How's ur reaction bout portable usb flash drives gettin hot easily when plug-in....even just 5 minutes? Does it pose some danger to pc or even to the flash drive itself with the possibility of it to malfunction and could erase datas inside? Or it is just ok and natural especially is it's a SanDisk brand? coz even their cheaper models can withstand heat and are reliable and tested?
Many do get hot but never so hot you cannot hold it (unless faulty). But heat is the main enemy to all electronics so if nothing else, it could be increasing component aging. As far as damage to the PC, it shouldn't. But when components fail, strange things can happen when it comes to electricity. If you are not comfortable with it, I would suggest you trust your instincts and only use this drive for quick, temporary use, and disconnect it when not in use.
Is your USB Drive plastic or metal? San Disk makes both types. This article is old but may be helpful still: http://blog.premiumusb.com/2011/02/why-flash-drive-get-hot/
I notice that running Linux Live off a usb stick causes it to get warmer than usual. I only have plastic ones and various different makes . I've got an infra-red temperature scanner somewhere , but like everything else that I haven't used in a while , it's not where it's supposed to be .... When ( or if ) I find it , I'll run some tests and post back here . BTW , I agree with Bill_Bright.... a few degrees is nothing to be alarmed about
I should also note that if the drive's case is getting warm, that is heat pulled away from the actual memory devices inside - a good thing. I would say just make sure the device remains clear of obstacles so air is free to circulate around it. Now if the plastic becomes discolored or worse, starts to deform (melt), then get rid of it.
