Сколько реально служит ваш SSD: всё о циклах записи, TBW, усилении записи и безопасности с iShredder.

Have you ever wondered how many times you can rewrite an SSD before it finally fails? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many users encounter seemingly contradictory figures: on one hand, modern SSDs can withstand thousands (and sometimes hundreds of thousands) of write cycles. On the other hand, manufacturer specifications often state “only” 60 to 150 terabytes written (TBW) for a 250 GB SSD.

In this blog, we will clear up the confusion and explain how SSDs really work — and why periodic safe data deletion using iShredder, for example with the 4-round Protectstar ASDA method, practically does not harm your SSD. You will also learn more about the DEKRA MASA L1 certification for iShredder Android and why iShredder has established itself as a top-tier data deletion solution.

SSD Basics: Write Cycles and Lifespan

The lifespan of an SSD (solid-state drive) is primarily determined by the number of write cycles its flash memory can endure. Modern SSDs are typically rated for 3,000 to 100,000 write cycles per memory cell.
In practice, these figures vary significantly depending on the type of flash memory, quality, controller, usage patterns, and configuration.
To maximize lifespan, manufacturers use wear leveling algorithms: these evenly distribute write operations across all cells to avoid premature wear of individual areas. You can also monitor your SSD’s health using the S.M.A.R.T. analysis tool, which warns you if the drive is nearing the end of its service life.

TBW: Why “Only” 60–150 Terabytes for a 250 GB SSD?

You might be wondering: “If a 250 GB SSD can endure tens of thousands of write cycles per cell, why is the TBW rating often only 60–150 TB?”

Here is the explanation:

• Write Amplification Factor (WAF)
  Each write operation triggers additional background writes — due to processes like wear leveling and garbage collection. This means the SSD performs more write operations internally than you actually initiate.
• Overprovisioning (Reserved Space)
  Many SSDs have a physical memory capacity exceeding the nominal size. This extra buffer helps distribute wear more effectively and compensate for possible cell damage.
• Conservative Manufacturer Estimates
  TBW values often reflect the warranty threshold within which the SSD should operate reliably. In practice, drives often exceed these figures without issues.
• In other words, the TBW number is not simply “capacity × number of P/E cycles.” SSD manufacturers consider all factors (WAF, overprovisioning, warranty reserves, etc.) and provide a conservative but practical recommendation.

On TBW Calculations and Write Amplification Factor

Some users notice an apparent contradiction when a 250 GB SSD has a rating of only 125 TBW, while the technical description states that flash memory cells can endure, say, 3,000 or more write cycles.

This happens because TBW (Terabytes Written) is a ...