Build Your Own SUPER FAST Thumb Drive!
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Promos
Ever wished your thumb drive were faster? What if you could build one yourself, with your own SSD? Try Tunnelbear for free, no credit card required, at tunnelbear.com Buy ZOTAC's MEK1 on Amazon: geni.us Buy ZOTAC's MEK1 on Newegg: geni.us Buy ZOTAC's MEK1 at their store: geni.us Buy a SilverStone SST-MS09 On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Buy a WD Black SSD On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our production gear: geni.us Get LTX 2018 tickets at ltxexpo.com Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
In this Linus Tech Tips episode, the host embarks on another DIY memory project by attempting to build a custom USB thumb drive using an M.2 SSD enclosure. The video starts with reflection on a previous failed DIY memory build and then introduces the goal of creating a faster, more compact thumb drive by repurposing an M.2 SSD inside a compact enclosure that draws power from USB and does not require an external power brick. The host highlights the features of the enclosure they chose, including its aluminum finish and the fact that it does not rely on an external power supply, which simplifies the build. Throughout the segment, they discuss compatibility constraints for M.2 drives, such as keying (B+M or SATA/AHCI) and length, and explain why they opt for a 500 GB SATA/AHCI drive to maximize performance and capacity given the enclosure’s design. The testing portion compares the DIY drive against a standard USB thumb drive and other external storage options, noting important caveats like USB 3.0 vs USB 2.0 transfer speeds and the inherent limits of AHCI/SATA interfaces that cap performance at roughly a gigabit per second. The team runs a straightforward test by copying a 10 GB file and discusses results in terms of real-world usefulness, noting that while the DIY solution is not as fast as high-end external NVMe or dongle-free SSDs, it delivers compelling performance for its size and price. In the closing segments, the host weighs the DIY option against commercial compact drives and a portable SSD, concluding that while the DIY approach offers favorable performance per dollar and excellent portability, it comes with tradeoffs in convenience and potential durability. The video ends with practical takeaways, including when a DIY option makes sense and how viewers can explore similar projects, with mentions of related gear and sponsor notes. The overall takeaway is that the DIY thumb drive is an interesting, cost-effective alternative for certain users, though not a clear winner in every scenario, especially when ultra-high performance and plug-and-play convenience are required.
Topics · technology · diy · hardware · storage
Questions answered
- What is the main concept behind building a DIY super fast thumb drive in this video?
- The video demonstrates putting an M.2 SSD inside a compact enclosure to create a high-speed USB thumb drive, aiming for better performance than typical small USB sticks.
- What are the key compatibility considerations when choosing an M.2 drive for this build?
- You must use an M.2 drive that is SATA or AHCI with a B+M or SATA/AHCI keying, and it should fit a 42, 60, or 80 mm length to be compatible with the enclosure.
- Why do they choose to slide the entire PCB instead of using a flexible cable in the build?
- Sliding the whole PCB avoids potential failure points from cables bending or breaking, offering a more compact and potentially more reliable design.