Advantages & Disadvantages of using FileVault?

[marc55]

I have an Early 2013 MBPr and a Mid 2014 MBP,r and I'm considering using FileVault.

But I do, I would appreciate if some of you guys could give me some Advantages & Disadvantages of using FileVault.

Thank you
m

 

[mfram]

Advantage: Your data is encrypted.
Disadvantage: If you forget the password, you will need to restore from backup. You couldn't do external data recovery on the drive.

 

[T5BRICK]

As mfram already said, the main advantage is that your data is encrypted.

Another disadvantage is a slight performance hit, but nothing you'd notice in day to day usage.

 

[kevink2]

I've never noticed the performance hit on my 2010 model I just got rid of.

 

[priitv8]

One more thing to remember - if you clean and sell your Mac, dont't forget to turn the FV off. Otherwise the new owner will still need your password to access the machine.

 

[marc55]

Advantage: Your data is encrypted.
Disadvantage: If you forget the password, you will need to restore from backup. You couldn't do external data recovery on the drive.

Not sure what you are indicating here? Does this mean I can't use Time Machine?

 

[priitv8]

Not sure what you are indicating here? Does this mean I can't use Time Machine?

You can. However, if you forget the FV password, you've locked yourself out of your own data. Fortunately also Apple can assist you if you took care about it during setup.

 

[RoboWarriorSr]

I've heard of issues with certain applications mainly games like COD 4 (apparently big performance hits around 20 FPS). Other than that it's mostly disadvantage free.

 

[marc55]

I FileVaulted my MBP, and all is fine.