Solid State Drives in Keeping Files

Asked By aldrin richards 60 points N/A Posted on - 04/14/2012

I know that Solid State Drives have faster read and write access times than regular hard disk drives. However, I also know that flash memory found in SSDs cannot retain files longer than the drives that we are using today cause I experienced it myself in some of my Flash Disks. What is your experience in keeping files using solid state drives? How many months/years can it sustain the files and leave it uncorrupted if it is not connected to the computer?

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Answered By Sollis Parallag 45 points N/A #107001

Solid State Drives in Keeping Files

Hello Aldrin.

The very first SSDs had problems keeping data on it because it used volatile RAM and used some form of backup power (rechargeable battery) to hold the data when the main power is cut off.  Current SSDs make use of non-volatile NAND flash memory which do not require power to hold data indefinitely.  While I have yet to find a study that can determine exactly how many years a flash-based medium can store data, majority of reports agree that data will be retained for a huge number of years enough to outlive a person.  The real issue with SSDs is not how long it can store data but more on how many write cycles it takes before it eventually dies.  But since you intend to store data then keep the SSD locked away then I suppose you don't have to worry about your data for the next couple of decades.

 

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• Posted on - 04/15/2012
• Question Category: Hard Drives