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For help setting up and using LaCie 8big Pro5, review the frequently asked questions below. For additional support resources, go to customer support.
Q: Are both ends of the cable firmly attached?
A: Review troubleshooting tips for cable connections below:
Q: Are there other Thunderbolt or USB devices connected to 8big Pro5?
A: Disconnect other devices and see if performance improves.
Q: Is the device connected to a Thunderbolt 5 port on your computer or hub?
A: Connect 8big Pro5 to a compatible USB‑C port on your computer or hub that supports Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB4. A lightning bolt icon next to the port indicates Thunderbolt support.
When connected to any of these supported ports, the performance of the internal hard drives will be similar. However, if you connect Thunderbolt 5 devices to 8big Pro5's downstream ports, their performance may be limited by the capabilities of the host computer or hub. For example, Thunderbolt 5 devices connected through a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4 host will operate at the maximum speeds supported by that host.
Q: Does your computer or operating system support Thunderbolt 5?
A: Consult your computer and operating system documentation for Thunderbolt 5 compatibility information.
Q: Is the device connected to USB4 v1 port on your computer or hub?
A: When 8big Pro5 is connected to a USB4 v1, USB4 v2, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 host, the performance of the internal hard drives is effectively the same. Differences in connection type do not significantly affect hard‑drive performance in the array.
Performance differences become noticeable when using high‑speed external solid‑state devices, such as Thunderbolt 5 SSDs, connected to the downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports. These devices achieve their best performance only when 8big Pro5 itself is connected to a Thunderbolt 5 host. When connected through a USB4 v1, USB4 v2, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 3 host, downstream device performance is limited by the capabilities of that host connection.
Q: How do I change the RAID level?
A: You can manage the storage for 8big Pro5 using LaCie RAID Manager. To download the installer, go to LaCie RAID Manager. For instructions on how to use the application, see the LaCie RAID Manager user manual.
Q: Can I disconnect my computer during RAID synchronisation or initialisation?
A: It depends on the type of initialisation in progress.
Foreground initialisation
When you start a foreground initialisation, LaCie RAID Manager prompts you to disconnect 8big Pro5 from the host computer. Foreground initialisation can only proceed while the device is disconnected from the host.
You can monitor progress by observing the system and drive LEDs. During the foreground initialisation, the LEDs cycle between green and off in a breathing pattern. When initialisation is complete, the LEDs turn solid white.
Make sure that 8big Pro5 remains connected to a stable power source throughout the process. If power is lost during a foreground initialisation, the initialisation must be restarted from the beginning. Reconnecting 8big Pro5 to the host computer before the process completes will cancel the initialisation.
Background initialisation
During a background initialisation, you can safely eject 8big Pro5 from the host computer. Initialisation continues as long as the device remains powered on. You may disconnect and reconnect the device to the host while the background initialisation is in progress.
If 8big Pro5 is powered off during a background initialisation, the process automatically resumes from where it left off when power is restored.
Q: Can I attach my USB hard drive to a Thunderbolt downstream port?
A: Yes. Note that USB-C devices do not become Thunderbolt devices when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 downstream port. The USB device can only provide performance within its potential. For example, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive added to the end of a Thunderbolt downstream port can reach up to 5 Gbps, while a USB 3.1 Gen 2 drive can reach up to 10 Gbps.
Q: Can I encrypt my hard drive?
A: Yes, the hard drive can be encrypted. There are many third-party solutions for encryption. However, Seagate cannot guarantee them as third-party applications are not tested.
Q: Is your Finder configured to hide hard drives on the desktop?
A: Go to Finder and then check Preferences > General tab > Show these items on the desktop. Confirm that Hard Disks is selected.
Q: Is your drive mounting in the operating system?
A: Open Disk Utility at Go > Utilities > Disk Utility. If the drive is listed in the left-hand column, check your Finder preferences to see why it is not displayed on the desktop (review the question above).
Q: Does your computer's configuration meet the minimum system requirements for use with this drive?
A: Refer to the product packaging for the list of supported operating systems.
Q: Did you follow the correct installation steps for your operating system?
A: Review the installation steps in Connect LaCie 8big Pro5.
Q: Is the drive listed in Device Manager?
A: All drives appear in at least one place in Device Manager.
Go to Search to type Device Manager and then launch it. Look in the Disk Drives section and, if necessary, click the plus sign to view the full list of devices. If you're uncertain that your drive is listed, safely unplug it and then reconnect it. The entry that changes is your LaCie hard drive.
Q: Is your drive listed next to an unusual icon?
A: Windows Device Manager usually provides information about failures with peripherals. While the Device Manager can assist with troubleshooting most problems, it may not display the exact cause or provide a precise solution.
An unusual icon next to the hard drive can reveal a problem. For example, instead of the normal icon based on the type of device, it is instead an exclamation point, question mark or an X. Right-click this icon and then choose Properties. The General tab provides a potential reason why the device is not working as expected.