HD partitions: how many and how much?

[Rike]

Should I do one partition for OS and another programs/documents?
or
One each for OS, programs, and documents?

What size should each of the partitions be (mostly concerned about the OS)?

The system will be used mainly for gaming, with some audio/video work.

 

[amdskip]

I usually do 2 partitions. Make the OS at least 20gb in size.

 

[willtriv]

this is a preference thing really. I like one big drive for everything if I'm only using 1 os on the comp. If I'm dual booting i like a drive for media in ext2/ext3 so i can use it in both os's. If your prone to spyware/viruses ruinging everything I'd suggest 2 partitions 1 for storage of important things u dont wanna lose when ur OS tanks or gets too cluttered and a primary for the OS and reinstallable things like your steam et al 😉

 

[silverpig]

1 partition for OS/games/apps
1 partition for data

 

[Pens1566]

I like 1 partion (20GB) for OS and apps, 1 for Games, and the last one for data. If you reinstall the OS you still have to reinstall games on the 2nd, but your saves/settings are still intact.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Pens1566
I like 1 partion (20GB) for OS and apps, 1 for Games, and the last one for data. If you reinstall the OS you still have to reinstall games on the 2nd, but your saves/settings are still intact.

Not 100% true. Many games use the user profile to save games in the My Documents directory. I personally prefer 120 for the OS and major apps like MS office and CS2 and the rest for whatever. I have 6 HDs in my system but my boot drive is the only one partioned to 120gb for os and major apps. The other partition is for large games, the other 5 drives are for movies on one drive, Music on another 2 drives, one drive for every single app I own for quick installation (I lose my cds all over the house) and the other drive is an OS play around with drive (Linux, Vista et...al). Also, my CS2 scratch file is on that drive.

 

[Rike]

OK, based on what's been posted so far, here is what I'm thinking:

Partition 1: OS and major apps, 40GB
Partition 2: Games and game related data (when possible), 120GB
Partition 3: All data (docs, music, video etc.), 160GB

Further comments/ideas?

 

[ch33zw1z]

get a raptor for your OS drive, use the 320 for data. *tosses .02 your way*

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: ch33zw1z
get a raptor for your OS drive, use the 320 for data. *tosses .02 your way*

Thanks for the two cents, every little bit helps. 😉

While a raptor would be nice, it doesn't fit in my price-for-performance envelope. 🙁

 

[ch33zw1z]

those 36GB are gettin cheap tho!! sorry it doesn't fit...you'll love it when you finally get one.

 

[Boyo]

I would tend to agree that getting a smaller Raptor for your OS/apps and games and using the larger HD for storage. The Raptor will make a big difference.

If you don't have the money for a Raptor, then I would say that your plan of partitions sounds good. But having two drives is always better.

 

[sonoma1993]

I like 1 for os, 1 for games/apps, and 1 for downloads and backup of my files.

 

[Pens1566]

Originally posted by: Oyeve

Originally posted by: Pens1566
I like 1 partion (20GB) for OS and apps, 1 for Games, and the last one for data. If you reinstall the OS you still have to reinstall games on the 2nd, but your saves/settings are still intact.

Not 100% true. Many games use the user profile to save games in the My Documents directory. I personally prefer 120 for the OS and major apps like MS office and CS2 and the rest for whatever. I have 6 HDs in my system but my boot drive is the only one partioned to 120gb for os and major apps. The other partition is for large games, the other 5 drives are for movies on one drive, Music on another 2 drives, one drive for every single app I own for quick installation (I lose my cds all over the house) and the other drive is an OS play around with drive (Linux, Vista et...al). Also, my CS2 scratch file is on that drive.

Which is why I put MyDocuments on the third data partition! 🙂

 

[Dave Richardson]

Two hard drives.

1 partiton for OS about 15Gb. Drivers, utilities and perhaps office. Personal documents and mail files.

Rest of 1st hard disk for perhaps pics, movies and music.

2nd Hard drive split down middle into 2 partitons.

1st partition for games.
2nd partition for BACKUPS of small OS partiton. Use Driveimage, ghost or similar.

Pain to restore OS and settings etc exactly as you like it - takes days to get it close and weeks to get it right. 30 min backup once or twice per week is no brainer.

Occasionally back off pics, videos and music to offline backup media for security. Easy to restore.

Manually back up important save game directories occasionally. Easy to restore games if you actually need to. No backup necessary.

Don't worry about performance in any calculation about partitoning - modern drives are all fast.

Put optical drives on z: downwards.

Just my way of doing things.🙂

If you are not worried about data security you may as well stick everything on one big hard drive partition and take your chances.