Dilemma: Should you format using Ntfs or Fat32?

Numerous are the instances that we encounter the dilemma of formatting flash drives, memory cards, Hard Disc Drives (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD) using NTFS or Fat32. 

While some of you may not know what each of the following formats entail and what effects they impose to our hardware, it is highly imperative that such knowledge be kept in mind before deciding to use either of the above file systems to format devices because sometimes wrong choices have consequences.

Below are a few pointers regarding the file systems above.

FAT (File Allocation Table)

This refers to a file system used by older operating systems like the DOS and Windows versions upto Windows ME. It exists in 3 versions namely the FAT16, FAT32 and exFAT.

It is mainly used to format flash drives and memory cards.

Its features include:

FAT16 – Default format for flash drives and memory cards upto 2GB.

FAT32 - Default format for flash drives and memory cards between 4GB and 32GB.

ExFAT – Default format for flash drives and memory cards 64GB and above.

NTFS (New Technology File Sharing System)

This refers to a file system used by newer operating systems like the Windows 2000, Server 2003, Server 2008, XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

It is mainly used to format Hard Disc Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD)

Its features include:

- Can handle files much larger than 64GB upto TB.

- Journaled file system enabling more read/write activities.

- Improved performance.

- Improved security.

- Improved stability.

- More space efficiency

- Advanced recovery techniques through the use of previous log in information for restoration purposes.

- Less defragmentation time.

Limitations

- Due to its journaled file system enabling more read/write activities, this may lead to a reduction in the life expectancy of your flash drive.

- Formatting a flash drive using NTFS will render it unwriteable on a Mac computer since most Macs can read NTFS but not write.

- Once you format a flash drive using NTFS you MUST use the ‘safely remove Hardware’ before removing the device.

So there you have it, the differences between the file systems NTFS and FAT. To check which file system you are currently using, go to:

My computer > right-click on any drive >Select ‘Properties’

Under the ‘General’ tab, you should see the drive name together with the file system indicated.

NOTE: Most systems come with a default pre-formatted file system making it impossible to exercise the freedom of choice but in the event you want to convert to a particular file system, it is quite possible.

I hope this article helps in your decision the next time you decide to format. If you have any queries or suggestions, please drop a comment or share the article.