Memory cards have been in use over decades and still remain very crucial components of our lives today. From storing photos to games and videos, they support private life and business alike.
You must be wondering how long they last. Besides, you may want to know if SD card data recovery is possible just in case your card fails. However, this should not worry you since you can still get back your data with several recovery tricks including using a data recovery software.
One of the best data recovery software you can get today include Disk Drill developed by Cleverfiles. It answers most of your questions regarding how to and how long data recovery takes. On how long a memory card will last, let’s ensure you fully understand how the cards work first.
Understanding Memory Card Technology
Before you can get a better feeling of how long memory cards can last, it is better to understand memory card technology first.
Generally, SD cards use flash memory. This is a non-volatile memory that retains data even when power is off. This property makes them very suitable for portable storage.
Flash memory works through a matrix of memory cells. The cells can be programmed and erased electronically and each cell holds one or more data bits in the form of electronic charges. With time, these charges may become unstable and cause data loss or even corruption on the disk. This is exactly what limits how long memory cards can be kept in “cold” storage.
Factors that Affect Lifespan of Memory Cards
The lifespan of memory cards depends on several factors. Some of these factors include:
- Frequency of usage – regular use may cause the card to wear out much faster. Also, the amount of data stored on the card can also influence its lifespan.
- Environmental factors – conditions such as humidity, extreme heat, and exposure to other weather elements can greatly affect the lifespan of memory cards.
- Quality of memory cards – from the manufacturing perspective, the quality of the card plays a high-level role in determining its longevity. Therefore, high-quality cards will last longer than low-quality ones. This is due to the subpar components used in memory card construction.
These factors and others not discussed in this section will therefore greatly impact the longevity or the lifespan of memory cards. Therefore, if you want a long-lasting card, then you must observe these factors closely while using the cards you use.
With this information, we can now proceed to answer the question, “How long do memory cards last?” read on to find out in the next section.
How Long Do Memory Cards Last?
So, how long will a memory card last? If this card was left unplugged and simply stored with data in it, how long will it take before this information can leak or become erased? Doesn’t sound like a very easy question, does it?
Well, according to flash memory standards, the memory chips in storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives have different data retention standards at specific temperatures. For instance, JEDEC JESD47 specification justifies that flash memory must be able to retain data for a minimum of 10 years while working at a temperature of 55 degree Celsius. To some extent, the lifespan goes up a little when the temperature is lowered.
However, because SD cards are generally not designed to be stored in cold areas, it is not clear how long exactly they will retain their charge.
Like we mentioned under the factors affecting lifespan of memory cards, some SD cards will have a shorter lifespan, while others can have shorter ones. For instance, SSDs can only keep data for a few months when powered off. SD card corruption will also lower its lifespan. You generally need a healthy card so to speak.
Although this answer may not be so satisfying, some people still report that they were able to plug in SD cards after very long storage and still got their data back. On the other hand, a memory card that you have been using and in very good condition might just suddenly lose its data.
With all this information now, we recommend that you never use your memory cards as backup. Therefore, whatever you have stored in your memory card should only exist there because you have several versions of it. Otherwise, you must be ready to perform corrupted SD card recovery on Mac or Windows on demand in case the card fails.
SD cards are very convenient formats for mobile devices and camera. However, you need to keep offloading your photos and videos as soon as you get back to the office or home.
Can I Extend SD Card Lifespan? How?
Well, everyone wants their memory cards to last longer. While there is no standard method to extend the lifespan of SD cards, you will need to follow good practices to secure long life. Follow the tips below:
Tip1: Invest in high-quality SD card
If you want your memory cards to last longer, begin by purchasing high-quality SD cards from reputable manufacturers. They will be more expensive, of course, but you will be able to enjoy their services much longer.
Tip 2: Avoid Filling memory Card to Capacity
Yes, if you store data in memory cards, do not fill them to the capacity. This way, you have some free space that secures your card and protects it from rapid wear.
Tip 3: Safely Eject the SD Card
How you eject your memory cards matter a lot in terms of how long it will continue to serve. This protects the card from data corruption too.
Tip 4: Store in Cool, Dry Place
You must be very familiar with this phrase. Good news, it also applies to SD cards. This is because direct heat and sunlight will affect the components of the card and is likely to impact the charge.
How Do I Know If My Card is Failing?
Now you know the answer to how long memory cards can last. Also, you are aware that they can fail after a long span or just a short time. Below are some of the tell-tell signs that will show you that an SD card is failing:
- Data corruption
- Disk performance is very slow
- You get error messages when attempting to read or write data
- Physical damage such as wear, tear, cracks etc. on the card
