<P> The memory in flash drives is commonly engineered with multi-level cell ( MLC ) based memory that is good for around 3,000 - 5,000 program - erase cycles , but some flash drives have single - level cell ( SLC ) based memory that is good for around 100,000 writes . There is virtually no limit to the number of reads from such flash memory , so a well - worn USB drive may be write - protected to help ensure the life of individual cells . </P>
how many writes does a flash drive have
around 3,000 - 5,000 program - erase cycles , but some flash drives have single - level cell ( SLC ) based memory that is good for around 100,000 writes