External SSDs, or solid-state drives, are a type of storage device that uses flash memory and has no moving mechanical parts. They connect to computers and devices externally through USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces. As storage needs grow exponentially in the digital age, long term data storage and preservation become increasingly important. Companies and individuals want to protect their data for decades into the future. But a key question arises – how safe are external SSDs really for long-term storage of important data?
Benefits of External SSDs
External SSDs offer several advantages that make them an appealing choice for portable storage compared to traditional external hard disk drives (HDDs). The main benefits are:
Speed
SSDs are much faster than HDDs due to the lack of moving parts and the direct electrical connections of flash memory. External SSDs can have read/write speeds over 500 MB/s compared to around 100 MB/s for HDDs. This means much faster transfer of files, loading programs, and overall workflow. When used for gaming, external SSDs can significantly reduce loading times and lag [1].
Portability
External SSDs are lighter and smaller than HDDs. Their compact flash storage allows for a smaller physical drive that can easily fit in a pocket or bag. This makes them very convenient for on-the-go use and travel [2].
Durability
With no moving parts, external SSDs are much less prone to damage or failure from shock or drops. Their solid-state design handles vibration well and resists data corruption. This durability and ruggedness allows external SSDs to better withstand the rigors of travel and field use.
Challenges of Long Term Storage
When it comes to long term data storage, external SSDs face some key challenges that can threaten the integrity and accessibility of data over time. Three main challenges include:
Hardware failure – Like any storage medium, SSDs are susceptible to general hardware failure over time. Cells storing data can begin to degrade and the drive’s controller can malfunction.
File corruption – Bits storing data can randomly flip, leading to data corruption. The longer data remains stored, the more opportunity for random bit flips.
Obsolescence – As storage technologies evolve, compatibility issues can arise making older formats difficult to access. The SSD interface (SATA, NVMe etc.) may become obsolete, as do file systems.
According to [1], SSDs have a typical lifespan of 4-5 years when used heavily. Under ideal conditions lifespan may reach 10 years. But for long term archival storage, risks increase substantially over decades. Proper precautions need to be taken to protect and migrate data to new formats.
[1] https://www.smartdatacollective.com/7-biggest-problems-data-storage-overcome/
Lifespan of External SSDs
The estimated lifespan of an external SSD in years depends on several factors. According to Reddit users, SSDs can easily last 5-10 years on average before needing replacement[1]. However, lifespan varies based on usage and environmental factors.
One key factor is the total amount of data written over the lifetime of the SSD. Most modern SSDs are rated to survive writing around 700TB of data before failure[2]. Heavy users who write large amounts of data daily will reach this limit faster than light users.
Environmental factors like heat can also impact SSD lifespan. Using the SSD in hot conditions or with poor ventilation will cause it to wear out faster. Proper airflow and keeping the temperature moderate can extend its usable life.
In general, with moderate usage, modern external SSDs typically last between 5-10 years. Following best practices like minimizing writes, keeping temps cool, and avoiding shocks/drops can help maximize lifespan.
Failure Rate Statistics
Studies have shown that SSDs generally have much lower failure rates compared to traditional HDDs. According to research by cloud storage provider Backblaze, the overall annual failure rate for SSDs was around 1.6%, compared to 7.7% for HDDs [1]. The failure rates can vary based on specific models and manufacturers, but SSDs consistently demonstrate higher reliability.
Looking at real-world data, Backblaze tracked the failure rates of over 3,000 SSDs in active use from mid-2020 through mid-2023. The failure rates for different models ranged from 0.73% to 2.47% per year. The Seagate ZA250CM10003 had the lowest rate at 0.73%, while the Intel SSDSC2BB800G4 showed a 2.47% annual failure rate over the study period [2]. Overall, the SSDs had fairly low failure rates, even under continuous operation.
While no storage medium lasts forever, SSDs are generally considered quite reliable for long-term data storage. Their lack of moving parts gives them an inherent advantage over traditional HDDs when it comes to lifespan and resilience.
Best Practices
When using external SSDs for long term data storage, it is important to follow best practices to ensure the integrity and accessibility of your data over time.
One of the most critical best practices is to maintain multiple backups of your data. Storing data on just one external SSD, no matter how reliable, leaves you vulnerable to potential device failure or data loss. Regularly backing up to at least one other external drive, and ideally to a third copy stored in a different location, provides redundancy in case of device issues or physical disasters.
