[X4U] Lion and Partition size

[jetlag11 at mac.com]

There used to be a reason to partition the HDD (to display alternate startup partitions) but that's not really valid anymore. The only reason today I can think of, is for a Windows partition - and I'm not sure that's desirable either.

I've found drive partitions to be a big PITA. For example, I've tried to assign folders to dedicated partitions, but either I or the finder keep screwing things up. A single, large patition works best for me.

Regarding your friend's suggestion, Mac OS does drive optimization on the fly.  That's why Disk Utility doesn't include a defragmentation tool - it defragments continuously.

I don't suggest trying to out-think Apple.

John


On May 3, 2012, at 17:29, catsoul <catsoul at thinkplan.org> wrote:

I have a 2009 Mac Pro with 640GB Drive that came with it; this drive is partitioned into 3 equal partitions of 212GB each.

So, is 212GB enough for Lion to be fully "happy" and to work its best, or would it be better with the drive cut in two, so, 320GB, or no partitions at all?

Another idea suggested by a friend is that if you can install on a smaller partition that's closer in on the platter, performance can improve owing to less drive space to consider and shorter distances for the read/write arm if the OS is closer in  rather than further out to the edge.

Any thoughts on these questions and ideas?

Thank you

cat