Macbook Pro's USB Type-C burning experience

[TinaBelcher]

Before reading, keep in mind I'm coming from a 2013 MacBook Pro, and this is my first upgrade ion 4 years. I have the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2018 (without any external updates).

I've never dealt with these usb type-c ports and sticks before, so I don't know if this is normal or not... But here we go. I purchased the Sandisk Ultra Dual 128gb Flash Drive that has Type-C and the standard in each ends.

1st problem - It feels really rusty to plug-in. I have to literally press it in until it makes a hard clicking sound and it's very hard to pull out again. It makes me paranoid that I'm gonna ruin the ports.
Are all type-C ports/drives on MacBook like this? I'm used to the regular kind that just slides in without any force.

2nd problem - the flash drive started heating up like crazy within a minute. I have not even added anything to it. 10 minutes in and the only thing I did was encrypt it. Is this my MacBook Pro's fault or are type-c flash drives all like this?

You can read about it here:
https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/ultra-dual-drive-usb-type-c

 

[Aea]

I don’t use any force or hear any noise when plugging usb c devices in.

 

[TinaBelcher]

I don’t use any force or hear any noise when plugging usb c devices in.

Hmmm makes me wonder if it's the build of the dual because it's a 2-in-1.

 

[Newtons Apple]

You should not have to push hard. Something is wrong. None of my jump drives heat up like you describe, type C should not either.

 

[TinaBelcher]

You should not have to push hard. Something is wrong. None of my jump drives heat up like you describe, type C should not either.

I tried plugging it on my 2013 MacBook Pro, and it only 50% as hot as on my 2018 when turning it on the usb-c side.

DO you have any recommendations for better usb-c flash drives?

 

[leman]

1st problem - It feels really rusty to plug-in.

They changed something with these laptops, the connectors now require more force to connect/disconnect.Ports on 2016/2017 machines often were described as loose by some, so maybe they fixed that.

2nd problem - the flash drive started heating up like crazy within a minute. I have not even added anything to it. 10 minutes in and the only thing I did was encrypt it. Is this my MacBook Pro's fault or are type-c flash drives all like this?

Well, encrypting a disk is one of the most demanding things you can do to it, as you have to read and write all the data. Of course it will get warm. And these Sandisks also like to heat up, I use them as well.

All in all, no reasons to worry.

 

[macintoshmac]

Okay, as one who refused to be in "dongle hell" as they call it, and go USB-C all guns blazing, here is my experience on three counts:

1. USB-C cables
2. USB-C flash drives
3. Experience of plugging and de-plugging the cables and the drives

I have an Apple supplied USB-C charging cable. It used to fit with a soft click on all 4 ports of my 2016 MBP, but after a keyboard replacement, it does not fit with a click anymore on 3 of my 4 ports, it just slides in with an experience akin to any other USB-A experience. Only on 1 port it gives a feeling mildly reminiscent of a click.

I have a Belkin USB-C to USB Micro B cable for my external hard disk drives. This cable used to fit with a soft click on my 2016 MBP and now with the keyboard replacement, it still fits with the same soft click on all 4 ports.

I have a Transcend JF890S USB-A/ USB-C dual flash drive. This drive fits with the same experience in 2016 MBP as it does after keyboard replacement, on all 4 ports. Drive is metal, it gets hot.

I have a Sony USM16CA1 flash drive, with both USB-A/USB-C ports. This drive was purchased after the keyboard replacement as a second drive, so no experience with the 2016 MBP keyboard, but this drive fits, on all 4 ports, with a sweet-sounding soft click that I love. Again, drive is metal, it gets hot and is normal in my opinion. It gets cooled pretty fast when ejected.

At no point of time have I had to push either the mentioned cables or the flash drives with a force that could be termed unreasonable, including de-plugging all cables and flash drives.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I tried plugging it on my 2013 MacBook Pro, and it only 50% as hot as on my 2018 when turning it on the usb-c side.

DO you have any recommendations for better usb-c flash drives?

I have not purchased a USB-C jump drive for my MBPro yet. I was looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Ultr...d=1532630945&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+c+jump+drive

Right now still using my Lexar USB drive with an Apple doggle.

Reading the reviews many are saying that it will get HOT!
[doublepost=1532632040][/doublepost]

I tried plugging it on my 2013 MacBook Pro, and it only 50% as hot as on my 2018 when turning it on the usb-c side.

DO you have any recommendations for better usb-c flash drives?

After reading the Amazon reviews will be holding off on getting a USB-C drive for a while. Some reported they got so hot they almost burned their fingers. I do not think that is good for the MBPro. This weekend I will use the doggle again and plug in my USB drive that I back up my company files daily, and see if it gets hot too.

