NTFS and FAT32

andy_barn29 · 07-07-2006, 04:35 PM

Hi

I have two laptops, both with very similar discsn but one read/write about 3 time quicker than the other.
the slow one is formated in NTFS (20Gb) whereas the faster one is FAT32 (12Gb).

The faster one also has the slower processor 500mHz vs.1200Hz.

I am running XP.

Could this difference be caused by the formatting of the disc (NTFS vs FAT32) or is it probable that something else is causing the difference?

AS far as I can tell they both use the same ATA speed.

Woudl a complete re-installed from scratch of XP help?

Thank you
Andy Barnard

Christian Darrall · 07-07-2006, 04:40 PM

I would think it was due to the size of the hard drive, as the more space the longer it takes to open (in my computer)

Reinstalling XP wont do much, unless you notice the computer starting to lag in its speed and performace.

I noticed from my experience with XP it like the NTFS format better than FAT32 and in which case operates slightly faster under these conditions.

but even though it doesn't prefer FAT32 it will try its hardest (in cpu terms) to transfer the load as quick as possible.

**The_Other_One** · 07-07-2006, 06:35 PM

A clean install could never hurt if it's an option, so definetly go with that. As for the file system, I always go with NTFS when possible. It's got many new features over FAT32, including the ability to hold files over 4G(well, I had problems with files over 2G with FAT32) I can't recall if NTFS is actually any faster or not, but I still beleive that'd be the best way to go...

weemanpow3 · 07-07-2006, 08:54 PM

NTSF = Windows xp file sytem = fast

FAT32 = Windows 98 or higher not Windows xp = slow

07-07-2006, 04:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
andy_barn29 New Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1	NTFS and FAT32 Hi I have two laptops, both with very similar discsn but one read/write about 3 time quicker than the other. the slow one is formated in NTFS (20Gb) whereas the faster one is FAT32 (12Gb). The faster one also has the slower processor 500mHz vs.1200Hz. I am running XP. Could this difference be caused by the formatting of the disc (NTFS vs FAT32) or is it probable that something else is causing the difference? AS far as I can tell they both use the same ATA speed. Woudl a complete re-installed from scratch of XP help? Thank you Andy Barnard

07-07-2006, 04:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Christian Darrall Platinum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I Live in Aston Which is in the UK Age: 18 Posts: 971	I would think it was due to the size of the hard drive, as the more space the longer it takes to open (in my computer) Reinstalling XP wont do much, unless you notice the computer starting to lag in its speed and performace. I noticed from my experience with XP it like the NTFS format better than FAT32 and in which case operates slightly faster under these conditions. but even though it doesn't prefer FAT32 it will try its hardest (in cpu terms) to transfer the load as quick as possible. __________________ 1.5TB 3.0GBS Panasonic SATA XFX 9600gt Dual core X3 (super SLi) Intel Quad Core Oc'd 6.7ghZ 1000w power supply 3GB ddr 3 1200MHZ Antec Water Cooling XP Professional 19.1 inch Widescreen

07-07-2006, 06:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
The_Other_One Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lexington, NC Age: 25 Posts: 13,426	A clean install could never hurt if it's an option, so definetly go with that. As for the file system, I always go with NTFS when possible. It's got many new features over FAT32, including the ability to hold files over 4G(well, I had problems with files over 2G with FAT32) I can't recall if NTFS is actually any faster or not, but I still beleive that'd be the best way to go... __________________ Primary- i7 920 \| 6GB RAM \| 9800GT \| 160+160+500GB Secondary- Athlon X2 4200 \| 2GB RAM \| 7600GT \| 80+250GB Netbook - Atom N280 \| 2GB RAM \| GMA945\| 160GB

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07-07-2006, 08:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
weemanpow3 Silver Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 121	NTSF = Windows xp file sytem = fast FAT32 = Windows 98 or higher not Windows xp = slow