- The report says that small discs are faced with 4x the risk of failure in relation to their high -capacity counterparts
- Dangerous ejection practices increase the risk of 75%data loss, according to researchers
- Frequent transfers and negligent use leave tiny readers vulnerable to serious damage to the file system system
New research has revealed a worrying trend in external storage reliability: small -capacity external hard drives would be much more subject to failure than their high -capacity counterparts.
Based on the data collected from more than three million storage devices in the first quarter of 2025, the Labeausus Data Recovery Lab report claims that the 64 GB discs are about four times more likely to undergo data loss compared to the discs exceeding 4 TB.
The reasons for this disparity reside both in user models and material limitations. Smaller readers are often used for rapid file transfers or in the form of temporary backups, which makes them subject to frequent blockage and disconnection.
Use habits strengthen vulnerability
“Frequent plugs and disconnection, high temperature and high humidity and sudden power failure during data transmission can cause file system errors, damage to the partition table and data loss,” explains the ratio.
Users who neglect safe scale practices further aggravate the problem. The data indicate that logical errors in dangerous elimination exceed the average risk of 75%.
From the point of view of the equipment, the measures to reduce costs in smaller training can cause lower quality components.
“Some manufacturers compromise manufacturing processes and materials to reduce costs, such as the use of low -quality controller chips,” warns Easeus.
These weaknesses naturally translate into higher failure rates, especially in prolonged or intensive use.
The file system is another contributory factor. While high -capacity training often uses more robust systems like GPT, NTFS or Exfat, which are better suited to the management of large volumes of data, small capacity discs are always frequently based on FAT32.
“When storing a large number of small files, the partition table should be updated frequently and the risk of crushing metadata is high,” notes the report.
Interestingly, the SSDs have similar trends, although the failure difference is less dramatic. External SSDs of less than 256 GB are about twice as likely to fail as those of more than 4 TBs.
This is attributed to similar factors: frequent use, fewer flash chips and less advanced controllers.
“Small capacity SSDs have fewer fleas. Once they are damaged, the risk of data loss is higher, ”say the results.
Although the SSDs are generally more resistant and lack mobile components, the report warns against approximate use and advises careful management.
Users are encouraged to stick to handling practices in complete safety and to consider buying high -capacity storage from brands known to reduce their risk.
The use of a high -quality portable SSD or an external hard drive will reduce the risk of data loss, but no solution is perfect. Therefore, having access to the best data recovery software is a judicious precaution, especially when it comes to logical errors or accidental deletions.
