Partition Sizes

[2nd gen noob]

Is there such a thing as an optimal partition size?
I'm getting a new drive soon (another 250GB) and was considering partitioning it into 2*100GB partitions (for storage) and using the rest (32 or so GB) as my windows partition. Are there any disadvantages for having comparitively large partitions (other than possible damage due to viruses)?

Would 2*80GB, 1*50GB and 1*20GB be a better solution?

TIA for any help/advice :)

Specs:
Athlon 2700+
ASUS A7N8X-D
512MB Corsair XMS3500
Radeon 9600 Pro
80GB 7200rpm 2MB cache Seagate HDD (soon to be disposed of)
120GB 7200rpm 8MB cache Western Digital HDD
250GB 7200rpm 8MB cache SATA Western Digital HDD
Lite-On 52/24/52 CD-RW
420W Thermaltake PSU

Windows XP Home

[james_bond_rulez]

no, xp handles large partitions just fine

just use partition magic and you are good to go

[2nd gen noob]

Originally posted by james_bond_rulez@15 May 2004 - 16:47
no, xp handles large partitions just fine

just use partition magic and you are good to go
I thought that was the case. Good, cheers :beerchug:

[SciManAl]

clear

[2nd gen noob]

Originally posted by SciManAl@15 May 2004 - 16:50
make sure you have SP1 installed or it will only register 139 gb...
Yep, this should be ok.

[SciManAl]

clear

[2nd gen noob]

Originally posted by SciManAl@15 May 2004 - 16:54
your all set then, make sure to use the stuf that comes with the drive though not partition magic... the hard drive should come with a bootable cd or sumtin use it...
What's wrong with using Partition Magic? I've used it on my other two Western Digital drives and not had any problems with it... :unsure:

[james_bond_rulez]

ya just use partition magic, i've had no problems with it whatsoever

[Virtualbody1234]

Why not partition it with Windows XP?

[adamp2p]

Originally posted by Virtualbody1234@15 May 2004 - 09:32
Why not partition it with Windows XP?
Yeah, that makes a lot more sense to me too. I think that maybe 32 GB may be a little too much. Yes, you want to have 20% free space on your OS partition, a partition just for virtual memory, and all of your games probably installed on your OS partition.

You really should use the Windows XP formatting utility to create partitions; the only reason why you would need to use Partition Magic would be if you had no backup or wanted to keep a certain install that you like.

I highly advise downloading AutoPatcher XP (http://www.autopatcher.com/WebAPXP.htm). That will make installing XP tons faster, and customizeable too. Try to get your hands on the March 2004 full edition; that will patch XP (I think) to the latest critical updates.

this page (http://www.autopatcher.com/DownloadXP.htm) features direct downloads as well as Bit torrent downloads; personally, I prefer direct downloads...

Take care,

Adam

[Twist3r]

what are the advantages to having your hd partitioned? im guessing faster speeds when doing everyday tasks but im not sure :blink: can some one explain this to me :D

[clocker]

The only downside to your large partitions is that it will take longer to defrag them.

@Adam,
AutoPatcherXP is indeed a wonderful program...I'd estimate that it knocks about 1/2-3/4 hr off the Windows installation time.
The March release will still leave you with 6-7 Critical Updates to get from MS, but you should be relatively safe going on the internet to get them.

[adamp2p]

Originally posted by clocker@15 May 2004 - 11:21
The only downside to your large partitions is that it will take longer to defrag them.

@Adam,
AutoPatcherXP is indeed a wonderful program...I'd estimate that it knocks about 1/2-3/4 hr off the Windows installation time.
The March release will still leave you with 6-7 Critical Updates to get from MS, but you should be relatively safe going on the internet to get them.
That's more like 3 or 4, not 6 or 7. :P

[clocker]

Sory, but I beg to differ.
I just reformatted/reinstalled XP Pro this morning.
I required 7 Critical Updates after using AutoPatchXP.