 Flash memory can only be programmed and erased a limited number of times. This is often referred to as the maximum number of program / erase cycles (P / E cycles) it can sustain over the life of the flash memory. Single-level cell (SLC) flash, designed for higher performance and longer endurance, can typically operate between 50,000 and 100,000 cycles. As of 2011, multi-level cell (MLC) flash is designed for lower cost applications and has a greatly reduced cycle count of typically between 3,000 and 5,000. Since 2013, triple-level cell (TLC) flash has been available, with cycle counts dropping to 1,000 program-erase (P / E) cycles. A lower write amplification is more desirable, as it corresponds to a reduced number of P / E cycles on the flash memory and thereby to an increased SSD life.
