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Best way to use a 2TB drive for HTPC, etc.?

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imported_CrabbyGuy

Junior Member
I have a new Shuttle to build up (Clarkdale, 4GB RAM, etc.). Its uses will be: HTPC, display photos I've taken and processed (stored elsewhere), keep Native Instruments MIDI programs and data for use with electronic piano in the same room, and very occasional Internet work. I'll use the Shuttle's HDMI video/audio output. The XPC will be connected to my home LAN, currently B grade (faster than my ISP).

I have a Samsung 5400 RPM 2T drive in the Shuttle and intend to buy another for backups that I'll likely put externally and connected eSATA to keep the heat down. (I will eventually need at least a 3T drive or two 2T drives for backups.)

Is the following arrangement with three partitions on the 2T drive in the Shuttle the best one (going from the beginning of the drive to the end)?

- 1. 250GB partition for OS (Win7 x64) and all programs

- 2. 125GB partition for MIDI data

- 3. Remainder for video and audio files

I plan to use Acronis to backup locally.

Should backup drive be partitioned?

Best sector size(s)?
 
I just wanted to add that I have two Samsung 2TB 5400rpm drives in my Shuttle, close together in the two 3.5" bays, and they don't get even remotely warm. They just don't heat up the way that old drives used to, so if heat is your only worry, don't worry =)

If you're going to partition then yes, I believe the OS partition wants to be first - it's just plain easiest, even if it's not necessary for OS compatibility these days. It will be the fastest part of the drive too, so it makes complete sense.

Stick to default sector size for the OS partition - Windows knows what it's doing. Then if you're only storing media on the big partition then as large as possible makes sense. The larger the sector size the less drive space is wasted, but the sector size is the least space that a file will ever take up.
 
Kinda what I did also, My case is so small that I can only fit 1 3.5" HD into it, I installed a SG Barra-LP 2TB, Partitioned it 250GB main for OS and left overs on the second.
I could have just used 150GB or less on the main OS since theres not going to be anything other then AV players.
 
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