Flash Memory Read/Write limit

[d4mo]

So I've heard there is only a limited number of times files can be read and written to flash memory? What is the limit? Is it something high that will never be reached, or is it something to be concerned about when using it?

I ask because I have a 1GB flash drive that I ran some programs on and save some data on. And I was wondering if using it to run the programs may be a bad idea because I would be quickening the death of the drive.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: d4mo
So I've heard there is only a limited number of times files can be read and written to flash memory? What is the limit? Is it something high that will never be reached, or is it something to be concerned about when using it?

I ask because I have a 1GB flash drive that I ran some programs on and save some data on. And I was wondering if using it to run the programs may be a bad idea because I would be quickening the death of the drive.

Most drives now include wear leveling and in heavy use should still last >5 to 10 years.

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: bsobel
Most drives now include wear leveling and in heavy use should still last >5 to 10 years.

Which in technology terms is forever. If you are still using the same 1gb flash drive in 5 years....

I think it was 5-6 years ago that I got my first flash drive and it was 64Mb one from Apacer. Which if I have been using it constantly since then I wouldn't really care if it died.