Re: [gentoo-user] Re: problem formatting new 256 GB USB stick : glances at gparted

[Dale <rdalek1967@gmail.com>]

Michael wrote:
> For reliable NAND flash storage on a modern PC which can make use of the 
> higher speeds, I wholeheartedly agree the M.2 small form factor SSD drive 
> within a USB enclosure must be a consideration.  Or one of the external SATA 
> SSDs which are physically bigger, with a USB cable. 
>
> There are also USB enclosures (caddies), in which you can buy and install a 
> suitable M.2 or 2.5" SATA SSD of your choice; e.g.:
>
> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-nvme/
>
> The SSDs come with a fast DRAM cache which accelerates transfers of smaller 
> files, so the difference in speed from your flaky USB sticks will be very 
> noticeable.


I use external USB sticks a lot for critical backup files, world, /etc
and most important, /root where some of my so called scripts live. 
Reading this thread made me question even more the dependability of USB
sticks.  I've read elsewhere that even some highly respected brands are
heading down the road to being iffy.  So, I just bought a enclosure and
a m.2 stick.  This is what I got. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYLDM23M

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQSX3Z76

I'll likely have one partition that is not encrypted and others that
are.  I hope those two work together.  From what I understand of reading
in this thread, this is a more dependable option.  These SSDs have come
a long ways on the reliability front compared to several years ago.  The
$70 price tag is more than a USB stick BUT as it is, I have the same
info across multiple USB sticks just to hope that at least one of them
won't fail.  Added together, those aren't cheap either.  As most know, I
have a couple fire safes.  I have one that is supposed to be media
rated.  Still, I put really important things in a fireproof/resistant
bag.  It gives them a little more protection.  I haven't figured out how
to do that with that hard drive enclosure that holds five hard drives
yet tho.  I'm hoping this will be a much more reliable method. 

This is why I read threads even if I can't help or anything.  I learn
something.  I just wonder if I can encrypt stuff on there.  I bet it
works like anything else. 

Dale

:-)  :-)