to replace your hard drive or solid state drive sooner depending on your own particular circumstances.
SSD has no moving parts, where HDDs is a mechanical component, so wear and tear is to be expected on HDDs. Solid state is non-volatile flash memory, and writes data to underlying flash memory chips, stacked in a grid for larger capacities. This is done by using a flash controller and reads/writes data using NAND flash memory - a type of memory that does not need power to retain the data.
What are the 4 types of SSDs?
SSDs use single-level, multi-level, triple-level and quad-level cells.
Single-level cells hold one bit of data at a time - either a one or zero. Single-level cells (SLCs) are expensive tyes of SSD, but benchmark the fastest data rates, and are very durable. Multi-level cells (MLCs) are able to hold two bits of data per cell using the same physical space as a SLC, but having larger storage space. MLCs operate at slower write speeds than SLCs.
Triple-level cells (TLCs) predictably hold three bits of data in a cell, cost less than SLCs and MLCs, but have slower write speeds. TLCs are also less durable than the other other SSD types. TLC SSDs have a larger flash capacity, but are slightly less reliable over the longer term due to "bit rot", though this can be mitigated by using tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the S.M.A.R.T. ((Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) Status.
Another SSD type, QLC (quad-level cell) is a lesser known, cheaper and is often used alongside MLC or TLC SSD. QLC is rated for fewer program/erase cycles than other SSD types, so many write cycles will wear memory cells faster.
Which SSD is better SATA or NVMe?
If you require high read/write speed, NVMe SSD drives are much better than SATA SSD. NVMe drives are able to deliver sustained read and write speeds of around 3.5 GB/s whereas SATA SSDs are limited to around 600 MB/s, though this is hardware and file type dependant, and will rely on your motherboard capabilities.
One of the best use cases for NVMe storage is for the operating system and most-used applications.
Is a 500GB or 1TB SSD enough?
SSDs are not generally used for long term storage, as HDD offers a much more cost-effective solution. That said, by using both HDD and SSD in parallel, you are able to maximise the potential of your storage. Modern games, for example, require as much as 50GB of storage space, and RAW 4K video files require around 200MB per minute of footage.
Gamers will often move any games they are currently playing to SSD, whilst keeping a larger game library on large capacity HDD. NVMe SSD drives are also excellent in practical usage for creators, allowing video editors or 3D designers, for example, to store applications and any large files currently in use. All of these use cases release the full potential of NVMe SSD storage, increasing the productivity and performance of a PC.
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