Resolved Disk Utility and Swap File Partition Question

[Diogones]

I have heard that partitioning the Mac OS swap file and separating it from the primary partition helps to improve performance. I am ready to partition my hard drive and proceed with this, but since I haven't done it before I'm not quite sure how to go about it. For example:

I have Disk Utility set to partition the swap file, but the smallest partition Disk Utility will allow me to create is 1.07 GB. Would I have to get a different partitioning tool in order to allow me to create a smaller partition?

What size should I make the partition? I have a Mac Mini with 2GB of RAM and an Intel Core Duo; would I need to make it bigger than I had planned?

What format should the partition be? The HFS+? If so, with or without journaling? Would that affect the swap file's performance?

I'm using Xupport.app to move the swap file, so I think it should work. I simply need to get all the answers before I attempt something like this.

 

[Jolly Jimmy]

Where/when did you hear that this was a good idea? I've heard of this before but it was quite a while ago, and I don't think there is any benefit from doing this on a modern system.

 

[maflynn]

Linux uses swap partitions, OSX uses swap files. Besides if you just partition the same drive instead of using two physical drive you receive no benefit. You're using the same controller and not alleviating any bottleneck

 

[Diogones]

Thank you both for the prompt replies! I honestly can't say I remember where exactly I read it Jimmy - various Mac-related websites, I suppose.

Well Linux does indeed use swap partitions, maflynn, I just wasn't sure if Mac was any different, seeing as how the two OSes are related. If partitioning the same drive grants no benefits, then why does Linux organize the hard drive this way? Or is it as you said, because the Mac swap files cannot be arranged in the same way as the Linux swap partition. I haven't learned the difference between the two yet, but I'm sure the distinction is necessary, or you wouldn't have pointed it out.