The default allocation unit size recommended when formatting a drive in our current set-up is 4096 bytes. I understand the basics of the pros and cons of larger and smaller sizes (performance boost vs. space preservation) but it seems the benefits of a solid state drive (seek times massively lower than hard disks) may create a situation where a much smaller allocation size is not detrimental.
Were this the case it would at least partially help to overcome the disadvantage of SSD (massively higher prices per GB).
Is there a way to determine the 'cost' of smaller allocation sizes specifically related to seek times? Or are there any studies or articles recommending a change from the default based on this newer tech?
(Assume the most average scattering of sizes program files, OS files, data, mp3s, text files, etc.)
Best Answer
If you are looking for an good article I recommend
The Hows and Whys of SSDs by Robert Hallock
I linked to page 2, which contains the part which discusses clustering and block size.