The only exp I've w/ android is using SD versions on my TMo HD2, &'ve always had my SD FAT32 formatted. I've heard of ext2, 3, & 4, but'm unsure of the differences, and was never really concerned, as my primary OS's always been Windows Mobile (which only supports FAT). Now, however, I'll be completely making the jump to android w/ my Galaxy S II, and would just like a li'l clarific8ion & recommend8ions regarding SD formatting for a performance whore, such as myself. I'm still using my WiMo tele until I sort these things out.
Thanks, e'rbody.
Fat is recognised by all OS's and ext 2 3 and 4 are not recognised by windows (not sure about Mac) but it is a default fs for Linux. Not sure what the other differences are other than that.
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EXT4
- The ext4 filesystem can support volumes with sizes up to 1 exbibyte (EiB) and files with sizes up to 16 tebibytes (TiB)
- Extents replace the traditional block mapping scheme used by ext2/3 filesystems. An extent is a range of contiguous physical blocks, improving large file performance and reducing fragmentation. A single extent in ext4 can map up to 128 MiB of contiguous space with a 4 KiB block size
- The ext4 filesystem is backward compatible with ext3 and ext2, making it possible to mount ext3 and ext2 filesystems as ext4. This will slightly improve performance, because certain new features of ext4 can also be used with ext3 and ext2, such as the new block allocation algorithm.
So, go for EXT4
My advice is to make 2 partitions:
A Fat32 partition to keep media files so it can be recognized as external usb drive by windows
A ext4 partition where you would move all the apps you install (use link2sd or an application that does the same thing)
BazookaAce said:
... go for EXT4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zmotocescu said:
... make 2 partitions:
A Fat32 partition to keep media files so it can be recognized as external usb drive by windows
A ext4 partition where you would move all the apps you install (use link2sd or an application that does the same thing)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
w/ 16GB internal on my SGSII, I may not even need 2 app 2 sd, tho, huh? Anyway, thnx 4 the advice, guys. 1 last Q - should I use a swap partition, as well, & if so, y & what size (I've a 16GB Class 6 microSDHC, btw)?
Thnx again.
::bump::
Does any1 recommend a swap partition, y, & what size, is there a "card size":"swap partition size" ratio?
Dear XDA members
I've just bought for my Sensation XE 64Gb SD-card and now I am wondering if it's possible to use some other filesystem than Fat32. I understand that there are lots of tools for mounting NTFS or ext4 filesystems but... I am pretty often ROM changer so it's not very useful for me to use some 3rd-party tools which I should install every time I flash new ROM. So does someone use any filesystem except for fat32 for his SD-card? Please tell me about your experience.
P.S Search didn't bring any recent results suitable for ICS
Why? Fat32 Works fine for a phone.
sshede - possibly because FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit. on a 64GB card it's possible that the OP might want to store some larger files on it.
I'm not actually sure in terms of an answer - I know there wasn't an option within 4EXT recovery (I was looking for the option out of curiosity when I last formatted my SD) although it's possible that android may support EXT4 as the SD filesystem? obviously that's what it uses as swap.
Actually it supports ext filesystems but doesn't automount it. I've made an experiment with ntfs sd-card and it works with an app called ntfsSD but I would prefer native support for newer filesystems.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA
Mmm, well ntfs being the windows file system it wouldn't be native, but ext4 definitely should be. Maybe there needs to be some kind of script to auto mount? Someone more knowledgeable will have to chime in on that point.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA
Right now I am back to Fat32. Ext partitions are more system-like for the Android kernel and I guet problems with Nandroid. Ntfs works but some apps (like Gallery) don't use my SD-card. I guess the best solution would be the exFat but it's not supported in OpenSensation yet.
What is the best way to create 2 primary partitions for using Link2Sd on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.
I have a 32 GB Micro SD card that needs the treatment.
Many thanks to all in advance.
Regards
Court
PS: I use mini tool home edition as a partitioning tool
which ROM ?
It depends on what ROM you are running. After trial and error ext4 was detected for my stock ICS and now works with CM10.1 too.
So partition it as 5 GB ext4 (more than sufficient ) and rest FAT. I too have 32 GB class 10 in this way via mintool partition.
