How Cluster Size Affects Speed and CPU Load

Typically, the cluster size on home PCs is rarely changed, and even on servers, this is seldom done for both HDDs and SSDs. So, here’s a reminder with an explanation.

Cluster size has a significant impact on the speed of the disk system.

Larger clusters can improve performance when working with large files by reducing the number of input/output (I/O) operations. However, this can lead to wasted space when storing small files. On the other hand, smaller clusters allow for more efficient use of space but may decrease speed due to the increased number of I/O operations. Therefore, choosing the right cluster size is a balance between performance and efficient disk space usage.

Cluster size also affects CPU load.

Larger clusters reduce the number of I/O operations, as more data is processed in a single operation. This can decrease CPU load, especially when working with large files. However, if the file system handles many small files, larger clusters can lead to excessive CPU resource usage due to the processing of unnecessary data. Conversely, smaller clusters increase the number of I/O operations, which can increase CPU load, particularly in high-load systems.

In summary:

- Larger clusters mean less storage capacity but faster performance and reduced CPU load.
- In modern systems, a 64KB cluster size is recommended as it usually offers a good balance between speed and storage efficiency.

However, it's advisable to run tests on your specific drive to determine the best cluster size.

P.S.:** Maybe that’s why my game was lagging? :)

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