[WTA] Partitions / Cache / pagefile / RAMDISK

deschen · 16 Feb 2010

Hi,

I would appreciate some advice on my partitions and setup of cache files/pagesys/RAMDISKS as I currently plan to reformat my PC soon and I'm seeking advice on how to tweak the current set up.

Hardware
Proc: Intel Core i7 860
Mobo: Asus P7P55D PRO
RAM: 2 x 2 GB DDR3-1333 DDR3 SD RAM
Router: WAG200G (default settings)

Hard Disk Drives:

1. C: OCZ Vertex 120GB firmware 1.4 (not partitioned)

2. Internal 1TB WD - WDC WD10EADS (partition information below)
D: Downloads (100)
E: Backups (100)
F: Media (800)

3. External USB Maxtor Basics Desktop (500G)
H: (250G)
I: (250G)

Net Settings
Google DNS 2 (8.8.4.4)
Internet Speed: Subscription to 4 MBPS, but;
Speedtest.net results show 28 ping/10 Mbps
Pingtest.net results show 45 ping/ 2 Jitter/ 0 packet loss

Currently my download files and temp folders (torrents/IDM) is to my external drive H: . When that is done, I will copy the finished files over to the partitions on the 1TB WD and then reformat H: when it's almost full.

I do 2 copies of disk image backups from C: to E: and I: once a week or so.

I install all my programs, files, documents in C:

My reasoning for this is that if something is going to wear out first I'd rather it be the Maxtor Basics since I can just replace it. The downloaded files will already be copied in D/F drive and there is another copy of backups in E:

Is this a good enough reasoning or is there a better alternative?

Question 1.
Should I mess about with the pagefile? I read somewhere that partitioning C: drive and setting the pagefile min/max to be the same value will increase the speed. True/False?
What is the optimal size for this?

Question 2.
How should I set up my Firefox cache for maximum browsing speed?

Question 3.
Is there any difference installing my media player in drive F: where my media files are stored as opposed to drive C:? Will be using VLC or SM Player. Tried KM Player and was not really impressed.
Just watching normal quality stuff, not HD/Blue-ray type media.

Question 4.
I did a little bit of reading about RAMDISKS but I'm confused. I know it is supposed to speed up your system but if all the cached files are deleted when the system shuts off then doesn't that mean the data needs to be fetched again? I thought allocating more space for your cache would be better.

err..I guess that's it. Most of the other tweaks I will just follow general guides, these are just specific questions relating to what hardware I've got.

Please advise! Thanks :)

p/s: Hard Disk Space is not an issue.

IggyAZ · 16 Feb 2010

Hi deschen and welcome.

These are my thought only and I'm sure you will hear from others which is good to get other opinions.

That said here it my thoughts.

Your system is well thought outand planned for a lot of file downloading. Not sure what you plan on downloading but you have plenty of HD space.
I like you idea about backups are good but only see 100Gb of store on one partition catches my eye as a little small but I could be wrong and you have other locations planned.

I do like the idea of installing all programs on your C: for speed and especially like your idea of redundenacy of backups just in case on critical loss.

Question 1.
Should I mess about with the pagefile?
I say NO!
Win7 will keep it about the same size as your RAM and it works great.

I read somewhere that partitioning C: drive and setting the pagefile min/max to be the same value will increase the speed. True/False?
Don't know if this is true or false but why mess with it?
Do you really think you will gain anything. I don't

Question 2.
How should I set up my Firefox cache for maximum browsing speed?
I think you are trying to micro manage your software and I don't think it will gain you anything.

Question 3.
Is there any difference installing my media player in drive F: where my media files are stored as opposed to drive C:? Will be using VLC or SM Player. Tried KM Player and was not really impressed.
Just watching normal quality stuff, not HD/Blue-ray type media.
I think the answer will depend on memory speed, HD speed, HD cache size and not the location of the program of file playing

Question 4.
I did a little bit of reading about RAMDISKS but I'm confused. I know it is supposed to speed up your system but if all the cached files are deleted when the system shuts off then doesn't that mean the data needs to be fetched again? I thought allocating more space for your cache would be better.
I just don;t know onthis and hopefully someone else will chime in to answer.

These are only my thoughts. Anyone else have any?
Have a great day!