Yes, it is possible to use an SD card as internal storage in Ubuntu.

ImWaiReZ
Member

12-11-2021, 01:13 AM

I aimed to use Ubuntu daily instead of Windows for as long as possible, but I'm starting from a 16GB USB thumb drive. That was a big mistake since storage ran out fast. I've tried running apt autoremove, deleting unnecessary files, and clearing things I don’t need. I also have a 32GB SD card, and I was wondering if it could work as internal storage. Edit: I’m on a laptop.

ImWaiReZ

12-11-2021, 01:13 AM #1

TommyTheLommy
Posting Freak

846

12-11-2021, 08:51 AM

However, this could damage the SD card quickly since it wasn’t designed for that use. Stick to a genuine SSD instead; the frequent random operations in USB drives cause wear and tear on these devices.

TommyTheLommy

12-11-2021, 08:51 AM #2

CyberPim
Member

221

12-13-2021, 05:53 AM

It's okay with the wear and tear. I won't keep anything too valuable on it. I didn't realize I was using a laptop.

CyberPim

12-13-2021, 05:53 AM #3

It's okay with the wear and tear. I won't keep anything too valuable on it. I didn't realize I was using a laptop.

GameBoosh
Senior Member

470

12-13-2021, 01:28 PM

You definitely have the ability to do it. However, if you have $30 extra, I suggest using an external USB drive. It offers more space and will simplify your tasks.

GameBoosh

12-13-2021, 01:28 PM #4

You definitely have the ability to do it. However, if you have $30 extra, I suggest using an external USB drive. It offers more space and will simplify your tasks.

darkotakuninja
Junior Member

12-17-2021, 08:25 PM

I didn’t mean to come across as overly critical, but I’m trying to avoid bringing that up. I chose a discreet thumb drive for a reason.

darkotakuninja

12-17-2021, 08:25 PM #5

I didn’t mean to come across as overly critical, but I’m trying to avoid bringing that up. I chose a discreet thumb drive for a reason.

HowBoutCoffee
Member

176

12-17-2021, 10:31 PM

You have flexibility in choosing storage, though programs will remain in /bin or /usr/bin. An option like this might suit you: https://www.amazon.ca/Netac-Rotated-Exte...083DKWT3Y/

HowBoutCoffee

12-17-2021, 10:31 PM #6

You have flexibility in choosing storage, though programs will remain in /bin or /usr/bin. An option like this might suit you: https://www.amazon.ca/Netac-Rotated-Exte...083DKWT3Y/

DarklyThunder
Member

241

12-18-2021, 03:54 AM

It seems you're unsure if your request is correct, but I'm here to clarify. Booting from a 16 GB thumb drive and expanding internal storage via an SD card is possible, though it depends on your device's capabilities.

DarklyThunder

12-18-2021, 03:54 AM #7

nikolzgamingGR
Junior Member

12-18-2021, 09:44 AM

If "internal storage" refers to the area where programs reside, the answer is no. Mounting an SD card to /usr/bin would install all programs there, which isn't recommended unless done during setup. Another option is combining the USB drive and SD card into a single Btrfs or ZFS pool, but this adds unnecessary complexity and depends on always keeping both drives with you. In short, opt for a bigger USB drive instead.

nikolzgamingGR

12-18-2021, 09:44 AM #8

HK_Natsu
Member

12-18-2021, 10:54 AM

Obviously, yes. There are a lot of Linux applications on sd cards, but most of them don't change data very often, on the other hand an entire desktop distribution is not recommended since as others already said will wear the card quickly On my surface I bought a 128GB class 10 and it runs decently, but still the ideal would be to move the /home and /tmp directories outside the sd card to minimize writing on it

HK_Natsu

12-18-2021, 10:54 AM #9