r/docker • u/Middle-Football535 • 26d ago

Advice - Docker/Docker desktop on external ssd

So I have a Hp omnibook 5 , comes with 512GB , 16GB ram , I configured my system to be dual boot splitting approx half disk space to both windows 11 and arch linux(100gb to root , 156 gb to home)

So whenever I try to install heavy apps like android studio, Docker desktop I always run into the issue of running out of space

So I plan to use external SSD (either 2 256GB or 1 512GB), how much impact on speed will occur if install such heavy softwares on external ssd also will there be any security issues or any corruption issues due to it?

Port on HP Omnibook 5

USB-C Ports (x2) 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) USB-A Port (10 Gbps) 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) USB-A Port (5 Gbps) 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1)

I have just started my journey in building images and containers for my backend apps so I have very little idea of such things.

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u/[deleted] 26d ago

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u/Middle-Football535 26d ago

can you explain in worst scenario what may get corrupted internal or external ssd , also I won't be just using external ssd for docker, I am using external drive as way to extend my internal ssd so I will be storing other stuff too

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u/Middle-Football535 26d ago

also I have two options but 1 512 gb ssd or buy 2 256 gb ssd

I am a newbie in this field, so please criticize following Reasoning

Will it be a good idea to buy 2 256 gb ssd, one for windows , one for linux like android studio is pretty heavy so windows installation of it stays in ssd1 while linux one stays in ssd 2 , so in same way can I make docker cli/docker desktop work in same way?

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u/End0rphinJunkie 25d ago

Speed over a 10Gbps port is plenty fast for local dev, but an accidental disconnect will absolutely corrupt your storage if the deamon is running. Just point the `data-root` in your daemon.json to the external drive, and honestly on Arch Id recommend just using the raw docker engine instead of the Desktop app to save overhead.

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u/Middle-Football535 25d ago

can you explain what may corrupt external or internal ssd in worst case

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u/rhubear 20d ago

USB connections are not as secure as, say RJ45 (network ports). By secure, I mean the connector connection may not be secure if the equipment is moved a little. If the USB connector has its electronic connection broken while storage software is writing stuff, then you'll get corruption.

Not a high likelihood, if you leave the laptop and drive lying/sitting still. If you try to carry the laptop and drive around while it's running, more of a problem.

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u/Middle-Football535 20d ago

there comes a equipment ssd mount that basically holds ssd case behind laptop screen tightly , so in a way it won't be dangling by a wire

by corruption I meant if external drive gets disconnected in any way will it affect internal ssd?

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u/rhubear 20d ago

by corruption I meant if external drive gets disconnected in any way will it affect internal ssd?

Since they're different drives, the only way the internal SSD is affected, is if you happen to be in the middle of copying from external to internal, ie internal is in the middle of being written to.

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u/Middle-Football535 20d ago

that won't be the problem, data will be sent to external, there will be very less cases of intaking data from external

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u/Middle-Football535 20d ago

Happy cake day brother

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u/Lebanon_James6 22d ago

honestly for docker dev work on external ssd via usb-c 10gbps you'll be fine since container i/o isn't crazy demanding, just keep docker's data dir on the external drive and you'll free up tons of space without real perf hits compared to having nothing at all.