Allocation unit size

[novice]

512 bytes or 4096 bytes or something else? which one is optimal? why?

peace!

I try to smile everyday but I can't...

 

[jc14all]

It depends on what file system you are using on your HDD's partition. You could be wasting space if you are not using NTFS. If you are using FAT32 in a 32k cluster, then you could be wasting space. (I'm assuming that your OS is W2k/XP) You may have to get a program called, "Partition Magic" to change your file system and reclaim wasted space.

Here some old information in a PDF format on <A HREF="http://www.wdc.com/library/legacy/EIDE/fatfile.pdf" target="_new">FAT File System</A> in the simplest form, but very clear. Also, here is some info I posted in a later thread regarding cluster sizes. Hope this helps with your question.

<b><font color=red>Default FAT32 cluster sizes:</b></font color=red>

Partition Size (GB)******Sector Per Cluster******Cluster Size
0.256 - 8.01****************** 8 **************** 4K
8.02 - 16.02***************** 16 **************** 8K
16.03 32.04 ***************** 32 *************** 16K
> 32.04 ******************** 64 *************** 32K
________________________________________________________

<b><font color=blue>Default NTFS Cluster Size:</b></font color=blue>

Drive Size (MB)******Number of Sectors******Cluster Size
512 ********************** 1 *************512 bytes
513 - 1024 (1GB)*************2 ************1024 (1KB)
1025 - 2048 (2GB)************4 ************2048 (2KB)
2049 & larger *************** 8 ************4096 (4KB)


<font color=purple><b>An average human brain weights aprox. 3lbs., but a thought weights a load.</font color=purple></b>

 

[Zlash]

512 bytes is the sector size which is the smallest unit on the HD pyshically. A cluster is made up of 2 or more sectors, your 4096 number is 8 sectors or a 4k cluster =).

I think the above post covered the rest.

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[novice]

so u meant 512 bytes is better rite? cuz i think smaller clusters are supposed to be better than bigger ones...thanks guys!

I try to smile everyday but I can't...

 

[Zlash]

Not an issue with NTFS.

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[novice]

ok...then i'm cool with it...thanks!

I try to smile everyday but I can't...