Why does the Sentry Mode SSD get so damn hot? It doesn't get that hot plugged into the computer.
Can barely touch it.
Can barely touch it.
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Why SSD so hot?
- Thread starter Arizona Willie
- Start date
sduck
Mr. Duck
swaltner
Active Member
It’s hot because it’s always in use saving the recent video clips when the Tesla is on. If you copied files using your computer to the same drive for 30-60 minutes straight, it would be hot as well.
BluestarE3
Active Member
Also, it's in a small enclosed space in the center console that doesn't get any air flow to aid in heat dissipation.
sduck
Mr. Duck
But the OP is asking about an ssd. They're different, and don't normally get hot. Let's not confuse the issue.
Most SSDs (unless older) use flash based memory so shouldn't read/write energy use be relatively about the same? Of course SSDs are usually in a larger area (especially 2.5") so waste energy (heat) dispersion should be a little better.
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srs5694
Active Member
Sentry Mode does the same thing; they both record continuously, then delete them once a certain time passes. Both also move files over from the temporary recording directory to a saved recordings directory when told to do so. For TeslaCam, "told to do so" is an explicit action by the user (or maybe if the car detects an accident -- I don't recall if that's true); for Sentry Mode, "told to do so" is an alert or alarm event being triggered.
USB flash drives and SSDs use basically the same flash memory technology. They differ in details, like the capacity and number of the chips and their design specs (temperature tolerances, number of read/write cycles, etc.), but they're fundamentally the same flash memory technology.
I don't know the details for flash memory, but most electronic devices do generate heat. That's why computers have fans, and why there are heat sinks on CPUs and GPUs -- to help dissipate that heat and prevent the device from melting in its own waste heat. That said, two devices designed to do the same thing but of different designs may produce different amounts of heat, for any number of reasons. If you think that a device is becoming dangerously hot (like, you think it might start a fire), then you should certainly stop using it; it's either defective or is being used beyond its rated specifications. If it's just warm to the touch, but not too hot to touch for an extended period, then it's probably fine. That said, heat beyond room temperature will reduce the life of any electronic device. You might be able to improve matters by adding a heat sink, if the device's enclosure is smooth metal. You can find heat sinks of many sizes, meant for CPUs, GPUs, and other chips and electronic devices. Try searching on eBay or at a computer retailer like NewEgg.
Lhshockey24
Member
Yes, this is the way to go. You want "high-endurance" designed for security camera use.
sduck
Mr. Duck
The memory chips used are similar, but not identical. The real difference is in the chip(s) used to control the in/out to the memory - flash drives use cheap chips that get hot fast. Ssd's typically use better chipsets that don't get as hot. It's the IO part of these devices that generate the most heat.
It would be nice if the OP would answer the question about which drive he's using.
It is a Samsung microSDXC PRO Endurance 128 gb, which was recommended on here. It is a tiny little card that looks like it was intended for a phone that plugs into an adapter that plugs into a USB adapter. That's two adapters. Might be a problem right there. Videos look fine. Only looked at them once and then deleted them.
I was surprised it got so damn hot. I will make sure to let the car cool for awhile before pulling it again.
It ( Teslacam ) burned up one thumb drive. I will also try the other port. And maybe leave the console open so some air can get in there. Not much but better than nothing I suppose.
summer is right around the corner, so those of you using SSDs and cheap thumb drives might having failing drives soon when sentry mode is enabled due to the constant writing. Temperatures in the car can easily reach 160F+ inside your car with 80F weather outside.
I personally use a 128gb Samsung Endurance Pro thats rated for constant writes for up to 43,800 hours (5 years) and withstands operating temperatures ranging from -13F (-25°C) to 185F (85°C). I use it in conjunction with a usb A + usb C microSD adapter. They dont sell the one I use anymore but this is similar and great for those who have an Android phone with usb C. iPhone users can try this, but I havent tested it
They are so cheap now, no reason to get something else unless you want extra storage. Although western digital has their 256gb purple microSD which I may purchase for TeslaCam once it drops lower in price
I personally use a 128gb Samsung Endurance Pro thats rated for constant writes for up to 43,800 hours (5 years) and withstands operating temperatures ranging from -13F (-25°C) to 185F (85°C). I use it in conjunction with a usb A + usb C microSD adapter. They dont sell the one I use anymore but this is similar and great for those who have an Android phone with usb C. iPhone users can try this, but I havent tested it
They are so cheap now, no reason to get something else unless you want extra storage. Although western digital has their 256gb purple microSD which I may purchase for TeslaCam once it drops lower in price
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That's the same card that @Arizona Willie said has been getting hot on him in case you didn't realize it.
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