Flash memory failure in storage?

riredale wrote on 5/14/2015, 9:59 AM

Just saw this article where Seagate says SSDs can "forget" even at slightly elevated temperatures while in storage for a relatively short duration.

I would assume this applies also to generic flash memory. If so, it appears that backing up to rotating media is important.

Or, just continue using tape, as I still do (yeah, I know, it's the 21st century).

Comments

videoITguy wrote on 5/14/2015, 10:31 AM

This is a very odd finding! We operate data servers as well as NLE workstations with installed SSD in very close quarters for 24/7 with constant elevated temps beyond air-conditioned environs reach. You would think from the article these drives would be dead in a week or two. Of course, they are not!

Personally I have stored 1997 vintage spinning hard-drives in elevated temperature surrounds for over ten years and they still spin up. I would have rather stored them environmentally correct, but I am just making an observation of some my own findings.

musicvid10 wrote on 5/14/2015, 10:32 AM

I thought flash and ssd had very different architecture, am I mistaken?

riredale wrote on 5/14/2015, 1:07 PM

The architectures could be very different, I have little knowledge of the inner workings. But they are both "solid state." And I'm assuming from the article that the temperature concern is with power-off storage, not power-on operating temperature.

Anyway, it's Seagate. I'd assume they would have a lot of experience with storage failure (hah!).