MacBook Pro, SSD ???

[Pianoworldstage]

Hi

I recently bought the Samsung T7 touch SSD to connect to a MacBook Pro as a dedicated drive for the use of a VI sample library, however I'm not sure if it's necessary to install the software that came with the T7 as it seems to plug and play straight out the box.. therefore do i need to install the software?

Thanks.

 

[s66]

If it works without 3rd party vendor software for what you need: go without the software!
You might miss on a few extra features at best, but you will gain a huge advantage when it comes to upgrading your macOS copy to a new version: no worries upgrades are much, much better!

 

[Fishrrman]

I would use disk utility to "wipe it clean", and then I wouldn't use ANY of the Samsung software...

 

[rugmankc]

I would use disk utility to "wipe it clean", and then I wouldn't use ANY of the Samsung software...

This is what I did on both my T7's. Just format correctly. I use GUID/APFS on my Carbon Copy Cloner. And GUID/MacOS Journaled on my T7 for file storage. On Big Sur. Pros/Cons on each. Bit, not expert enough to know what to recommend for you.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

The T7 is brand new, why do i need to format the drive when there's nothing on it apart from the software. If its recommended? How do i go about it? There are different options in disk utility for reformating, APFS, exFAT etc, without harming the T7 drive which format option should i choose?

MacBook Pro, OS Mojave 10.14.06

 

[baypharm]

It is not necessary to format the drive in order to use it with your MBP. I have used a T5, T7, and an X5 out of the box. No issues at all.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

It is not necessary to format the drive in order to use it with your MBP. I have used a T5, T7, and an X5 out of the box. No issues at all.

File system formats suggested for use with SSDs are MacOS Extended or APFS, I assume these are the two standard formats when choosing to format an SSD for compliance with a Mac?

 

[Wotcher]

I always format mine because it's never in the format I want--just got a T7 and it came formatted FAT-something (I forget exactly). At the least I want it as MacOS Extended, though now I want it as APFS. Buuut, folks are technically correct: No need to format.

 

[Pianoworldstage]

The software that came with the T7 SSD is for creating a password, finger print recognition and encryption, therfore when formatting the drive to APFS for better compliance with the Mac, am i correct in saying it will delete everything including the software? Therefore not having the option to use the finger print sensor or to create any future passwords?

 

[Wotcher]

If you're looking to use the utilities that come with the T7, then you will want to copy them somewhere before reformatting.

Disk Utility can create encrypted volumes w/ password (I think) so the only utility missing, or not covered by Disk Utility is fingerprint recognition. If that's important, then you'll definitely want to save those utilities.

 

[Fishrrman]

How to format/erase/initialize the drive (these terms are similar, but all achieve the same goal):

1. Connect the drive
2. Open disk utility
3. Check to see if there is a "view" menu in the version of disk utility that you're using
4. If there is, choose "show ALL devices"
(if there is no choice like that, don't worry about it, go to the next step)
5. Look "on the left" -- you will see a list of connected drives.
6. Locate the t7. You want to pick "the top line" (of the t7 listing), which represents the physical drive itself
7. Now, click "erase". You will be offered several "choices"
8. I recommend you select "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format"
9. Erase the drive. It takes only a few seconds.
10. Once done, quit disk utility. The drive is ready to use.

 

[baypharm]

File system formats suggested for use with SSDs are MacOS Extended or APFS, I assume these are the two standard formats when choosing to format an SSD for compliance with a Mac?

Yes and no. Yes, those are the two predominantly file standards for Mac OS. And as many others have already mentioned, formatting the drive before use will set up your drive for your device. That is correct. However, the T7 will work with your Mac right out of the box. I use mine strictly for file storage and nothing more. I've not encountered any issues/errors. It's very similar to SD cards in cameras. I format them in the camera I am using - but they will work just fine out of the box. Sounds confusing.

I would suggest the same that others here have told you: format your T7 to the device you are using (MPB, etc). The fingerprint recognition thing is something you probably won't ever need. I deleted everything on mine before use.

 

[Armere Caruso]

I have 2019 MacBook Pro with 256 ssd interal with 1 tb Samsung T5 ssd and 1Tb Samsung t7 ssd how do I use the old t5 as just an external drive like. Just for storage Bc I use my little 256gb internal just to Run boot camp