SSD has a longer service life compared to traditional hard disk drives HDD due to their lack of moving parts, which means they are less prone to mechanical failures. But the service life of an SSD is determined by several factors as follows.
1. The type of NAND flash memory used will affect the service life of an SSD. Single-level cell (SLC) memory is more durable and can withstand more write cycles compared to multi-level cell (MLC) or triple-level cell (TLC) memory.
2. Over-provisioning: SSDs contain a certain percentage of over-provisioning (OP) that is not accessible to the user. This is used by the SSD controller to perform wear leveling, error correction, and garbage collection. The more OP an SSD has, the longer its service life.
3. Temperature: High temperatures can accelerate the degradation of memory cells and shorten the service life of an SSD.
4. Usage: Heavy usage can also have an impact on the service life of an SSD, as it will undergo more write cycles and wear out faster.
In summary, the service life of an SSD is determined by the type of write cycles, over-provisioning, temperature, and usage.
The normal lifespan of a 2.5-inch SSD can vary depending on the usage and workload patterns. Assuming average use patterns, a 2.5-inch SSD can last for 3-5 years or more, depending on its endurance rating. However, if it is subjected to heavy usage or extreme conditions (such as high temperatures), its service life may be shorter. It’s worth noting that SSDs typically come with warranties that ensure they will last at least as long as the warranty period, which can range from 3-5 years or more.