Will repeatedly connecting and disconnecting hdd and ssd damage connectors?

[Bruno Vincent]

I want to share my SSD with laptop and desktop.

When I go out, I take the ssd and put it into the laptop, when I come home I put it back in PC.

In order to facilitate this I have the SSD sticking out of the PC case, to avoid opening the case every time.

For the laptop I can either put the disk in or use a caddy.

My questions, will doing this daily damage the SSD connector or SATA input cables connections?

If I'm careful, is this ok? If not, how could I do this? I'm sure USB connectors are made to connect and disconnect for years, but what about SATa?

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, you will eventually break the connector. Either the cable or the actual drive.

Why not get a USB drive, and save your movable data on that?

 

[R_1]

wear and tear will get you.
the SSD's are designed with the intent of being put in a pc and screwed down.
for repeated plugging and unplugging you will find a metal shroud around it to protect from the wear and tear, ala USB and Firewire.
the plugs are not robust and are prone to cracking, the plastic support that holds the pins, and breakage.
even external docks are not meant for frequent plugging and removal of the same drive.

assuming the SSD is not housing the OS for both devices and is just data you want to keep portable I suggest placing the SSD in one of these, example only, shop around, first one I found. not an endorsement
https://www.amazon.com/SATA-III-Eaxer-External-Enclosure-Optimized/dp/B0722JJLD3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1516589883&sr=8-3&keywords=2.5+external+hard+drive

 

[RolandJS]

Related to the topic, if one finds oneself swapping external, not internal, devices around different computers, I have been using usb extensions doohickies. The doohickey remains attached to the desktop or laptop, a 3' or 6' usb extension cable remains attached to the traveling device. Thus the doohickey and the cable take the heat, such things can be easily and inexpensive to replace when worn.

 

[Bruno Vincent]

Actually I have made a set up with extension sata cable, unplug and re plug everyday for about 3 months now, doesn't break at all, so until further notice, it is sturdy enough from my desired application!

 

[popatim]

I've broken 2 and worn out 1 fwiw.