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Question

What is the best file allocation size & file system 4 my USB

Aug 28, 2015 8:34PM PDT

Hi, I have a 32GB Lexar JumpDrive M10 Secure 32GB (up to 100MB/s read, 30MB/s write) When formatting I have the Allocation unit size options of: 512b, 1024b, 2048b, 4096b, 8192b, 16kb, 32kb and 64kb. And the choices between the NTFS, FAT 32, and exFAT File systems. I read the larger the allocation unit size the faster it can transfer larger files but am not sure how, and I am not sure how the file formats affect the speed/capacity (except that NTFS allows for compression.) I download music and movies (alot are hi res (most of the 4k ones go to my Internal SSD) My downloaded file sizes are about 5 gigs. I want it to preform as close to it's capacity as possible without unnecessary waste.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You would have to test for the best answer.
Aug 29, 2015 6:08AM PDT

Most folk take the defaults and do well. In your case you would have to try each and see which is best. I've yet to see any app figure this out.

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Answer
Re: allocation size
Aug 29, 2015 6:26AM PDT

For big files, use big unit size. Only if you have many, many small files, this is a waste of space.

Since the maximum file size for FAT32 is 4 Gb, and some of your files are 5 GB, use NTFS. of course, only 6 files of 5 GB fit on a 32 GB drive, more or less wasting 2 GB.

Kees