How Long Can a Hard Disk Last in Constant Use?

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In summary, the average lifespan of a hard disk in constant use is around 3-5 years. However, factors such as usage patterns, environmental conditions, and manufacturer quality can greatly affect the longevity of a hard disk. Regular backups and proper maintenance can also help prolong its lifespan. Ultimately, it is recommended to regularly monitor the health of a hard disk and replace it before it fails to avoid data loss.
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Vanadium 50
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There are some messages complaining how this, that or the other didn't last. I thought I'd share a counterexample. I was looking at SMART logs and one of my disks has been in constant use for over 12 years - a Western Digital Re.

I believe this is post "Caviar" and pre "Colors". 100,000+ hours in service. No bad sectors. No relocated sectors. I'm impressed.

Slightly less impressive was a 19 year old drive that still works, although its been in a box for 7 years.
 
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  • #2
Indeed. I have a 1 terabyte drive that's been running for probably 8-10 years now with no issues.
 
  • #3
Anecdotal evidence is a bad thing to rely on for failure rates. Yes, you can be lucky, but you also can have bad luck.
 
  • #4
More impressive numbers: 43 billion rotations, and almost 7 million miles of travel (at the edge of the platter).

It's also remarkable how the technology has changed: in the first 20 years of IBM PCs you had (in the non-SCSI market) MFM, RLL, ESDI, PATA/IDE and then SATA. Now we have SATA.

FactChecker said:
Anecdotal evidence is a bad thing to rely on for failure rates.
I don't think anyone has said that one good drive is all the testing you need.
 
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  • #5
Vanadium 50 said:
I don't think anyone has said that one good drive is all the testing you need.
That's true. The situation is complicated. HDDs can have a higher failure rate but are much more likely to be recoverable. A failed sector on a hard drive contains less data than blocks or chips on an SSD so the data is more likely to be recoverable. See this.
 
  • #6
I've just set up a NAS RAID around half a year ago with already used (common) disks.

It has an UPS and won't be switched off, ever.

I expect it to serve at least a few years.

... just had to replace a half year old laptop HDD recently. Hurled left and right; switched off daily.
 
  • #7
My NAS' power supply died thir morning. :frown:

It made that forms in the garbage disposal sound and a minute later than was it. I have a new supply, but connecting it up is harder than it might seem. Lots of cables in a small space.

FWIW, every single disk in it is >5 years old. I have a new spare on the shelf in cased one goes bad, and a spare in the NAS which gets used automatically.
 
  • #8
Rive said:
I've just set up a NAS RAID around half a year ago
As an aside, I am using mostly NAS and Enterprise drives on mine. I started with "regular" drives and expanded when they failed, and what's left are largely NAS and Enterprise. Two Toshiba X300s (lasted much longer than the N300)'s, 2 IronWolves (or is that Wolfs?) and 3 Seagate Enterprise Capacities (formerly Constellation). Also a HGST Ultrastar for backup.

My suspicion is that heat slowly kills consumer-grade drives.
 
  • #10
Vanadium 50 said:
No bad sectors.
There are probably some small defects in the surface, but error correction has enough margin to correct for this.
 
  • #11
Strictly speaking, no relocated sectors. I do a weekly SMART long test, which should pick up problems.
 

FAQ: How Long Can a Hard Disk Last in Constant Use?

What is the average lifespan of a hard disk under constant use?

The average lifespan of a hard disk under constant use is typically between 3 to 5 years. However, this can vary based on the quality of the hard disk, the operating environment, and how well it is maintained.

What factors can affect the lifespan of a hard disk?

Several factors can affect the lifespan of a hard disk, including temperature, humidity, vibration, power surges, and the quality of the hard disk itself. Regular maintenance and proper handling can also play significant roles in extending its life.

How can I extend the lifespan of my hard disk?

To extend the lifespan of your hard disk, ensure it operates in a cool, dry, and stable environment. Use a surge protector to guard against power spikes, avoid physical shocks or vibrations, and regularly defragment and scan the disk for errors.

Are there signs that a hard disk is failing?

Yes, there are several signs that a hard disk may be failing, including unusual noises (like clicking or grinding), frequent crashes or freezes, slow performance, and an increase in bad sectors or read/write errors. Monitoring software can also provide early warnings.

Should I replace my hard disk after a certain period, even if it seems to be working fine?

While a hard disk might still function well after several years, it is generally recommended to replace it after 3-5 years of constant use to avoid unexpected failures and data loss. Regular backups are also essential to protect your data.

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