How to Optimize SSD Cluster Size? Your Guide is Here

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 19, 2024

**Changing the Cluster Size** Modifying the cluster size, also known as adjusting the allocation unit size, is a straightforward process. Our digital tool is perfect for business owners and home users who wish to adjust their cluster sizes. So, what is cluster size, what are the different disk formats, and how does our software make changing cluster sizes easy? 1. **What is Cluster Size?** A cluster is the smallest unit of data storage on a hard drive. When an operating system writes a file, it stores the file in these clusters. Even if a file is smaller than a single cluster, it will occupy the entire space of one cluster. Thus, choosing the right cluster size is crucial for optimizing disk space usage. 2. **Different Disk Formats:** - **FAT (File Allocation Table):** An older file system used for smaller storage devices. Cluster sizes typically range from 512 bytes to 4096 bytes. - **NTFS (New Technology File System):** The primary file system for Windows operating systems. Cluster sizes usually start at 4096 bytes and increase with the disk's capacity. - **EXT (Extended File System):** A file system used in Linux operating systems, where cluster sizes vary based on the disk size. 3. **Easily Modify Cluster Sizes:** With our software, you can effortlessly change a disk's cluster size without needing technical expertise. Just follow these simple steps: - **Select Disk:** First, choose the disk you want to modify. - **View Current Settings:** Check the current cluster size and other relevant information. - **Choose New Size:** Select a new cluster size based on your needs. Note that larger cluster sizes may save space but could affect small file efficiency. - **Execute Operation:** After confirming your choice, the software will begin adjusting the cluster size. This process may take some time, depending on the disk's size. - **Confirm Results:** Once finished, verify that the cluster size has successfully changed and make necessary backups just in case. By understanding cluster sizes, different disk formats, and using a professional disk management tool, you can more effectively manage and optimize your storage space.

How to change the SSD cluster size? Check or format the cluster?

On this page, we offer you two methods to format and adjust the SSD cluster size with MiniTool Partition Wizard or Disk Management.

But which is better? Here's a chart to help you decide which approach to use:

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll promptly translate it into Chinese for you.

How do you choose the right approach? Here are some guidelines.

In the case of Windows, different file systems determine how data is organized. There are three file systems available in Windows: NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. Each file system requires a different cluster size for its files. Hence, the best way to change the cluster size of an SSD disk is to change its file system.

Alright, here's the translation in American English: "FYI, Windows only supports the FAT32 and NTFS file system formats. So, if it's an internal SSD drive, you can choose to change the cluster size by formatting it as either NTFS or FAT32. How would you go about changing the cluster size of an SSD?"

Check out the next section for two solutions that can help you change your disk cluster size.

For more information about allocation unit sizes, such as the best SSD cluster size, refer to the following articles:

What is the Best SSD Allocation Unit Size in Windows 11/10

On this page, we will introduce what the best SSD allocation unit size is in Windows 11/10. You can also find the best solution to change it.

Method 1: Change the SSD Partition Size with Partition Master

• Supported Devices: SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, NVMe SSD, all types of HDD, and portable storage devices.
• Intended Users: Beginners with Windows

At Tools, we have developed technology using our partition management software, Tools Partition Master, that makes it simple, intuitive, and stress-free to alter the partition size, cluster size, and recovery process of your storage devices. We offer lightning-fast support and guidance.

You can download this software and follow the instructions below to change the SSD cluster size to 4KB by yourself.

1. Right click on the partition you wish to change the cluster size for, select “Advanced” and then click on “Change Cluster Size”.

Right-click to change the cluster size:

Step 2: Click the dropdown list next to New Size, select the cluster size you want to set for the disk partition, and then click OK.

Resize the cluster

Step 3: Click Run 1 Task, and then click Apply to confirm.

