Data storage system and method based on data temperature

A method for a data storage system, comprising:

• determining when to start data retention recycling on a memory-device-by-memory-device basis based on a temperature of each of a plurality of memory devices;
• determining whether data is hot data or cold data;
• and
• when the data is cold data, storing the data in a first one of a plurality of memory devices, wherein the first one of the plurality of memory devices is located farther away from a controller than a second one of the plurality of memory devices,
• wherein cold data is less likely to be changed after it is written than hot data.

A data storage system, comprising:

• means for determining when to start data retention recycling on a memory-device-by-memory-device basis based on a temperature of each of a plurality of memory devices;
• means for determining whether data is hot data or cold data;
• and
• when the data is cold data, means for storing the data in a first one of a plurality of memory devices, wherein the first one of the plurality of memory devices is located farther away from a controller than a second one of the plurality of memory devices,
• wherein cold data is less likely to be changed after it is written than hot data.