How long do you use USB drives for live Linux systems? (infosec.pub)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by occultist8128@infosec.pub to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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i’ve been using a USB 2.0 drive to run a live linux OS for the past couple of years, mostly for storing linux ISOs, installing linux on laptops and live persistence. lately, i’ve noticed a huge drop in write speed, currently around 1.8 MB/s, which is pretty slow for the tasks i do. i'm planning to replace it with a USB 3.0 drive in the future, but i wanted to ask:

how long have you typically used a USB drive for live linux systems, including for live persistence??
do you still use USB 2.0, or did you upgrade to a 3.0 or higher?
any tips to extend the lifespan of a USB drive when using it for live linux systems?

i'm mainly looking for advice and insights on how others manage their USB drives for similar use cases. thanks in advance for sharing!

EDIT: it's a usb stick. forgot to tell.

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[-] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 6 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Can you switch to an M2 external drive?

I've used old laptop (2.5") drives in compact enclosures as my "build anything" tool since forever.

My two current ones are old 500gb drives from dead laptops. I have multiple ISO's and tons of software on them. Latest one is SSD, so that's for travel.

Bigger than a pen drive, but they don't need external power.

[-] Cort@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

If you don't need a bunch of space, you can get a 32gb optane m.2 and put it in an enclosure

I've got my truenas server running on one

[-] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 1 points 5 months ago

How's that doing for heat dissipation? I've read M2's can overheat in some external enclosures.

[-] Cort@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Doesn't even feel warm to the touch. I got a ugreen aluminum one with built in heat spreader & thermal pad for the optane m.2 I use 24/7 for truenas

[-] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 1 points 5 months ago

Cool, good to know. Thanks!

this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2025

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