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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mr Skrunts on 08 October 2008, 17:47:42

Title: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 October 2008, 17:47:42
Windows XP Pro

Cluster Size = What's the smallest cluster size a drive can be formatted to and do the cluster option alter as the partition size is made bigger?

TIA.  :y
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: Bandit127 on 08 October 2008, 18:27:48
I would leave XP to decide.

But there is an article here:
The Default Cluster Size for the NTFS and FAT File Systems - clicky (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314878)
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 October 2008, 18:38:33
big cluster sizes tends to waste hard disk space but if you are using large chunks of data it will improve performance :y
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 October 2008, 18:40:02
Quote
big cluster sizes tends to waste hard disk space but if you are using large chunks of data it will improve performance :y

Hence the reason for this thread  :y
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 October 2008, 18:43:52
Quote
Quote
big cluster sizes tends to waste hard disk space but if you are using large chunks of data it will improve performance :y

Hence the reason for this thread  :y

mostly I use default but for sql servers I use the biggest size for ntfs..
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: TheBoy on 08 October 2008, 19:07:55
to be honest, the wasted space will be minimal, unless you are storing thousands of very small (few bytes) fews. Which you aren't.
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 08 October 2008, 19:11:37
Quote
to be honest, the wasted space will be minimal, unless you are storing thousands of very small (few bytes) fews. Which you aren't.

yep..this was important when hd's were very expensive and small..
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: gwa on 08 October 2008, 19:59:51
Quote
Windows XP Pro

Cluster Size = What's the smallest cluster size a drive can be formatted to and do the cluster option alter as the partition size is made bigger?

TIA.  :y

Not sure why you are asking; but if I had a 160gb HDD I'd format 120 (minimum) for drive C: and the operating system plus programs (Office etc). Drive D: would be for data only. I would set 'Restore Points' on drive C: before any changes and only backup drive D:. If you have loads of images or music maybe modify slightly, but you should always back those up to CD or DVD.

HTH  :y
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 October 2008, 20:25:10
Quote
to be honest, the wasted space will be minimal, unless you are storing thousands of very small (few bytes) fews. Which you aren't.

Files sizes range from 10kb minum varying in size up from that, genally not normally over 750kb.
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 October 2008, 20:34:23
Quote
Quote
Windows XP Pro

Cluster Size = What's the smallest cluster size a drive can be formatted to and do the cluster option alter as the partition size is made bigger?

TIA.  :y

Not sure why you are asking; but if I had a 160gb HDD I'd format 120 (minimum) for drive C: and the operating system plus programs (Office etc). Drive D: would be for data only. I would set 'Restore Points' on drive C: before any changes and only backup drive D:. If you have loads of images or music maybe modify slightly, but you should always back those up to CD or DVD.

HTH  :y

Smallest drive I use is a 200GB.  I generally Split 25GB for System.  25GB for office and program install.  I run a 50GB temp Partition and move the nternet temp foler and others like to that drive.  

The last partition I move my Documents to it.  Experience has proved to me than when a drive/Windows goes tits up then files on that partition (System/Window) get distorted.  With them moved they have a better chance of survivng.    :y

There was a thread at the begining of the week regards a laptop.  Had My Documents been on Drive D, then any stored work would have been safe.  System corrupt, format C:  Re-install, Move My Doments to D: and carry on where you left off.  ;)
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: gwa on 08 October 2008, 20:42:53
Quote
Quote
Quote
Windows XP Pro

Cluster Size = What's the smallest cluster size a drive can be formatted to and do the cluster option alter as the partition size is made bigger?

TIA.  :y

Not sure why you are asking; but if I had a 160gb HDD I'd format 120 (minimum) for drive C: and the operating system plus programs (Office etc). Drive D: would be for data only. I would set 'Restore Points' on drive C: before any changes and only backup drive D:. If you have loads of images or music maybe modify slightly, but you should always back those up to CD or DVD.

HTH  :y

Smallest drive I use is a 200GB.  I generally Split 25GB for System.  25GB for office and program install.  I run a 50GB temp Partition and move the nternet temp foler and others like to that drive.  

The last partition I move my Documents to it.  Experience has proved to me than when a drive/Windows goes tits up then files on that partition (System/Window) get distorted.  With them moved they have a better chance of survivng.    :y

There was a thread at the begining of the week regards a laptop.  Had My Documents been on Drive D, then any stored work would have been safe.  System corrupt, format C:  Re-install, Move My Doments to D: and carry on where you left off.  ;)

If only we lived in a perfect world like Microsoft  ;D
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: TheBoy on 08 October 2008, 21:01:03
Quote
Quote
to be honest, the wasted space will be minimal, unless you are storing thousands of very small (few bytes) fews. Which you aren't.

Files sizes range from 10kb minum varying in size up from that, genally not normally over 750kb.
So even 4kb clusters aren't going to waste much ;)

Small clusters are handy for things like Exchange badmail folder etc.
Title: Re: Computer Question - Hard Drive Formating
Post by: TheBoy on 08 October 2008, 21:02:22
Quote
Quote
Quote
Windows XP Pro

Cluster Size = What's the smallest cluster size a drive can be formatted to and do the cluster option alter as the partition size is made bigger?

TIA.  :y

Not sure why you are asking; but if I had a 160gb HDD I'd format 120 (minimum) for drive C: and the operating system plus programs (Office etc). Drive D: would be for data only. I would set 'Restore Points' on drive C: before any changes and only backup drive D:. If you have loads of images or music maybe modify slightly, but you should always back those up to CD or DVD.

HTH  :y

Smallest drive I use is a 200GB.  I generally Split 25GB for System.  25GB for office and program install.  I run a 50GB temp Partition and move the nternet temp foler and others like to that drive.  

The last partition I move my Documents to it.  Experience has proved to me than when a drive/Windows goes tits up then files on that partition (System/Window) get distorted.  With them moved they have a better chance of survivng.    :y

There was a thread at the begining of the week regards a laptop.  Had My Documents been on Drive D, then any stored work would have been safe.  System corrupt, format C:  Re-install, Move My Doments to D: and carry on where you left off.  ;)
Absolutely no reason to partition for recovery purposes.