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Partition on Windows system.

Partition on Windows system.

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Elsesser1513
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03-27-2025, 10:38 PM
#1
You're exploring options for expanding your memory in older hardware. Windows partitions can help you utilize more storage, but going beyond 2TB/16TB requires careful planning. For astronomically large capacities, dual 16TB drives are possible if you use a partitioning method like LUNs or RAID. However, ensure your system supports it and that the drive controllers can handle the workload. If you're unsure, start with smaller partitions and test performance before scaling up.
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Elsesser1513
03-27-2025, 10:38 PM #1

You're exploring options for expanding your memory in older hardware. Windows partitions can help you utilize more storage, but going beyond 2TB/16TB requires careful planning. For astronomically large capacities, dual 16TB drives are possible if you use a partitioning method like LUNs or RAID. However, ensure your system supports it and that the drive controllers can handle the workload. If you're unsure, start with smaller partitions and test performance before scaling up.

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HowBoutCoffee
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03-27-2025, 11:12 PM
#2
It should handle the full capacity, but you may require a tool. I’ve tested with my 3TB and 4TB drives in Windows 10 without partitions, but 16TB seems uncertain.
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HowBoutCoffee
03-27-2025, 11:12 PM #2

It should handle the full capacity, but you may require a tool. I’ve tested with my 3TB and 4TB drives in Windows 10 without partitions, but 16TB seems uncertain.

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kilquade
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03-29-2025, 01:12 PM
#3
Your mainboard can handle hard disks over 2TB, and using GPT instead of MBR should work smoothly for a 16TB drive.
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kilquade
03-29-2025, 01:12 PM #3

Your mainboard can handle hard disks over 2TB, and using GPT instead of MBR should work smoothly for a 16TB drive.

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Wiicarbon
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03-29-2025, 01:19 PM
#4
The 2TB capacity becomes a concern when using a hard drive with MBR partitioning rather than GPT. Switching to GPT can resolve this in Windows via Disk Manager or DISKPART. The 16TB restriction stems from a 4KB block size setting. Exceeding it is possible by enlarging the block size, though this means larger minimum file sizes—files may now occupy 8KB segments or more instead of the original 4KB.
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Wiicarbon
03-29-2025, 01:19 PM #4

The 2TB capacity becomes a concern when using a hard drive with MBR partitioning rather than GPT. Switching to GPT can resolve this in Windows via Disk Manager or DISKPART. The 16TB restriction stems from a 4KB block size setting. Exceeding it is possible by enlarging the block size, though this means larger minimum file sizes—files may now occupy 8KB segments or more instead of the original 4KB.

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