NTFS/FAT32 debate....again!!!!!

[Neil Hunter]

...I'd just like to open up the NTFS/FAT32 debate again. There are a few posts on here, but nothing substantail in the last two months or so. (sorry if you have posted something and I have missed it!!!!! :wink:

I have a P4, XP system with two Seagate drives. My c:\ drive went belly-up last weekend, and have had to re-format it. :evil:

Now, my c:\ drive is NTFS with XP and Program files on, and my e:\ drive is still FAT32 with all my samples and my Audio files.

Is this the way forward for speed, reliability and backward compatibility?!? :?: ....or will I run into trouble here?!

Neil. (Worthing, UK)

[tatsujin]

Neil,

Without wanting to harp on about the performance difference, I dont believe there is any major advantage to using NTFS vs FAT32 in this respect but file security is better under NTFS.

If backward compatability is a concern dont go for NTFS, it is possible to mount NTFS drives on a Win98 system but its not for the faint hearted

Although your likely to hear cries that cluster sizes matter etc. i think your more likely to find in reality that disk i/o will not be a problem, your more lilely to run out of CPU power before a decent hard disk runs out of steam,

Still, I still setup a hidden FAT32 partition for customer pc's primarily for Norton Ghost, its useful to store ghost images of the main Windows/Programs partition within it.

NTFS drives are still accesible under DOS if you need to mount them for recovery purposes, its just a little more trickier than with FAT32. BTW: the version of Ghost i use doesnt support writing disk images to NTFS partitions but i believe newer versions do.

hope that helps,

[Neil Hunter]

So, having my e:\ drive as FAT32 and my c:\ drive as NTFS - all will be well???? :?
I have no intention of migrating from XP to Win98!!!!!!! I have heard before that Audio performance could be reduced on an NTFS drive, but I doubt it is noticable for the "bedroom" musician like me!!!!
I just want a stable, reliable system where I can run a handful of tracks. Incidentally I use Cubase VST v5.1 & HALion......

Thanks for the advice.

Regards,

Neil.

[Magic]

I have tried very extensively both FAT32 and NTFS systems on the same drive. You know what? There is absolutely no difference whatsoever in the two. None. Not so much as 1 byte/sec. You'll get more variation in performance from the ambient temporature in the PC than which system you opt for.

NTFS is a better choice for your programs simply because if offers better security and more options. You will have better management over multiple setups with NTFS systems because if you decide to have one login for you and one for another person who uses the PC, you can totally isolate your files and theirs, which is impossible under FAT32.

The down side with NTFS is that this security can also work against you - if you need to do a recovery it's not as easy with NTFS as with FAT32. If you put encryption on or file compression then you may notice a performance hit, but as this only effects the system when it accesses an encrypted or compressed file you don't need to worry. I have no worries about compressing my programs on my NTFS drive, I just don't do it on the audio drive. As the only time the programs are accessed is when I load them, I'm happy to put up with the few seconds extra they take to load in exchange for almost doubling the amount of programs I can have installed.

You should be fine with the setup you have, but as usual I'm going to say this very important word that will apply regardless of what system you use.....

everybody, after 3..... 1.....2......3......

BACKUP!

:lol:

[tatsujin]

The down side with NTFS is that this security can also work against you - if you need to do a recovery it's not as easy with NTFS as with FAT32.

depends how easy you can part with 30 quid or so :roll:

http://www.r-tt.com/RUndelete.shtml

BACKUP!

:lol:

ahhh yes, the golden rule :!: