The lifespan of HDDs and SSDs can vary depending on usage, but here's a general idea:

  • HDD (Hard Disk Drive): HDDs typically last around 3-5 years on average. They are mechanical devices with spinning platters and moving heads, so physical wear and tear can shorten their lifespan.
  • SSD (Solid State Drive): SSDs can last up to 10 years or more. They don't have moving parts, so they're less prone to physical damage. However, SSDs have a limited number of write cycles, which means the more you write data to the drive, the sooner it will wear out. Modern SSDs use wear leveling to mitigate this somewhat, spreading writes across the drive to even out wear.

Here are some additional factors that can affect the lifespan of both HDDs and SSDs:

  • Heat: Extreme heat can damage both HDDs and SSDs.
  • Quality: Higher quality drives tend to last longer.
  • Usage: If you use your drive heavily, it will wear out faster.

It's important to note that these are just averages, and some drives may last longer or shorter than expected. It's always a good idea to back up your data regularly, regardless of the type of drive you're using.