I do not buy the "it gets hot due to encryption" as I have used my USB drive and it did not get encrypted and worked fine. It is USB3 and was VERY fast.
[doublepost=1532632172][/doublepost]

Well, encrypting a disk is one of the most demanding things you can do to it, as you have to read and write all the data. Of course it will get warm. And these Sandisks also like to heat up, I use them as well.

All in all, no reasons to worry.

Just what is being encrypted? I use my regular USB-A jump drive to restore backup to QBooks Pro and it is not encrypting the entire drive, maybe just what I downloaded.

 

[TinaBelcher]

They changed something with these laptops, the connectors now require more force to connect/disconnect.Ports on 2016/2017 machines often were described as loose by some, so maybe they fixed that.



Well, encrypting a disk is one of the most demanding things you can do to it, as you have to read and write all the data. Of course it will get warm. And these Sandisks also like to heat up, I use them as well.

All in all, no reasons to worry.

Ah, so the 2018 is indeed to blame for the extra force and tugging to plug out. Would you advice me to just pull it straight out with all my force, or should I wiggle it out slowly? (if possible)

The flash drive heated up before I started encrypting it, but good to know all Sandisk does this and won't get damaged.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Ah, so the 2018 is indeed to blame for the extra force and tugging to plug out. Would you advice me to just pull it straight out with all my force, or should I wiggle it out slowly? (if possible)

The flash drive heated up before I started encrypting it, but good to know all Sandisk does this and won't get damaged.

Maybe wait until it cools off and see if it pulls more easy.

 

[TinaBelcher]

I have not purchased a USB-C jump drive for my MBPro yet. I was looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Ultr...d=1532630945&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+c+jump+drive

Right now still using my Lexar USB drive with an Apple doggle.

Reading the reviews many are saying that it will get HOT!
[doublepost=1532632040][/doublepost]

After reading the Amazon reviews will be holding off on getting a USB-C drive for a while. Some reported they got so hot they almost burned their fingers. I do not think that is good for the MBPro. This weekend I will use the doggle again and plug in my USB drive that I back up my company files daily, and see if it gets hot too.

I do not buy the "it gets hot due to encryption" as I have used my USB drive and it did not get encrypted and worked fine. It is USB3 and was VERY fast.
[doublepost=1532632172][/doublepost]

Just what is being encrypted? I use my regular USB-A jump drive to restore backup to QBooks Pro and it is not encrypting the entire drive, maybe just what I downloaded.

I looked at that one, too. Yeah, I defiantly don't want toggles. Do you know if all usb-c flash drives are blocking the ports next to it? I can't charge on the same side where my flash drive is inserted because of little spacing, so I can technically only use 2 usb-c ports, 1 on each side.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I looked at that one, too. Yeah, I defiantly don't want toggles. Do you know if all usb-c flash drives are blocking the ports next to it? I can't charge on the same side where my flash drive is inserted because of little spacing, so I can technically only use 2 usb-c ports, 1 on each side.

I am still stuck with doggles as I have both types of USB to deal with. I use my laptop on Windows 10 via bootcamp.

I do not care what anyone says I do not want a device plugged into my 2018 that get so hot you can not touch it.

 

[TinaBelcher]

I am still stuck with doggles as I have both types of USB to deal with. I use my laptop on Windows 10 via bootcamp.

I do not care what anyone says I do not want a device plugged into my 2018 that get so hot you can not touch it.

Yeah, I understand how you feel. Even if it's "normal" it shouldn't be. But I guess I have no other choice at the moment.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Yeah, I understand how you feel. Even if it's "normal" it shouldn't be. But I guess I have no other choice at the moment.

I have posted in the Windows section of the forum to see if people are having the same problem while in BootCamp/Windows.

Let me know if you hear of anything. Sorry I could not be of help!

 

[macintoshmac]

The two flash drives I use, I bought specifically for the reason that they were lean. They do not block any port.

Transcend JF890S
Sony USM16CA1

 

[Clix Pix]

I have a Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C and USB-A that I got at the Apple store. I have used it primarily in my MBP 2015 15" with USB-A ports and it does get hot pretty quickly, but cools down soon after I've removed it from the port. I do have a USB-C port on my MacBook but rarely need to use an external drive or thumb drive with it. Of course it is not Thunderbolt 2 or 3, anyway. I had bought this thing in anticipation of one day in the future having a MBP with USB Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Some cables have stiff connectors, some don't. Some USB drives get hot, some don't - depends on how much power they request and the amount of data being transferred (especially at high speed).

 

[Painter2002]

Before reading, keep in mind I'm coming from a 2013 MacBook Pro, and this is my first upgrade ion 4 years. I have the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2018 (without any external updates).

I've never dealt with these usb type-c ports and sticks before, so I don't know if this is normal or not... But here we go. I purchased the Sandisk Ultra Dual 128gb Flash Drive that has Type-C and the standard in each ends.