PS: you cannot increase or decrease the size of ext4 using minitool once the partition is created. So plan properly while creating the partitions.
courtg9000 said:
What is the best way to create 2 primary partitions for using Link2Sd on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.
I have a 32 GB Micro SD card that needs the treatment.
Many thanks to all in advance.
Regards
Court
PS: I use mini tool home edition as a partitioning tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google "gParted Live" and you'll find the cd. You can create your partition of EXT3 or EXT4. You can resize the partition as well. There are YouTube videos to help you see how to do it.
I don't know why you'd want Link2SD. It will permit you to store the app, cache and davlik in the ext partition instead of in the /data on the deviice. You likely have adequate storage in that device partition for those items. I think you you would do better with swapping /mnt/sdcard with /mnt/ExtSdCard.
I actually have tried both together and found no advantage to the Link2SD.
king200 said:
Google "gParted Live" and you'll find the cd. You can create your partition of EXT3 or EXT4. You can resize the partition as well. There are YouTube videos to help you see how to do it.
I don't know why you'd want Link2SD. It will permit you to store the app, cache and davlik in the ext partition instead of in the /data on the deviice. You likely have adequate storage in that device partition for those items. I think you you would do better with swapping /mnt/sdcard with /mnt/ExtSdCard.
I actually have tried both together and found no advantage to the Link2SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brother i used minitool and its working perfectly with link2sd swapping is the thing of real developer but is the best option
Hi my wonder is "can i use ext4 format for my SanDisk 64GB sdxc class 10 ?"to make it as a storage memory for miusc , images and videos. Or should i use the ntfs or exfat or fat32.
With thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
hi
deutsh said:
Hi my wonder is "can i use ext4 format for my SanDisk 64GB sdxc class 10 ?"to make it as a storage memory for miusc , images and videos. Or should i use the ntfs or exfat or fat32.
With thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Fat32 is universal partition for your music, ,video etc....
ext3 ext4 are used for android/unix/linux application storage...
be careful while partitioning you SD card...
read it before executing partiotion....
""forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/85809-tutorial-everything-you-wanted-know-about-app2sd-ext3-ext4-partitions.html[/url]"
-rkk
rkk253755 said:
Hi,
Fat32 is universal partition for your music, ,video etc....
ext3 ext4 are used for android/unix/linux application storage...
be careful while partitioning you SD card...
read it before executing partiotion....
""forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/85809-tutorial-everything-you-wanted-know-about-app2sd-ext3-ext4-partitions.html[/url]"
-rkk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying.
I don't want to partition the memory card i just want to format it as the best storage file system .
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
hi
deutsh said:
Thanks for replying.
I don't want to partition the memory card i just want to format it as the best storage file system .
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
ok then use FAT32 is good enough for you...
-rkk
But think about the max. filesize with FAT32 (4 Gigabyte). If you don't want to use so large files, I would prefer FAT32 in all cases.
Good... But the question is : the ext4 working as fat32 as storage for files
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I think the best way is to try it, but I have read somewhere that ext should go, depending upon the android-version.
Accesing files via USB (in the phone) shouldn't be the Problem, but accesing via cardreader directly on windows did not (or rather not without special ext-drivers for windows).
Well, I think ext3 is the best option if you are going to have media files which are bigger that 4GBytes...
well... The other question is :what is the best for non-damage of microsd ?
I mean the card will minimize the ability to get a damage. What the file system type is best.?
Whith thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
hmmm, file system organization cannot damage your card, it is only a logic 1 or 0 on the electronics cells.
Maybe there is a difference between frequency of read/write operation. The more the bigger chance to damage a card... of course after a long, looooong time. I would recommend using ext3 as it's more scalable and stable than FAT32.
FAT32: File Allocation Table, 32-bit
Introduced: August 1996 (Windows 95 OSR2)
Directory contents: Table
File allocation: Linked list
Bad blocks: Cluster tagging
Maximum number of files: 268,435,437
Maximum file size: 4GB
Filenames: 8.3 or 255 characters, ASCII except for "'*/:<>?\|
Attributes: Read-only, hidden, system. volume label, subdir, archive
Ext3: Third extended file system
Introduced: November 2001 (Linux 2.4.15)
Directory contents: Table, tree
File allocation: Bitmap, table
Bad blocks: Table
Maximum number of files: number of bytes in volume/2^13.
