MBR or GPT ????


  1. Posts : 63
    win10 Pro 64bits
       #1

    MBR or GPT ????


    hello,
    I had my 120GB SDD replaced by a 480GB one and made a clean install of win10
    got an adapter to use the small SDD as an external backup disk
    I get a window demanding that I initialize the disk
    I do not have a clue what I should select...MBR or GPT ?

    I intend to back up my C drive with Macrium Reflect (following the tutorial careful step by careful step !!!)
    so... what should I select, please... (and why, if it's not too complicated to explain)
    thanks
    :)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #2

    Honestly, it really doesn't matter.

    GPT is required for larger disks (there is a limit on MBR of 2TB) and is also a requirement (sometimes) for EUFI booting. You are talking about a small backup disk.

    I would use GPT for the simple reason it keeps 2 copies of the partition table - one at the start and a recovery one at the end. MBR doesn't. If you get partition table damage you are more likely to be able to recover it on GPT formatted disk.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #3

    MBR is also limited to 3 Primary partitions, then you have to use Logical partitions, which are not bootable. GPT has no practical limit on number of Primary partitions.

    MiniTool and utilities like it can convert MBR > GPT, and vice-versa.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 63
    win10 Pro 64bits
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks to both of you !
    since you concur on GPT, that's my choice !
    :)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 936
    xp
       #5

    I use a different Cloning program and always make a sector by sector copy of the entire disk so I always use whatever the source disk in initialized.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,724
    3-Win-7Prox64 3-Win10Prox64 3-LinuxMint20.2
       #6

    Hi,
    GPT on a 120gb ssd is sort of silly it's too small all it needs is a system reserved and MBR that's all.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #7

    ThrashZone said:
    GPT on a 120gb ssd is sort of silly it's too small all it needs is a system reserved and MBR that's all.
    It's a data drive not a boot drive...
      My Computer


 

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