1st problem - It feels really rusty to plug-in. I have to literally press it in until it makes a hard clicking sound and it's very hard to pull out again. It makes me paranoid that I'm gonna ruin the ports.
Are all type-C ports/drives on MacBook like this? I'm used to the regular kind that just slides in without any force.

2nd problem - the flash drive started heating up like crazy within a minute. I have not even added anything to it. 10 minutes in and the only thing I did was encrypt it. Is this my MacBook Pro's fault or are type-c flash drives all like this?

You can read about it here:
https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/ultra-dual-drive-usb-type-c

The heat issue is something that comes with using USB-C drives, but ultimately it will depend on the design of the flash drive.

I specifically looked at this flash drive when I got my 2017 MBP, and didn't buy it because people kept talking about the heat, and there is no where to attach a lanyard or keyring to. I added a lanyard to the below model so that I could not burn myself when unplugging the flash drive:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLN92ZM/A/sandisk-64gb-ultra-dual-drive-usb-type-c?fnode=5f

 

[leman]

I do not care what anyone says I do not want a device plugged into my 2018 that get so hot you can not touch it.

Then don’t buy usb devices that heat up quickly. Really, what does this have to do with the laptop? Are you suggesting it magically heats a usb stick up?

 

[TinaBelcher]

The heat issue is something that comes with using USB-C drives, but ultimately it will depend on the design of the flash drive.

I specifically looked at this flash drive when I got my 2017 MBP, and didn't buy it because people kept talking about the heat, and there is no where to attach a lanyard or keyring to. I added a lanyard to the below model so that I could not burn myself when unplugging the flash drive:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLN92ZM/A/sandisk-64gb-ultra-dual-drive-usb-type-c?fnode=5f

apple has lost their mind, that's expensive. I could buy 2 or even 3 of the ones I bought today.. but how come these sandisk that apple are selling only exist on apple's website?

 

[Painter2002]

apple has lost their mind, that's expensive. I could buy 2 or even 3 of the ones I bought today.. but how come these sandisk that apple are selling only exist on apple's website?

Oh heck no I bought it from Amazon for a lot less, I just couldn’t find the link anymore. I would not advise anyone to buy it from Apple directly. I apologize from the misdirection there. But this is a good usb drive if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

 

[Clix Pix]

I bought mine at the local Apple store because it was convenient, I wanted the ability to put the thing on my keychain, and it came in the capacity that I wanted. I don’t use it very much but it is handy to have. For situations where I want to back up or supplement my files I use external drives such as Samsung’s T5 series of external SSDs.

 

[Lennyvalentin]

Would you advice me to just pull it straight out with all my force, or should I wiggle it out slowly? (if possible)

As straight as you can. The straighter the better really; wiggling it just creates more friction and wear on the connector, although you probably don't need to worry about wearing it out; it's probably specced for like 10,000 insertion/removal cycles, plus you got four of 'em. Just spread out the love and couple your devices in every orifice, if you're so inclined...

 

[AppleFanatic10]

Before reading, keep in mind I'm coming from a 2013 MacBook Pro, and this is my first upgrade ion 4 years. I have the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2018 (without any external updates).

I've never dealt with these usb type-c ports and sticks before, so I don't know if this is normal or not... But here we go. I purchased the Sandisk Ultra Dual 128gb Flash Drive that has Type-C and the standard in each ends.

1st problem - It feels really rusty to plug-in. I have to literally press it in until it makes a hard clicking sound and it's very hard to pull out again. It makes me paranoid that I'm gonna ruin the ports.
Are all type-C ports/drives on MacBook like this? I'm used to the regular kind that just slides in without any force.

2nd problem - the flash drive started heating up like crazy within a minute. I have not even added anything to it. 10 minutes in and the only thing I did was encrypt it. Is this my MacBook Pro's fault or are type-c flash drives all like this?

You can read about it here:
https://www.sandisk.com/home/mobile-device-storage/ultra-dual-drive-usb-type-c

I had one of the first 2016 MacBook Pros that came out with USB-C only ports. I did notice that it took some force to put in some usb-c devices...I would maybe take it back and return it for a new one (the SanDisk flash drive). Hopefully it's just a defective flash drive and nothing is wrong with your computer.

 

[themp]

I'm also using the SanDisk Dual USB-C 128 GB drive. Beware - the Apple Store website says that it is USB 3.1, but it is definitely not, it's actually dreadfully slow. I think that is more a consequence of it being formatted as ExFAT, but I need cross-compatibility. Also, it gets extremely hot.

I think this drive is being upgraded - the versions that you can buy in person at the Apple Store are substantially more expensive (and also USB 3.0). The ones on the Apple Store website are cheaper (for larger sizes too) and say USB 3.1. Perhaps they sent an old one, not sure. It is handy though.