What Type of Hard Drive Should I Use for Long-Term Storage of Important Memories?

SSDs generally have better longevity. If you go with either option, don't try to repair them at home; it's not feasible. For connections, USB 3.2 is the way to go since it's the latest standard and offers great speed. But keep in mind, for long-term storage that you might forget about, HDDs can be left unused without losing data as easily.

You shouldn't rely on just one drive for your important data. It's essential to have multiple copies on separate drives, ideally stored in different locations to protect from disasters like fires. I recommend a NAS setup with at least two drives, using something like RAID 1 for redundancy. Drives like WD Red are built for this type of use, so they'd be a smart choice for your needs.

In general, SSDs are more durable and last longer than HDDs. You won't be able to repair either at home, so consider getting a good warranty. As for USB versions, I'd say stick with USB 3.2 for the best future-proofing. However, if you're thinking of cold storage where you won't access the drive for a long time, HDDs might be your better bet.

While HDDs may offer a longer lifespan, they're not always the best choice for running an operating system. They work well for backups, but I'd put my trust in a SSD for its durability, especially if you're moving it around a lot. Regardless of your choice, remember that backups are crucial. SSDs have limited write cycles, so you're better off with redundancy.