Do i need to format a new 3tb HDD?

ferret face · 22 Mar 2011 at 13:41

Hi guys

I've just bought a new 3TB drive and wondered if i have to format it when i install it? If so do I have to do a full format, because it will take hours..

cheers
Ferret

Philtor · 22 Mar 2011 at 13:44

I would just do a quick format on a 3TB drive otherwise it could be next week before you get around to actually putting any data on it

PistolPete · 22 Mar 2011 at 13:55

I'd recommend a full format first time around.

DragonQ · 22 Mar 2011 at 14:00

philtorrens said:
I would just do a quick format on a 3TB drive otherwise it could be next week before you get around to actually putting any data on it

But is it worth only doing a quick format and then finding your data corrupts in the future due to bad sectors?

Do a full format.

matthab · 22 Mar 2011 at 14:06

DragonQ said:
But is it worth only doing a quick format and then finding your data corrupts in the future due to bad sectors?

Do a full format.

You what?

Load of rubbish, ive seen full formats go over bad sectors and not bat a eye lid. Do a quick format and enjoy your drive. No point waiting the 2+ days itll take to format.

paradisiac · 22 Mar 2011 at 14:21

DragonQ said:
But is it worth only doing a quick format and then finding your data corrupts in the future due to bad sectors?

Do a full format.

if you are that bothered, quick format, download seatools bootable HDD test and run that, overall will be more accurate and will take a few hours, not days.

Philtor · 22 Mar 2011 at 14:22

I normally do a full format on a older drive which im looking to use again or whatever but on a brand new drive it's not really necessary. Full format on a 3TB drive is going to take a long time just

ferret face · 22 Mar 2011 at 15:31

cheers guys, with all the mixed responses I'm not sure what to do now!

joeyjojo · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:52

ferret face said:
cheers guys, with all the mixed responses I'm not sure what to do now!

I would do what paradisiac says - quick format, then run the diagnostic tool to check for bad sectors

LewisStuart · 22 Mar 2011 at 18:44

+1 for quick

ferret face · 22 Mar 2011 at 18:48

ok cheers guys I'll do the quick format then run WD diagnostics because its a WD HDD

ferret

whitecrook · 22 Mar 2011 at 19:14

Dont think I have done a full format since about 1996. Never had any problems

FallshirmjAEger · 22 Mar 2011 at 19:53

whitecrook said:
Dont think I have done a full format since about 1996. Never had any problems

Sometime back in 2005 for me

OP: Do a quick format, you can't buy maxtor drives anymore so full formatting is now redundant

cammy5477 · 22 Mar 2011 at 20:40

quick format for sure...never ever done a full format and never had any problems