I've been having some trouble booting up Windows lately, and I'm thinking it's time for a clean install. I initially wanted to get a 4TB external SSD for storage backup, but I've heard SSDs can decay if not powered on for a long time. So now, I'm considering replacing my main drive with a bigger, faster NVMe drive while keeping my current NVMe as a backup. I'm also thinking of using an enclosure to access the data later. Is this a wise choice?
3 Answers
In essence, there’s no big difference. Both storage types are based on similar technology; the main thing that differs is connection type. If you’re mainly after speed, NVMe is superb. But for safe storage, consider options that are designed for data retention over extended periods.
NVMe drives are basically a type of SSD, so they're not inherently better for long-term storage. Both NVMe and SATA SSDs use similar NAND flash memory, which means they have similar data retention capabilities. The distinction mainly lies in speed rather than durability. Just know that certain types of NAND can impact longevity:
- TLC (Triple-Level Cell) is solid for most uses.
- QLC (Quad-Level Cell) is cheaper but may lose data faster if it's left unpowered too long.
- MLC and SLC types are more durable but come at a higher price. So, just picking an NVMe drive won't necessarily give you better long-term storage.
Technically speaking, NVMe is just a way that drives connect to your system, and over 99% of these drives are SSDs. The long-term data issue you're worried about, sometimes called 'bit rot', can happen after many years. For true longevity, think about a setup like RAID with 2-3 drives using a file system like ZFS or ReFS. Many opt for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) which runs 24/7 with low power consumption—just a small machine that saves your data efficiently and keeps it accessible.
That sounds like a smart plan! Running a NAS would definitely give you peace of mind for long-term storage.
So if QLC is risky for long-term storage, should I lean towards TLC or even consider traditional external HDDs instead?