Indexing of Time Machine Backup SSDs

johnlove123 wrote:

FWIW, I have tried UN-mounting these SSDs, but with every restart they are RE-mounted. I understand why because the OS assumes that I have set backup to automatic. But, as already stated, I do the TM backup manually.

You can unmount them and physically disconnect them from your Mac. That guarantees whatever activity is bothering you will stop. Why do you leave them connected when you backup to them just 2 or 3 times per year? Connect them when you plan to use them.

QUESTION = does this constant reading of these SSD drives lead to their shortened life span?

I believe the answer is no, or at least not compared to an SSD that is used as the primary internal boot drive. As that drive is constantly busy, and certainly busier than an external Time Machine drive.

If you were somehow to prevent the Time Machine drive indexing, I believe that would greatly impair your ability to recover files from that Time Machine backup, it would have trouble finding things. Which would contradict the purpose of the backup.

Manually backup 2 - 3 times a year

OP wrote " QUESTION = does this constant reading of these SSD drives lead to their shortened life span? "

Then, why have the drive attached to the computer at all ?

Alternative to TM Backup, to Augment what TM does and Not to Replace it.

https://bombich.com

https://support.bombich.com/hc/en-us/articles/20686487352599-How-to-set-up-your-first-backup

https://support.bombich.com/hc/en-us/articles/20686449773847-How-to-schedule-a-backup

On average, SSDs last between 5 to 7 years under normal usage conditions.

However, this can vary based on the quality of the SSD, the intensity of usage.

Regular backups are essential in safeguarding your data.

For future purposes

To truly protect your non replaceable Data - have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current

3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.

Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 

Perhaps you are misunderstanding what is going on. Indexing the drive would be pretty much unnoticeable.

Time Machine now makes a snapshot, copies the snapshot to the backup drive, then reconciles it with the others on the drive. When it reconciles, you will see a lot of disk activity.

If you are only backing up 2-3 times per year, it is making a full backup every time. That may be why you think Spotlight indexing is such a problem for you.

Rotational Drive ?

SSD Drive ?

Spotlight is required by Time Machine. There is no separation possible.

So the User ( you ) have three opinions that are based upon very solid Technical Information

What you do with that advise

That is really up to you ( the User )