Maximum file size: 16GB (1KB block) to 2TB (4KB block)
Filenames: 255 bytes long, all bytes except \0 and /.
Attributes: no access time logging, append-only, synchronous write, no-dump, h-tree, immutable, journal, secure-delete, top, allow-undelete.
Journal: metadata and file contents
There is no "best" filesystem, they are all optimized, to some extent, for different things.
Without lots more info, fat32 is relatively efficient and has far and away the best compatibility. For most users the compatibility makes it the winner.
Hi... I try the ntfs but.... But its incompatible with android.... So sad
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NTFS is an windows-filesystem, and is only write- and readable on windows. Yes. linux can read it, but needs secial drivers for that and isn't realy fast. It is the worst filesystem for android or linux.
Use fat32 and ready!
Its fast, its compatible, and can be used in/ with most devices. The only disadvantage for you will be the filesize-maximum (4 GB).
SaschaBr said:
NTFS is an windows-filesystem, and is only write- and readable on windows. Yes. linux can read it, but needs secial drivers for that and isn't realy fast. It is the worst filesystem for android or linux.
Use fat32 and ready!
Its fast, its compatible, and can be used in/ with most devices. The only disadvantage for you will be the filesize-maximum (4 GB).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O.K. I'll take your advice but I have a little question "how could I protect the micro sdcard from damage ? I suffered from a damge of micro sdcard several times.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Until now I never had an damaged sd-card. And if it will happen, I have an backup of my important data. So I simply will buy a new one and play back this backup. Nothing is forever.
EDIT:
Ok, this 64 GB-SD-Cards are not realy cheap, but under normal conditions it won't faile for a long time, whatever filesystem you will use.
Thanks for everyone ....indeed
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rkk253755 said:
Hi,
Fat32 is universal partition for your music, ,video etc....
ext3 ext4 are used for android/unix/linux application storage...
be careful while partitioning you SD card...
read it before executing partiotion....
""forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/85809-tutorial-everything-you-wanted-know-about-app2sd-ext3-ext4-partitions.html[/url]"
-rkk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey buddy,
can u tell me i going to partition of memory card for music nd video i'll use FAT32 but second partition what should i do..ext3 or ext4 i ma using motorola g3 stock android is supported ext4 partition on android 5.1.1 or not cz plz tell me .
thanks in advance
shailesh406 said:
hey buddy,
can u tell me i going to partition of memory card for music nd video i'll use FAT32 but second partition what should i do..ext3 or ext4 i ma using motorola g3 stock android is supported ext4 partition on android 5.1.1 or not cz plz tell me .
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android supports Ext4 so I'd rather use Ext4 than Ext3
you can format it by Fat32
sharing and expecting to learn
Hi all,
I am wondering about the partitioning of my new external memory card manufactured by Samsung Electronics.
The very same manufacturer initially develop F2FS, the Flash Friendly File System for the Linux Kernel.
F2FS was expected to be the fastest F.S. for solid-state disks, eMMCs, and SD cards.
Initial tests confirmed it. Nevertheless posterior tests reveal that ext4 beats F2FS (...).
My guessing is that not enough research/test have been done in the matter.
Im going to set the following layout in order to test the speed for each partition:
1._ 34,7G EXT4 -> pictures, movies, backups, etc... AND/OR moved: APPs by hard/sym links; DATA by folder mount
2._ 65,0G FAT32 -> pictures, movies, backups, etc...
3._ 19,5G F2FS -> moved APPs by hard/sym links; moved DATA by folder mount
Depending on the results (specific for my phone and configuration) included in the reports from Antutu, A1SDBenmarch (possibly others too), I will most likely either:
1._ format whole microSD as F2FS -> roms,apps,data,pics,movies,etc; access using the phone (adb, usb, wifi)
2._ format whole microSD as EXT4 -> roms,apps,data,pics,movies,etc; access using any type of linux and many others
3._ format 32G as F2FS -> apps; format 64G as EXT4 -> roms,data,backups,movies; format 32G as FAT32 (any file smaller than 4G I want to be directly accessed from any device through any card reader using any OS)*
* I won't use fat32 as ext4 read/writes speeds are bit faster and i dont need to access the sd using any device
My goal is to format the external microSD card as F2FS and internal storage. F2FS is not only supposed to be better in performance but also it is supposed to expand it's lifespam
Note: Regarding partitioning the microSD in the computer, only linux will allow resizing F2FS filesystems; windows software doesnt recognize it yet, therefore it treats the partition as unformatted, neveertheless it's possible to move it.