There you go! That's how to change the cluster size of an SSD drive without formatting using Disk Partition Master. This way, you don't have to worry about data loss due to formatting. Everything on the disk remains intact. If you find this method helpful, feel free to share it on social media to help more friends online:

Aside from safely resetting the SSD cluster size, the Partition Master tool offers some amazing features that help optimize SSD performance, such as:

• 4K alignment for SSD
• Change cluster size without formatting
• Check SSD speed
• Test SSD health status
• Reset SSD hard drive by erasing or formatting
• Smart partitioning SSD with one click

Method 2: Change Cluster Size by Formatting Through Disk Management

- Supported Devices: SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, NVMe SSD, all types of HDDs, and portable storage devices. - Target Users: Experienced Windows users

Another thing you could try is to run Windows Disk Management and format the SSD to change its cluster size. Make sure to back up your data beforehand, though.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the "This PC" icon, select "Manage," and open "Disk Management."

Step 2: Right-click the partition on the SSD drive in Disk Management and select “Format Volume.”

Step 3: Format the SSD drive as either FAT32 or NTFS, and then set the allocation unit size to 4K, and click OK.

Wait for that process to complete.

After the formatting and changing SSD cluster size, you can restore the file backup to the SSD hard drive.

That's it! You've successfully changed the SSD cluster size. After doing this, you'll get better read and write performance on your disk. If you want to learn more about cluster sizes and which one is best for an SSD, keep reading – you'll find the answers in the sections below.

What is cluster size?

When formatting a solid-state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), SD card, USB drive, or any other storage device, you have to choose the cluster size. The Allocation Unit Size feature lets you change the cluster size of your storage device. The cluster size determines how the file system organizes your storage device. It decides the smallest amount of storage space that a single file can use when it's created and stored.

The cluster size you choose determines the amount of RAM available for storing and saving a file. Then, the file is fragmented and saved across multiple sections of the storage device. Files that don't exactly match the selected cluster size occupy additional storage space, rounded up to the next multiple.

【#2】What is the best size for an SSD cluster? How to resize it?

If a 512-byte file is saved on a volume with a cluster size of 512 bytes, the file will consume 512 bytes of storage. Right?

When a 525-byte file is stored on a storage device with a cluster size of 512 bytes, it will occupy 1024 bytes of storage space. This is because the partition is allocating the next multiple of its 512-byte cluster size (1024) to store your file, thus taking up more space than the 525 bytes it actually contains.

However, since currently disk clusters are larger than 512 bytes, it has more units, as shown:

Figure: Example of cluster sizes on disks

Cluster size for different partition formats

We first look at cluster sizes for different partition formats:

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Here is a list of editor's picks:

• For regular data storage, set the cluster size for your SSD to 4K.
• For gaming or watching high-definition videos, setting your SSD to 8K or even 16K might be optimal.
• Make sure, however, that your computer system can support the corresponding cluster size on the disk.

Conclusions

On this page, we've picked two effective solutions to help you resize an SSD cluster using both direct disk partition tools and formatting.

For beginners on Windows, using a partition master tool to change SSD cluster size should be the easiest and best solution. Not only is it simple, but the utility also provides extra tips for boosting SSD performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Changing Cluster Size on an SSD

Here, we've also included some popular topics about resizing clusters. If you're interested, feel free to browse and find your answers here:

1. Does cluster size matter for a flash drive?

Yes, it does. Cluster size is important for both SSD and HDD drives. But the performance benefits of an SSD are more noticeable when it's set to a default or smaller cluster size.

2. What is the best cluster size for NTFS SSD?

Note that the cluster size for an SSD can vary greatly depending on its workload and usage patterns. Generally, we don't recommend using overly large cluster sizes for an SSD because smaller cluster sizes tend to be more beneficial on SSDs.

The default cluster size for the NTFS file system is 4KB, which is also good for SSDs. However, if you have specific use cases (like a large number of small files), you can set the cluster size to 8KB or even 16KB for your NTFS SSD. For more detailed information, refer to "Best NTFS Allocation Unit Size" for assistance.

3. What allocation unit size should I choose for a FAT32 SSD?

Similar to the NTFS file system, FAT32 SSD also performs best when the cluster size is set to 4KB for optimal performance on the drive. For more information, refer to this guide: What Should Allocation Unit Size Be for FAT32?