F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Consider using an observation buffer or a local recording to extend SSD life.

Consider using an observation buffer or a local recording to extend SSD life.

Consider using an observation buffer or a local recording to extend SSD life.

R
Rise
Member
143
07-28-2023, 06:39 PM
#1
Which file format should I use to prevent SSD writes? I’m not sure what a replay buffer is, but I played a game with maximum memory at 560MB and 340 seconds, and it saved 318MB to my SSD. The RAM buffer and replay buffer are the same thing? OBS also saved two clips from a 5-minute gameplay, and it took a long time to finish saving to the SSD—no idea if that’s normal. Could anyone clarify this so I can extend the life of my small SSD? Thank you for your help.
R
Rise
07-28-2023, 06:39 PM #1

Which file format should I use to prevent SSD writes? I’m not sure what a replay buffer is, but I played a game with maximum memory at 560MB and 340 seconds, and it saved 318MB to my SSD. The RAM buffer and replay buffer are the same thing? OBS also saved two clips from a 5-minute gameplay, and it took a long time to finish saving to the SSD—no idea if that’s normal. Could anyone clarify this so I can extend the life of my small SSD? Thank you for your help.

T
Teeman13
Junior Member
21
07-30-2023, 11:58 AM
#2
If this is your drive:
https://www.westerndigital.com/en-za/pro...BQNTY-512G
TBW for the 512GB is 300 TBW.
You've used ~4%. As evidenced by the reported 97% lifespan.
You have decades left on this.
That TBW number is for the warranty...NOT when it will 'die' from too many write cycles.
Consumer level drive have been shown to last far far beyond that published TBW number.
I wouldn't stress too much about trying to limit it, and just use the drive as is.
You'll replace it for other reasons, long before it runs out of write cycles.
T
Teeman13
07-30-2023, 11:58 AM #2

If this is your drive:
https://www.westerndigital.com/en-za/pro...BQNTY-512G
TBW for the 512GB is 300 TBW.
You've used ~4%. As evidenced by the reported 97% lifespan.
You have decades left on this.
That TBW number is for the warranty...NOT when it will 'die' from too many write cycles.
Consumer level drive have been shown to last far far beyond that published TBW number.
I wouldn't stress too much about trying to limit it, and just use the drive as is.
You'll replace it for other reasons, long before it runs out of write cycles.

B
BlackVeilEwan
Member
138
08-05-2023, 10:13 PM
#3
What is the dimensions/brand/model of your SSD?
How much total storage capacity does it have?
B
BlackVeilEwan
08-05-2023, 10:13 PM #3

What is the dimensions/brand/model of your SSD?
How much total storage capacity does it have?

S
SB0823
Member
173
08-07-2023, 09:03 AM
#4
WD PC SN735 512GB, health is GOOD at 97%, TRIM monthly. Write Cache is turned off. Performed two OS reinstalls from Windows 11 to 10, reset this PC setting. Games and video files were handled with small quality in OBS so far.
Total Host Writes: 14075 GB
Thanks
S
SB0823
08-07-2023, 09:03 AM #4

WD PC SN735 512GB, health is GOOD at 97%, TRIM monthly. Write Cache is turned off. Performed two OS reinstalls from Windows 11 to 10, reset this PC setting. Games and video files were handled with small quality in OBS so far.
Total Host Writes: 14075 GB
Thanks

H
HannahGG
Member
148
08-07-2023, 03:15 PM
#5
If this is your drive:
https://www.westerndigital.com/en-za/pro...BQNTY-512G
TBW for the 512GB is 300 TBW.
You've used ~4%. As evidenced by the reported 97% lifespan.
You have decades left on this.
That TBW number is for the warranty...NOT when it will 'die' from too many write cycles.
Consumer level drive have been shown to last far far beyond that published TBW number.
I wouldn't stress too much about trying to limit it, and just use the drive as is.
You'll replace it for other reasons, long before it runs out of write cycles.
H
HannahGG
08-07-2023, 03:15 PM #5

If this is your drive:
https://www.westerndigital.com/en-za/pro...BQNTY-512G
TBW for the 512GB is 300 TBW.
You've used ~4%. As evidenced by the reported 97% lifespan.
You have decades left on this.
That TBW number is for the warranty...NOT when it will 'die' from too many write cycles.
Consumer level drive have been shown to last far far beyond that published TBW number.
I wouldn't stress too much about trying to limit it, and just use the drive as is.
You'll replace it for other reasons, long before it runs out of write cycles.

X
XoGeeKoX
Member
63
08-07-2023, 04:07 PM
#6
I believe the drive shown on the official site matches what I saw, except for my sn735 variant—likely the same model. Thanks a lot for the detailed information you provided. I plan to use it with OBS CBR 6500 at 720p and 30fps. Most people tell me I’m overcomplicating things by using 720p in 2024, but honestly, it’s not a big deal when everything runs smoothly in high settings. No problem. Appreciate the help!
X
XoGeeKoX
08-07-2023, 04:07 PM #6

I believe the drive shown on the official site matches what I saw, except for my sn735 variant—likely the same model. Thanks a lot for the detailed information you provided. I plan to use it with OBS CBR 6500 at 720p and 30fps. Most people tell me I’m overcomplicating things by using 720p in 2024, but honestly, it’s not a big deal when everything runs smoothly in high settings. No problem. Appreciate the help!

G
GanonCannon
Member
177
08-24-2023, 06:04 PM
#7
Many individuals overly focus on write cycles for their SSDs.
I noticed people often reject drives with lower ratings, such as 600TBW, while others with higher ratings like 1200 or 1500 are accepted.
This is similar to comparing a car's warranty—10 years and 2 million miles versus 10 years and 4 million miles.
In both cases, you won’t reach the expected mileage.
G
GanonCannon
08-24-2023, 06:04 PM #7

Many individuals overly focus on write cycles for their SSDs.
I noticed people often reject drives with lower ratings, such as 600TBW, while others with higher ratings like 1200 or 1500 are accepted.
This is similar to comparing a car's warranty—10 years and 2 million miles versus 10 years and 4 million miles.
In both cases, you won’t reach the expected mileage.

A
AJRaps1
Member
63
08-31-2023, 08:17 AM
#8
Thank you for your detailed assistance, it is appreciated!
A
AJRaps1
08-31-2023, 08:17 AM #8

Thank you for your detailed assistance, it is appreciated!