Another key practice is storing SSDs in proper conditions to extend their usable lifespans. External SSDs should be kept in clean, climate-controlled environments away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and magnetic fields or other sources of electrical interference. Proper ventilation around the drives is also important to prevent overheating. Following the storage guidelines specified by the drive manufacturer can further help avoid premature failure.
Finally, it is wise to migrate data to new storage devices every few years before older SSDs wear out. Drives do have limited write/erase cycles, so migrating to a new SSD while the old one is still healthy reduces the risks of data loss. Software tools can automate periodic backups and drive retirement to simplify proactive data management.
Adhering to backup best practices, optimal storage conditions, and periodic migrations can help safeguard irreplaceable data saved on external SSDs for the long haul.
Data Recovery
When an external SSD fails, your first step should be to contact the manufacturer or a reputable data recovery service. Most will first attempt to repair the drive so that it can be accessed normally again. While SSDs don’t have moving parts like a traditional hard drive, they can still experience electronic failures that make data inaccessible.
If the SSD cannot be repaired, data recovery services use specialized tools to extract data directly from the flash memory chips. This requires opening up the SSD casing and connecting the memory modules to a separate device. The success rate depends on the severity of the SSD failure – logical failures have a higher chance of recovery than catastrophic electronic failures.
Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to over $2,000 for professional data recovery from a failed SSD, depending on the capacity of the drive and complexity of the recovery process. However, recovering irreplaceable personal data is often worth the high cost.
Some options like CleverFiles offer DIY SSD data recovery software that can extract data without needing to open up the SSD. While cheaper, DIY recovery has lower success rates than lab data recovery.
Newer Technologies
External SSDs offer some advantages over traditional cloud storage solutions. SSDs keep data stored locally rather than on remote servers, providing faster access speeds and more security for sensitive files. Local SSDs aren’t reliant on internet connectivity to access files. However, cloud backups provide offsite redundancy if a local drive fails. Emerging storage technologies aim to bridge this gap.
Some promising long-duration storage technologies include gravity-based solutions, compressed air storage, thermal storage mediums like molten salt and concrete blocks, and hydrogen storage. These alternatives can provide energy storage for 10+ hours, compared to the 1-4 hour discharge times of lithium-ion batteries. The tradeoffs are higher costs, technological immaturity, and geographic constraints. However, long-duration solutions better support renewable energy growth.
For consumer data storage, new solid state technologies like 3D XPoint and Z-NAND aim to deliver SSD affordability, density, and durability. However, widescale adoption is still pending. Meanwhile, external SSD prices continue to fall while capacities rise, making them an increasingly viable option for personal data archiving.
Recommendations
External SSDs can be a good option for long-term data storage in certain use cases. Their fast speeds, small size, and durability make them convenient for accessing data regularly or for portability. However, there are some cautions to keep in mind.
The ideal use cases for long-term external SSD storage include:
- Storing non-critical data that is accessed frequently, like working documents or project files.
- Backing up important files for redundancy alongside another storage medium like the cloud or HDDs.
- Portable storage for transporting large files between locations.
When using external SSDs for long-term storage, some best practices include:
- Maintaining multiple backups of important data across different media.
- Periodically accessing the SSD to check health and integrity.
- Purchasing drives with adequate write endurance ratings.
- Using enterprise-grade drives designed for 24/7 operation.
While external SSDs have advantages, traditional HDDs may still be better suited for certain long-term archival needs due to lower cost per gigabyte and tried-and-true magnetic storage technology. Evaluate your specific use case when deciding between SSDs and HDDs.
Conclusion
In summary, external SSDs provide fast performance and portability compared to traditional hard drives, but they are not entirely fail-proof for long term archival storage. The lifespan of an SSD depends on factors like usage and write cycles, but typical estimates range from 5-10 years. While the chance of failure is low, especially following best practices like proper drive care and multiple backups, it is still a possibility. For highest reliability over decades, consider redundant backups, newer SSD technologies like 3D NAND, and periodically transferring data to new drives.
Overall, external SSDs can be a safe option for personal storage needs over several years. But for irreplaceable data or archives requiring decades of preservation, HDDs or cloud storage may be preferable. When using external SSD storage, be sure to have a backup plan and refresh the drives every 5 years or so for optimal data security.