Note2: there are programs that allow the user to mount linux partitions and read/write data on them.
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005, rooted, resurrection remix 5.6 (current,next5.8)
Card: Samsung EVO Plus 128Gb microSDXC UHS-I Class 10 U3 Card
ROM: Resurrection Remix v5.6 (Marshmallow)**
S.Soft: Apps2SDpro: Linked -hardlinks/symlinks- apps to F2FS partition on ext.SD. App data (TuneIn Radio recordings) moved -foldermount- to F2FS partition on ext.SD.
** I am currently designing the multiROM layout which will probably include the current ROM, plus Resurrection Remix v5.8 (Nougat) kali and some others
cheers
Considering Android is based on Linux, albeit with an ancient kernel, does it support XFS file system? I'm guessing it formats the microSD card as any of the extended file systems (2, 3 or 4) but if it does support XFS, I'd prefer to format it as that FS.
Xfs on android (ported for sdcard)
Update: I've attached clockworkmod with support for xfs(or any other file system the kernel supports) all i did is put my kernel and modify /etc/recovery.fstab ). just untar it ,go to bootloader menu and do fastboot flash recovery...
forum.xda-developers.com
I saw that topic but it's 10 years old. I was hoping for more recent answers.
Why ? For what purpose exactly ? If you want better performance use an A2 microsd card. If you want a better filesystem try exfat , the xfs you can try to format it on Linux and see if the Android will work with it, however I don't recommend that, could introduce risk.
Check out ssdfs if you are into dev stuff however without GPT-5 I can't foresee much interesting happening in filesystems and storage handling due to complexity.
Network_Pro said:
Why ? For what purpose exactly ? If you want better performance use an A2 microsd card. If you want a better filesystem try exfat , the xfs you can try to format it on Linux and see if the Android will work with it, however I don't recommend that, could introduce risk.
Check out ssdfs if you are into dev stuff however without GPT-5 I can't foresee much interesting happening in filesystems and storage handling due to complexity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For faster uploading of files. Ever since I formatted my storages to XFS they move/copy files between each other with the maximum speed their manufacturer says they can do. When they were ext4, copying 50 GB from one device to another was like on Windows - start fast then drop to a ridiculously slow speed, like 20 MB/sec, for instance. And I'm getting the same slow performance RN with the microSD card formatted by Android 12. I wanna upload 400 GB to the SD card but with the current file system I'll never have the 150 MB/sec the card's manufacturer says it can reach for writing. Which means I'll be uploading these 400 GB a whole year. I barely managed to upload my music which is 85 GB and it took me 3 hours to do that.
IDK how to format the microSD card on Linux. I don't even know if that's possible, bc GParted doesn't detect the phone as a device at all - even when it's mounted.
Ah here we are again trying to overcome corporations limitations they imposed on us by their retardation.
Well well well. Whos decision was it to Not use XFS in the first place? Give me a name... Someone from Google who was responsible for Android? Someone from the Phone Device manufacturer? The sd association for not informing developers about a correct filesystem? The makers of ext4 probably sponsored by Redhat ?
They are all GUILTY if you ask me. GUILTY !!!
They should give us our money back for all their crappy products !!!
We should start a class action law suit against all of them, for all of their bull**** limitations, separately for their retardation, and separately for their LIES in their advertising.
How do you know XFS is faster if you can not format the sdcard on Linux?
To format a sdcard on Linux - you connect Only the sdcard. After it's formatted - insert the sdcard in the phone and see if the phone can work with it, or not.
1.)SD cards are usually formatted with exfat.
2.)You will have to build your own kernel with explicit XFS support to enable XFS support.
Now I don't remember, but you can multipartition SD card
Keep the first partition as exfat, the second partition as XFS or ext4 or btrfs.
and loop mount it in a directory.
It's a convoluted process and not sure if it is worth the hassle.