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For a Samsung Portable SSD T5 used only with a Mac, choose APFS. If you need to move files between Mac and Windows, choose exFAT. In Disk Utility, show all devices, select the T5’s physical device, and erase it using GUID Partition Map and your chosen format. Back up anything you need first: erasing deletes the drive’s data and Samsung Portable SSD software stored on it.
Choose the right format for how you use the T5
| Use | Format | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mac-only general storage | APFS | Apple describes APFS as the default file system for macOS 10.13 and later and says it is optimized for flash and SSD storage. Apple’s format guide explains available options. |
| Moving files between Mac and Windows | exFAT | Samsung’s T5 manual lists exFAT as read/write on both Mac and Windows. Samsung says the T5 ships formatted as exFAT. Samsung Portable SSD T5 User Manual. |
| External storage for Final Cut Pro, Motion, or Compressor | APFS | Apple recommends APFS for external storage used with these apps and warns that ExFAT or FAT32 may not perform as expected. Apple’s format guidance for these apps. |
For ordinary two-way file exchange between Mac and Windows, avoid NTFS and HFS: Samsung lists NTFS as read-only on Mac and HFS as unrecognized by Windows.
Back up before formatting
Erasing the T5 removes its data. Copy any files you want to keep to another location before proceeding. Formatting also deletes Samsung Portable SSD software stored on the drive; Samsung’s manual states that formatting the T5 partition deletes the software. If you rely on it, reinstall it from Samsung after formatting.
Format the Samsung T5 in Disk Utility
- Connect the T5 to your Mac, using a suitable adapter if needed, and open Disk Utility.
- In the menu bar, choose View > Show All Devices.
- In the sidebar, select the T5’s physical device at the top level of its hierarchy, rather than an indented volume, then click Erase. Apple notes that the Scheme menu may not appear when a volume is selected instead of the storage device.
- Enter a name for the volume. Set Scheme to GUID Partition Map.
- Choose APFS for Mac-focused use or ExFAT for Mac/Windows file exchange.
- Click Erase. When the process completes, click Done.
Apple’s complete sequence is in its Disk Utility instructions for initializing an external storage device.
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- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
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What to know about exFAT and secure erasing
If exFAT becomes write-locked
Samsung says exFAT use across operating systems can sometimes leave writing locked. Its manual advises reconnecting and ejecting the drive on Mac, or using Windows Scan and fix/CHKDSK on Windows. These are manufacturer-suggested steps, not a guaranteed fix for every cause.
Formatting is not a secure overwrite
Disk Utility does not offer secure erase options for SSDs. A normal format should not be described as securely overwriting the T5. Apple points users to FileVault for added security when they start using an SSD.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Samsung T5 specifications in context
Samsung’s 2017 manual lists T5 capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, and a manufacturer-stated transfer speed of 540 MB/s. That speed is not an independent benchmark; Samsung cautions that performance can vary with the connected system and interface.
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Rank #3
- Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and more
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