How to divide my HDD space?

[RoseZalutations]

hmm hey there.
I've bought a new computer (P4 3.06Ghz) with a WD 80GB HDD..
I wonders, how should I divide (visually) the space to the visual drivers? will converting to NTFS (I'll convert anyways, but..) helps on this issue? I was told that if it is too big (like 70GB) then all the little files will take lots of space, I don't really understand..
please reply and help, thanks alot! ;-/

 

[PrincessGuard]

With NTFS you don't have the problem where small files take up lots of extra space.

The downside of having one giant partition is that it takes longer to defragment and should you ever feel the need to reformat your OS drive, you have to backup all your data somewhere else.

The downside of having multiple smaller partitions is that you may run out of space on one and have to store your data on another one, which defeats the whole purpose of partitioning.

I personally have 2 physical drives with 1 partition each.

 

[RoseZalutations]

hmm so how many partitions is fine? I thought something like 10 - 35 - 35...

 

[Lonyo]

What do you need the partitions for?
I would suggest a 10gig for OS and essential programs, then one for games and one for data, sized as you see fit.
Make a partition per type of thing, games, mp3's, work, TV shows, OS etc, if you want.

In terms of wasted space, there isn't much with NTFS, but you should partition based on fragmentation, so you can defrag what needs defragging rather than having to do the whole drive at once, so you could defrag your OS drive and leave a data drive that was fine.

 

[RoseZalutations]

that's cool, thanks.. I guess it ain't really important, beside defragmention.. thanks.

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: RoseZalutations
that's cool, thanks.. I guess it ain't really important, beside defragmention.. thanks.

and even that, i think is a waste of time.

 

[RoseZalutations]

that's probably an other discussion (issued on one of Anandtech FAQs)...