gls-featured

What format is PS4 external hard drive?

by

Unlock the Secrets: Formatting Your PS4 External Hard Drive for Gaming Nirvana

The question on every PlayStation gamer’s mind when expanding their storage is: What format should my PS4 external hard drive be? The answer, in short, is either FAT32 or exFAT. However, a slightly longer answer is that exFAT is the preferred and highly recommended format.

The PlayStation 4 consoles exclusively support these two file systems for external storage. While FAT32 is accepted, it comes with a significant limitation: it cannot handle files larger than 4GB. This makes it impractical for storing most modern games, which often exceed that size. So, while technically supported, FAT32 should be avoided. exFAT eliminates this limitation, allowing you to store and play games with large file sizes seamlessly. Choosing the right format is essential to ensure compatibility and optimal performance for your gaming experience.

Understanding File Systems: A Gamer’s Guide

To understand why exFAT is the best choice, let’s delve into what file systems are and how they impact your PS4’s performance. A file system is the method your operating system uses to organize and store files on a storage device, such as an external hard drive or USB drive. It’s essentially the “blueprint” for how data is written and read.

The Contenders: FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS

  • FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32-bit): This is an older file system that’s widely compatible across various devices. However, its 4GB file size limit makes it unsuitable for most PS4 games.

  • exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table): Designed as a successor to FAT32, exFAT removes the 4GB file size restriction, making it ideal for large game files. It also offers better performance compared to FAT32, especially on larger drives.

  • NTFS (New Technology File System): This is the standard file system used by Windows operating systems. While robust and feature-rich, the PS4 does NOT support NTFS for external storage. Therefore, formatting your drive as NTFS will render it unusable with your PlayStation 4.

Why exFAT Reigns Supreme for PS4 External Hard Drives

Choosing exFAT for your PS4 external hard drive comes with several advantages:

  • No File Size Limit: Store games, videos, and other large files without restriction.
  • Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PS4 consoles.
  • Performance: Generally offers better performance than FAT32, especially on larger drives.
  • Widely Supported: While not natively supported on all devices like FAT32, it is compatible with modern operating systems like Windows and macOS.

Formatting Your External Hard Drive for PS4

Formatting your external hard drive is a crucial step to ensure it works correctly with your PS4. Here’s a general guide on how to do it using a Windows computer:

  1. Connect: Plug your external hard drive into your computer.
  2. Locate: Open File Explorer and find your external hard drive in the list of devices.
  3. Format: Right-click on the drive and select “Format.”
  4. Choose File System: In the “File system” dropdown menu, select “exFAT.”
  5. Allocation Unit Size: Leave the allocation unit size at its default setting.
  6. Start: Check the “Quick Format” box and click “Start.”
  7. Warning: Be aware that formatting your external hard drive will delete all data. If you want to keep the data, you should back it up on a different device.

Important Note: Always back up your data before formatting any storage device. Formatting will erase everything on the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 External Hard Drive Formats

Here are some frequently asked questions to address any lingering doubts and provide further clarity:

  1. Does PS4 read NTFS? No, the PS4 does not support the NTFS file system for external storage. If your drive is formatted as NTFS, the PS4 will not recognize it.

  2. Can I use any external hard drive for PS4? Generally yes. However, your external storage device must be USB 3.0 or later, have a minimum capacity of 250GB, and be formatted to either FAT32 or exFAT.

  3. Why won’t my PS4 recognize my external hard drive? Several reasons can cause this issue. Ensure your drive is USB 3.0 or later, formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, and properly connected. Also, make sure the drive is powered on if it requires external power. Wireless external hard drives are not supported.

  4. Is FAT32 better than NTFS for gaming? Generally, no. While FAT32 might show slightly better performance on very small drives (under 30GB), NTFS performs better on larger drives commonly used for gaming. However, since the PS4 doesn’t support NTFS, this comparison is irrelevant for PS4 users.

  5. Is exFAT or NTFS better for PS4? exFAT is better because the PS4 only supports FAT32 and exFAT. NTFS is not compatible.

  6. Why do consoles use FAT32/exFAT? FAT32 was initially used for its broad compatibility. exFAT was adopted to overcome the file size limitations of FAT32 while maintaining compatibility with various devices.

  7. What happens if I format my external hard drive to exFAT? Formatting to exFAT will erase all data on the drive. It will also make the drive compatible with your PS4, allowing you to store and play games.

  8. What are the risks of exFAT? exFAT lacks journaling, which means there’s no record of file changes. This can make it slightly more vulnerable to data corruption from sudden power losses. However, this risk is relatively low, especially with proper handling.

  9. What type of USB can PS4 read? The PS4 supports the following SuperSpeed USB connections:

    • SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen1/USB 3.2 Gen1)
    • SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen1x2)
    • SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2x2)

  10. Why won’t my PS4 read exFAT files? If your PS4 isn’t reading exFAT files, ensure the drive is properly formatted and the files are in a supported format (PS4 video formats: MKV, AVI, MP4, MPEG-2 PS, MPEG-2 TS, AVCHD and XAVC S. PS4 music formats: FLAC, MP3, and AAC. PS4 photo formats: JPEG, BMP, and PNG). Also, check for any physical damage to the drive or the USB port.

  11. When not to use exFAT? While exFAT is generally suitable for external drives, its lack of journaling can be a concern if you frequently experience power outages or disconnect the drive without safely ejecting it.

  12. What allocation unit size should I use for exFAT for PS4? The default allocation unit size is usually sufficient. Experimenting with larger sizes might improve performance slightly, but it could also waste storage space.

  13. Does formatting external hard drive delete everything PS4? Yes, formatting the external hard drive will erase all data on it. Be sure to back up any important files before formatting.

  14. How many games can a 2TB hold PS4? A 2TB drive can typically hold around 50+ PS4 games, depending on their file sizes.

  15. Why won’t my PS4 accept USB update? If your console doesn’t recognize the update file, check that the USB is in FAT32 or exFAT format and that the folder and file names are correct. Enter the folder and file names in single-byte characters using uppercase letters.

Level Up Your Gaming Experience

Choosing the correct file system for your PS4 external hard drive is a small but crucial step in optimizing your gaming setup. By selecting exFAT, you ensure compatibility, ample storage space, and reliable performance. Now you have the knowledge to format your drive with confidence and focus on what truly matters: enjoying your games!

The Games Learning Society supports the notion that gaming can be more than just entertainment. It fosters skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and community that highlight the positive impact of gaming in education and development.

Leave a Comment