Back-up device: SSD or HD

[Bushwack44]

I currently back up my files using an off-site service (IDrive) and two 4GB external 7200 RPM drives (Fantom Drives - which have run continuously for 6+ years).

One of the Fantom Drives is showing signs of failure (click click click) and I am thinking if I should purchase an external SSD to replace the failing Fantom Drive, assuming with an SSD there are less moving parts and it should last longer and generate less heat.

Would like some input . Thanks.

[user120312]

How long have the current drives lasted? How about a planned replacement schedule?

I use a mix; two external mirrored HD's for bulk data, a thumb drive for small stuff I want mobile, and optical for critical files long term. I've never used any online backup solutions. I started with floppy discs in the early 90's and went from there.

I've had thumb drives and hard drives fail. Optical seems to be pretty steady. I have some stuff that's over 20 years old now and still works fine.

My early use of backups was due to the machine shop, backing up critical financial, tax, customer and CAD files. However, I was never a large enterprise, just a small shop.

I only have one SSD, in a new MacBook Air, and it's been fine. No advice to offer on that.

[the86d]

Not sure what you have, a PC or MAC, but in my PC's, in the past I have typically run an SSD for the OS and move or backup to the platter. Then I typically plug in another internal drive for Offline backup, then unplug it once backed up. Backup to 2 physical separate places, if you care about any data...

I don't do much in the way of new data these days, and since I got a 2TB Samsung 980 Pro SSD, I really just don't do much IT stuff at home any more, just games in my free time, since marriage (wife's age?) slowed down my sex life... .

[Bushwack44]

How long have the current drives lasted? How about a planned replacement schedule?

As mentioned in my post, both are 6+ years old.


Not sure what you have, a PC or MAC, but in my PC's, in the past I have typically run an SSD for the OS and move or backup to the platter.

Post had to do with back-ups, not running a drive with an OS (shouldn't matter whether PC or Mac).

I'm not meaning to be a jerk, but so many responses, no matter the thread, do not address the author's concern. I know those that reply are well meaning, but not getting a logical answer to work off of becomes frustrating.

FWIW, I decided to get another Fantom Drive as they have shown to be reliable.

[Bushwack44]

How long have the current drives lasted? How about a planned replacement schedule?

As mentioned in my post, both are 6+ years old.


Not sure what you have, a PC or MAC, but in my PC's, in the past I have typically run an SSD for the OS and move or backup to the platter.

Post had to do with back-ups, not running a drive with an OS (shouldn't matter whether PC or Mac).

I'm not meaning to be a jerk, but so many responses, no matter the thread, do not address the author's concern. I know those that reply are well meaning, but not getting a logical answer to work off of becomes frustrating.

FWIW, I decided to get another Fantom Drive as they have shown to be reliable.

[Dan_Eastvale]

If it's just being used for backup the writes "limit" of ssd will never be reached.
Zero moving parts

For platters, I doubt the click of death is much of a thing anymore.
But a mechanical device sitting idle for years and years?

However, will SATA capability go away anytime soon?

[hermosabeach]

From what I have read in 2023, SSD are now as reliable as HDD.

Just like smoke detector batteries, they are a limited lifespan item... so Good call on replacing the drive when you notice issues....

Its a cost & Speed issue...

If you have a set up - hot swap cage - that allows you to swap HDD for back up and it will take either drive type, then the cost is only the cost of the drives.

to me, i'm still using HDD and in another 3-5 years will switch to the new standard, whatever that is at the time. I don't need the 7200 RPM speed either for back up....

#I'm Cheap

or I spend most of my money as if I actually earned my money

[arrix]

Get two 1TB ssd drives (or whatever capacity) and run them in a RAID1 (mirrored) configuration.

[2shotjoe]

If you travel, SSD but for home or the office a WD Red HDD would be my choice.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[skilletboy]

I use both tbh.

[OlderThanDirt]

I run a Synology Disk Station with four hard drives in a RAID format. Any single disk fails, just slap in another. The system consistently monitors disk health and gives ample warning of a problem. I also use the Disk Station as a media server and for surveillance cameras, among other things.