Partition or No?

Is it worth it to partition my harddrive into different sections (for windows) like many linux users do?

EG: Windows Partition, Programs, Documents, Swap

Right now I have 3 harddrives, Windows / Lots of Programs (250) / Documents, Old programs / games / downloads (2x 60 raided), and storage (80).

I'm going to be using a Seagate 7200.10 500gb drive in my new system (C2D) and was wondering if I should bother partitioning it or if most people just go single.

I looked at the FAQ but its from early 2004 so probably way outdated.

Will be running XP and later installing Vista when DX10 games come out.

i would prefer my multiple drives to be in JBOD.

If you set your swap file to a fixed size then it doesn't need it's own partition.

I do like partitions for organization reasons, but some people just use folders for that.

There isn't any performance difference, excepting a fragmented swap file.

The less partitions the better, use folders for organization. This should keep data from being spread all over the disk as much as it than with putting up "logical walls".

I avoid partitioning too. I used to use it to divide drives logically but in the end, you are going to be looking for some tool to resize your partitions.

Rgr, thanks for the heads up.

I'll just go standard then, I'm good w/ folders anyway, gotta keep it tidy