partition map scheme for external ssd drive with 2022 M1 Mac mini

During format/initialize how should I choose which partition map scheme for a 500GB external ssd drive with 2022 M1 Mac Mini running Ventura 13.0.1 ? i.e. GUID Partition Map, Master Boot Record, Apple Partition Map?

I plan to use this external SSD for additional storage of data files/photos/music as the Mac mini only has 256GB onboard.

I will use another removable device for my Time Machine backups as I have been advised to use a totally separate drive for them. Thank you, GroBo

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 03:05 PM

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myaka

Level 4

2,802 points

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 04:30 PM

GUID/APFS. If you need to also use the drive with an older (pre-APFS) Mac, then make it GUID/Mac OS Extended

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3 replies

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myaka

Level 4

2,802 points

Nov 19, 2022 04:30 PM in response to GroBo-BI

GUID/APFS. If you need to also use the drive with an older (pre-APFS) Mac, then make it GUID/Mac OS Extended

den.thed

Level 10

88,810 points

Nov 19, 2022 04:42 PM in response to GroBo-BI

+1 myaka is 100% spot-on.

see > Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

and > File system formats available in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

GroBo-BI Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 19, 2022 05:06 PM in response to GroBo-BI

Thank you folks for your replies. I did some further reading and I agree and appreciate your input and sound advice. GroBo

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partition map scheme for external ssd drive with 2022 M1 Mac mini