So we just got a new server, I went ahead and setup the following:

Partition 1: is about 150 GB and for systems file only and the cluster is set at the default at 4 KB.

Partition 2: is for data only at about 2 TB, I've set the cluster at 64 KB.
Has anyone ever had first hand experience with this type of setup and what was the performance if any that you notice? Faster access, faster backups? I know I will sacrifice some valuable space but for faster performance, I'll take it.

 

Depends on alot more variables. How many hard drives does the server have and what raid(s) setup are you using? Will this be used MAINLY for reads, writes or both?

 

I have 8 300 gig sas drives, 1 online spare and it will mainly be a file server.

What would your suggestion be?

 

RAID 1+0 the whole thing and partition for OS and Data as you mentioned.

If you can add drives, buy two smaller SAS drives for the OS use RAID 1 then use the 8 in a RAID 1+0.

 

Yea I maxed out on the slots for hard drives, I would like to do 10, but I need to have a spare online, which 10 doesn't allow me, at least with even #s of hard drives.

 

Why do you need a spare? The fault tolerance is there in raid 1+0.

 

If there is a chance for a 2nd drive failure, and there's no one there to swap in a cold spare (for the initial failure), a hot spare isn't a bad idea.

 

^Yup

Oh and any recommendations on hard drive performance test apps that anyone has used and liked?

Maybe CHDDSPEED?

 

I've never seen two drives fail at once or even two within a few months of each other but obviously it could happen. We have all our controllers setup with instant email notification so we know if a drive falls out of an array. We have extras in a cabinet if we need them.

Its the safest for sure and if you can afford to lose 300GB of space just for the hot spare then that's the route for you.

I wouldn't be too concerned about performance if its just a file server, unless you are trying to move or copy some REALLY big files?

But if you insist, http://www.hdtune.com/

 

What OS are you running on this server?

 

^2008 R2 64bit

Update, backups are 4 times faster than before!