SOLVED How to Initialize (Format) a Lexar Prof. NM1090 Pro 2 TB SSD in a Ugreen USB-C Docking Station For Mac Mini M4?

[isza41]

Good day!
I have bought the above equipment, installed the SSB in the foreseen place in the Docking Station. OS is Sequoia 15,5. The Mac’s Disk Utility recognizes the SSD but says:

Partition Map: not supported
S.M.A.R.T. status: not supported

I guess it needs formatting. But how do I proceed if I would like this SSD to function as a data carrier for text, photos, etc.? Apple offers some 7 possibilities to format, Which is the correct one?
Please, help!

Thanks! Andy

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I would probably choose APFS.

 

[TonyAguila]

I would probably choose APFS.

I heartily agree. APFS for all SSDs using Disk Utility. Furthermore, DO NOT partition the drive, and I always create/add volumes in a single Container. I follow those rules for both of my 4TB external SSDs. Aside from space limitations, there does not seem to be a limit on the number of volumes you can add. In my 2022 M1 Max Mac Studio, I was able to create separate volumes for Monterey up to Sequoia. Now in my 2025 M4 Max Studio, I can only run Sequoia and Tahoe.

 

[isza41]

Hello Lufbrarunner & TonyAguila, thanks for your help, I'll follow your advice. What about the other option in Disk Utility: GUID Partition Map? No partition recommended, so this option would be out?
Thanks a lot, Andy

 

[TonyAguila]

Hello Lufbrarunner & TonyAguila, thanks for your help, I'll follow your advice. What about the other option in Disk Utility: GUID Partition Map? No partition recommended, so this option would be out?
Thanks a lot, Andy

APFS was designed with SSDs in mind. GUID is for larger and by its nature, more for mechanical (hard) drives. When dealing with SSDs, just go with APFS and ignore the other schemes. I deal with 12-terabyte drives mainly for Time Machine, and no larger at this point since larger hard drives are not as reliable, at least as far the Blaze database imply, and Time Machine backups need to be very reliable.

So, in your case, be thankful that you don’t have to deal with those other distractions.

 

[isza41]

Thank you, Toni! Now all is clear, my problem solved. Andy