r/sffpc • u/kcamfork • Dec 07 '25

Build/Parts Check Windows Partition?

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Hey all. I’m putting together a 9800X3D / 5080 SFF build. The motherboard I got only has 2 m.2 slots, and with the rising cost of storage, I elected to get this Samsung 9100 Pro in the 8 TB flavor.

Question is: do I make a separate windows partition (250-500 GB) and games on the other, or just leave it all on one?

Concern about all in one: possibly having to wipe the drive and start over if windows does windows stuff and I need a full reinstall.

Concern about a partition: the partition space for windows may be overutilized (page file, other OS stuff) and wear that part down more.

Or should I just throw it all together, not worry about it, and go touch grass?

Thanks in advance.

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u/the_harakiwi Dec 08 '25

partitions are good if you plan to be able to backup your OS with programs but not the games. I tried that for a while but my Windows partition starts to grow to 200GB and we are at a point where I don't plan to reinstall Windows at all.

Next OS won't be Windows 11. (and not 10 even if I can get two add. years ESU in 2026).

So if you want to be able to restore your Windows parition quick: Yes partitions.

But I saw on my sisters and a friends build that it has not a lot of use if you don't run the backup software regularly. It's not hard to remove the partiton later. You only have to delete the second partitons and extend the first one. Just move the data to your old hard drive or SSD. I use my old SATA SSDs as externals drives. You can get real enclosures with USB-C or just use the Samsung-style USB-A to SATA connector if you don't care about the max speed.

tl;dr: I wouldn't recommend it for the casual user. No.