Two HDDs or partition one HD?

[Isura]

I'd like to first thank everyone here. This forum has helped me so much with my first build. I'm not sure how what to do about my hard drive setup. I think 200Gb should be enough for me (for a few years anyways). I'm considering 2 options:

1) 80GB HD for OS/Programs, and another 120GB for data (or some other configuration of 2 HDDs)

2) 200GG HD partioned into 2 drives for OS and data.

I don't have the budget to get a Raptor or anything, so the HDs will probably be the samsung spinpoint P120 series ones.

My question is whether I can expect to run into problems partitioning such a big HD, or is the two HD setup more optimal. Also, can I just use the windows xp setup program to partition the drive, or will I need another program like Partition Magic to do the job? Thanks, and I appreciate any other suggested options.

 

[sniperruff]

just get a big 200gig and then partition it. and no windows will partition just fine.

 

[fstime]

I use two drives, I never partition anything.

Example

HD #1 100 gigs for OS, programs, etc

HD #2 100 gigs for backup

 

[lobadobadingdong]

with ntfs there is no reason to partition a hard drive unless it's for secure share reasons on an enterprise domain.

edit: either way only get 1 drive, unless you plan on running a raid 1 array, 1 drive is 50% less likley to fail than any 1of2 drives.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Glad to hear the forums serve a true purpose. Me personally, I would go with #2. No need to go to 2 drives if you don't need to. And that allows for future expansion if necessary...
Tas.

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
with ntfs there is no reason to partition a hard drive unless it's for secure share reasons on an enterprise domain.

Say you want to format your OS and not lose your data. Thats why 99% of us do it.

 

[furballi]

partition the drive. Keep only the OS in the C partition. Put all other data including pagefile in the D extended logical partition. This will allow quick backup/imaging of the OS. You will also not lose data if you have to wipe the C active partition and reload windows.

Having one large partition is like putting all your clothes in one huge drawer.

 

[Sforsyth]

Originally posted by: Isura
I'd like to first thank everyone here. This forum has helped me so much with my first build. I'm not sure how what to do about my hard drive setup. I think 200Gb should be enough for me (for a few years anyways). I'm considering 2 options:

1) 80GB HD for OS/Programs, and another 120GB for data (or some other configuration of 2 HDDs)

2) 200GG HD partioned into 2 drives for OS and data.

I don't have the budget to get a Raptor or anything, so the HDs will probably be the samsung spinpoint P120 series ones.

My question is whether I can expect to run into problems partitioning such a big HD, or is the two HD setup more optimal. Also, can I just use the windows xp setup program to partition the drive, or will I need another program like Partition Magic to do the job? Thanks, and I appreciate any other suggested options.

I would do it this way if you have alot of big games and programs to install, if not I would make the OS/Games/Program portition abit smaller and then make an image of it to your other portition so you can retore from the image if you ever need to.

but then again I redo my computer alot and I have lots to store, so if you plan onusing your OS/Games/Programs alot and over a year without redoing it 80/120 sounds good unless you have lots to store !

 

[Sforsyth]

Originally posted by: furballi
Put all other data including pagefile in the D extended logical partition[/q

I've tried this and really don't like doing it this way.

 

[MajinWade]

I'd go with option #2 since you might soon find you don't have enough space. This way upgrading is easier.

 

[Varun]

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
with ntfs there is no reason to partition a hard drive unless it's for secure share reasons on an enterprise domain.

Say you want to format your OS and not lose your data. Thats why 99% of us do it.

Exactly. No point losing all my data, or having to move it back from burnt DVDs when I can just keep it on a different partition. I don't format often but I like to keep my data away from the OS anyways.

 

[bob4432]

go with a fast system/program drive like a raptor or 10-15krpm scsi (the seek times to make a difference) and then a larger 2nd hdd. i have been doing this for years and it always works for me