For most (all?) external USB 3.x SSD (e.g. Samsung T7) - no. For Thunderbolt - yes.Will there ever be support for external SSD or is it a non starter? I have a Samsung T7 which is a pretty popular model.
The problem has no relation with version of USB (USB 3.x, 2.x or 4.x). The problem is related to SSD type - SATA or NVMe. SATA SSD is supported, but NVMe SSD (like Samsung T7) is currently not supported. And the root cause is the stupid architecture of macOS that prohibits apps from sending SMART commands over SCSI interface like in any other OS (Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, etc). On macOS, you need to implement a custom driver. But at the same time Apple doesn't like drivers and kernel extensions, third-party drivers are "second-class citizens" on macOS.For most (all?) external USB 3.x SSD (e.g. Samsung T7) - no. For Thunderbolt - yes.
I think it is more nuanced than that. Some time ago I would have agreed with you. Samsung T5 (SATA) worked with DriveDx, but Samsung T7 did not. But now neither work with DriveDx. Do you know of USB 3.x SATA SSD which do work with current macOS, DriveDx and SATSMARTDriver?The problem is related to SSD type - SATA or NVMe. SATA SSD is supported, but NVMe SSD (like Samsung T7) is currently not supported
Or use Windows software in a virtual machine, Parallels & CrystalDiskInfo https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-usb-enclosure-update-there-is-a-way.2383604/On macOS, you need to implement a custom driver. But at the same time Apple doesn't like drivers and kernel extensions, third-party drivers are "second-class citizens" on macOS.
Does this only work on Intel Macs or Apple Silicon too?Or use Windows software in a virtual machine, Parallels & CrystalDiskInfo https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-usb-enclosure-update-there-is-a-way.2383604/
Other virtualisation software is available, for free
Free Personal Use License for VMware Fusion https://customerconnect.vmware.com/en/evalcenter?p=fusion-player-personal-13
UTM https://github.com/utmapp/UTM
VirtualBox https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
This post https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...s.2391736/page-10?post=32408271#post-32408271 says that it works with Sonoma. I have seen nothing else re Sonoma and DriveDX. Have you asked the developer?Does anyone have a problem that cannot be activated? Is it because I'm using macOS Sonoma?
Thank you, I always thought it was a problem with the new system. I have already sent an email to the official to see if there is any reply. I remember I sent it once before, but there seems to be no response.This post https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...s.2391736/page-10?post=32408271#post-32408271 says that it works with Sonoma. I have seen nothing else re Sonoma and DriveDX. Have you asked the developer?
The SAT Smart Driver. I saw the note on their site its 3rd party. I guess what I'm asking is to confirm that its solid and no issues with Sonoma with you guys using it?DriveDx 1.12.1 was released on September 25, 2023 with full Sonoma support.
DriveDx Release Notes
binaryfruit.com
This app is fantastic for an OS that should have all this stuff working natively anyway. Glad the app exists though.
For those needing support on externals, make sure you install the SAT SMART driver.
DriveDx - external USB and FireWire drive diagnostics support
binaryfruit.com
Works for me. No crashes or anything like that.The SAT Smart Driver. I saw the note on their site its 3rd party. I guess what I'm asking is to confirm that its solid and no issues with Sonoma with you guys using it?
Thanksmore the info. I’ll get it. I have 2 Seagate 8TB USB 3 that are going 8 years old. I figure i better have something that may warn me that it’s going to die being so old.Works for me. No crashes or anything like that.
Don't expect DriveDX to work with all USB 3.x SSDs. In my case, DriveDX used to report on my Samsung T5, now doesn't - something in macOS 13.5 (or maybe 14.3?) onwards I think. SAT Smart Driver is fine with USB hard drives. Thunderbolt SSDs don't need it.
Will work fine with them.I have 2 Seagate 8TB USB 3 that are going 8 years old. I figure i better have something that may warn me that it’s going to die being so old.
I downloaded it and yes, it reads them and overall health rating 97% 82%. Overall Health and Performance rating "Good". This is exactly what I needed to know on these guys. I paid the full license. Maybe one day we can monitor external SSD. Not a deal breaker for me since I use my external SSD for web downloads, temporary work disk and cache stuff. So nothing in there for long term storage. Thanks again. OH took me a few reboots to figure out that Security thingy that instructs you. I couldn't figure out where to start in after holding down the power button and the two icons came up. LOL.... eventually the old brain figured it out and changed the Security to allow user to install extension or something like that. lolWill work fine with them.
Don't be too hopeful. Active support has always been patchy.It's only been 2 days though.
You can ask here, maybe someone had the same questions before or knows the answers.I sent 2 email questions, that weren't in the FAQ, and the response is...crickets.