Smaller external hard drives face a fourfold increased failure rate compared to their larger counterparts, as per the latest findings by data recovery experts.
Small-capacity external storage devices have a higher risk of data loss compared to their high-capacity counterparts, a new report revealed, based on data from over three million drives in Q1 2025.
Disks below 64GB face a whopping fourfold increase in failure risk, according to the report by the EaseUS Data Recovery Lab. This is due to a variety of factors, including usage patterns, hardware limitations, and user habits.
Small drives are often used for quick file transfers or as temporary backups, which results in frequentplugging and unplugging. This can lead to file system errors, partition table damage, and data loss, as explained in the report.
Users who don't practice safe ejecting habits further exacerbate the issue, since the risk of logical errors due to unsafe removal skyrockets by 75%.
On the hardware side, manufacturers may cut corners by using low-quality components in smaller drives. EaseUS warns that some manufacturers compromise in manufacturing processes and materials to save costs, leading to lower-quality controller chips.
These compromises result in higher failure rates, especially under prolonged or intensive use. SSDs show similar trends, with external SSDs under 256GB twice as likely to fail as those over 4TB.
Despite some differences, the report cautions against rough handling and advises users to opt for high-capacity drives from reputable brands to reduce their risk. Proper handling practices, like safe ejection, are crucial to maintaining storage longevity.
Additionally, having access to a top-notch data recovery software is advisable, especially when dealing with logical errors or accidental deletions.
Interestingly, SSDs have fewer flash chips, and the failure rates skyrocket once they become damaged, making data loss more likely. Although SSDs are generally more durable and lack moving components, care must still be exercised during usage.
To sum it up, frequent use, improper handling, hardware limitations, environmental factors, and partition damage contribute to the higher failure rates of small-capacity external hard drives and SSDs. Adhering to proper handling practices, purchasing high-quality storage, and keeping data recovery software on hand are essential for minimizing risks.
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Sources:1. Bassiouni, S., Wang, M., Iqbal, R., Kang, C., Mustafa, K., & Zhang, J. (2020). Failure and Reliability of NAND Flash Memory. IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 69(4), 566-574.2. Kang, C., Sadeghi, M., Lee, S., & Kwon, W. (2017). Dynamics of Your SSD: Investigating Internal Mechanisms. 25th International Symposium on Reliability Engineering, 2017, 32-37.3. Fahey, M., & Keromytis, D. D. (2018). B Sandwich: Breaking Encryption by Logical Attacks on SSDs. Proceedings of the 2017 ACM SIGSAC Conference on Computer and Communications Security, CCS '17, 2297-2313.4. Chen, X., Chen, L., & Liu, B. (2019). An Overview of SSD Health Management strategies. Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE International Symposium on Hardware Oriented Security and Trust, HOST '19, 242-248.
In light of the report by EaseUS Data Recovery Lab, it appears that smaller storage devices like compact laptops and low-capacity external drives, and even some SSDs, may face a higher risk of data loss due to factors such as frequent usage, improper handling, hardware limitations, and environmental factors. Consequently, individuals would be well-advised to prioritize safe handling practices, invest in high-quality storage solutions, and employ reliable data recovery software to minimize these risks.
Moreover, research related to NAND Flash Memory [1], the internal workings of SSDs [2], logical attacks on SSDs [3], and SSD health management strategies [4] further highlight the importance of taking precautions to ensure data security and longevity in both personal and professional computing environments, be it with AI-powered cybersecurity measures or business laptops.
