Initialisation and Formatting
Initialisation and formatting are related but distinct processes:
- Initialisation prepares a RAID array’s internal structure so it can store data reliably. For parity‑based RAID levels, initialisation establishes parity information across the array.
- Formatting creates a file system on the array so the operating system can read from and write data to it.
Initialisation, when required, occurs before formatting. Formatting alone does not prepare a parity‑based RAID array for use.
Before you start
Driver required
Installing LaCie RAID Manager provides a driver required to access and set up LaCie 8big Pro5. LaCie RAID Manager also helps you:
- Configure RAID arrays
- Check the health of the storage
- Troubleshoot hard drive issues
To install LaCie RAID Manager:
- Go to www.seagate.com/raid-manager to download the installer.
- Launch the installer on the computer that is connected to 8big Pro5.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once the driver has been installed, the host computer recognises 8big Pro5 as a storage device.
macOS users — On macOS, 8big Pro5 may not be recognised immediately because the required Driver Extension (DEXT) may be disabled by default. To enable the driver:
- Open System Settings.
- Select General, then navigate to Login Items & Extensions.
- Under Extensions, locate LaCie Driver Installer.
- Click the Info icon and enable the LaCie driver.
- Enter administrator credentials when prompted.
- Restart the computer if required.
Upon restart, the computer recognises 8big Pro5 as a storage device.
8big Pro5 is delivered unformatted with all eight drives configured as a single RAID 5 array. A spare drive is not assigned to the array. RAID 5 provides data redundancy, helping to protect your files if a hard drive fails. Because some capacity is reserved for redundancy, the usable storage is less than the total device capacity.
Because 8big Pro5 is delivered unformatted, the operating system may prompt you to initialise the device for use when it's first detected. In macOS and Windows, the term initialise refers to preparing a disk for use by creating a file system, also known as formatting the storage.
In LaCie RAID Manager, initialise refers to a RAID‑level operation required only when creating or changing parity‑based RAID configurations.
Using the default RAID 5 configuration
If you are using the preconfigured default RAID 5 array, you can format the storage and begin using 8big Pro5.
Choosing a different RAID level
You can choose a different RAID level to optimise 8big Pro5 for performance or for additional data protection, depending on your working environment. Before allowing macOS or Windows to format 8big Pro5:
- Review the RAID chapter to determine which RAID level best suits your needs.
- If you choose a different RAID level, use LaCie RAID Manager to select and apply the new RAID level. See instructions in the RAID Manager User Manual.
RAID levels requiring initialisation
Initialisation is required for RAID levels that use parity. On 8big Pro5, this includes:
- RAID 5
- RAID 6
- RAID 50
- RAID 60
These RAID levels must be initialised using background or foreground initialisation.
The following RAID levels do not require initialisation:
Foreground and background initialisation
For parity‑based RAID levels, you can choose between two initialisation methods:
- A foreground initialisation is potentially faster than a background initialisation, but 8big Pro5 must be disconnected from the host while the initialisation runs. 8big Pro5 cannot be accessed during the foreground initialisation.
- A background initialisation is typically slower than a foreground initialisation but allows 8big Pro5 to be accessed and used while the initialisation runs.
The availability of foreground or background initialisation depends on the selected RAID level and configuration.
Initialising a RAID array deletes all files stored on the array. Make sure that any files you want to keep are backed up before starting an initialisation.
Foreground initialisation
When starting a foreground initialisation, LaCie RAID Manager prompts you to disconnect 8big Pro5 from the host computer. Foreground initialisation can only be performed when 8big Pro5 is not connected to the host.
- Reconnecting 8big Pro5 to the host computer while a foreground initialisation is in progress cancels the initialisation sequence. The initialisation must be restarted from the beginning.
- Ensure that 8big Pro5 is connected to a reliable power source during the entire process. If power is lost during a foreground initialisation, the initialisation must be restarted from the beginning.
LED behaviour during foreground initialisation:
- System LED: Green/Off, breathing
- Drive LEDs: Green/Off, breathing
When the foreground initialisation completes:
- System LED: Light Blue, steady
- Drive LEDs: Light Blue, steady
Do not disconnect power during a foreground initialisation. Losing power will require the initialisation process to be restarted. Reconnect 8big Pro5 to the host computer only after the LEDs indicate that the foreground initialisation is complete (System and Drive LEDs are light blue and steady).
Background initialisation
During a background initialisation, 8big Pro5 remains usable with some limitations:
- 8big Pro5 can be safely ejected from the host computer and continues initialising as long as the device remains powered on.
- The device can be disconnected and reconnected to the host computer while background initialisation is in progress.
- If 8big Pro5 is powered off during a background initialisation, the process resumes from where it left off when power is restored.
During background initialisation, expect reduced performance until the process completes.
LED behaviour during background initialisation:
- System LED: Blue/Dark Blue, breathing
- Drive LEDs: Blue/Dark Blue, breathing
You can format the array using the operating system’s native disk management utility:
- Disk Utility on macOS
- Disk Management on Windows
LaCie RAID Manager also includes an option to format the array. This option uses the same operating system formatting mechanisms as the native disk utilities.
Formatting the array using LaCie RAID Manager will ensure that branded 8big Pro5 icons are displayed in Finder/File Explorer.
Choose a file system format
Choose a file system format based on the operating system you use with 8big Pro5.
- macOS — Format the drive using APFS (Apple File System). APFS is an Apple file system optimised for solid state drives (SSDs) and flash-based storage systems, though it also works with hard disk drives (HDDs). It was first introduced with the release of macOS High Sierra (version 10.13). APFS can only be read by Macs running High Sierra or later. Windows cannot natively read or write to APFS volumes.
- Windows — Format the drive using NTFS (New Technology File System). NTFS is a proprietary journalling file system for Windows. macOS can read NTFS volumes, but it can't natively write to them. This means your Mac can copy files from an NTFS-formatted drive, but it can't add files to or remove files from the drive.
8big Pro5 does not support a cross‑platform file system format. To ensure proper operation and optimal performance, format the drive using the native file system of your operating system.
Learn more
For additional considerations when choosing a file system format, see File System Format Comparisions.
Formatting instructions
For instructions on formatting your drive, see How to format your drive.
Formatting deletes all data on the array. Before formatting, make sure that any files you want to keep are backed up. If the array was newly initialised or the RAID level was changed, all previous data has already been erased as part of that process.
When formatting is required again
Formatting is required whenever the structure of the storage array changes or when you want to apply a different file system. Common scenarios include:
- Changing the RAID level
- Replacing all drives in the array
- Preparing the device for use with a different operating system
Changing the RAID level deletes all data on the array and requires formatting before the array can be used again. Parity-based RAID levels will require initialisation before formatting.