[Q] Micro SD Partition [ST15i/ICS] - Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, Mini Pro, Xperia Pro, A

Hi,
I recently bought a Sandisk 32GB Class 4 Micro SD card for my ST15i on ICS. I'm planning to move/link non system-related apps to it and store all my videos, music and pics into it. I've come across several threads regarding the issue at hand and this raised several questions:
1.) Is it advisable to partition it? If so, how and what would be the best method?
2.) How should I divide the space and what format should I use (FAT32, ext, etc)? Any rule I should follow?
3.) Lastly, which is better: link or to move apps using Link2SD or App2SD?
Thanks in advance.

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1-yes, it's okay.
Download mini tool partition - Home edition
2- Fat for 2GB
Fat32 for 4GB or Above-----u should use Fat 32
if u partition the SD card ext size must be
128mb
256mb
512mb
1024mb ---don't use than 1024mb
3- I think link2sd is better, but app2sd also good.

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What he ^ said. But to make a few adds,
You format the whole sd card as fat 32, and set a high cluster size value. Then create ext partition which can be made in fat32, ext2 or ext3 (ext3 is said to be best)
You can also partition the sd card from cwn recovery (remember it will wipe all data on card).
Linking is better because it moves a larger number of info onto the sd card, i use link2sd which is very simple and efficient. Nonetheless when linking most backup apps except titanium will not be able to follow the simlink to the apk (i think mbackup also just solved this issue but i'm not sure), but they will backup the app data.
Also be sure to tweak your sd card speed in case you havent already done that. A 1024 read ahed value should be the best option for your class

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bandarigoda123 said:
1-yes, it's okay.
Download mini tool partition - Home edition
2- Fat for 2GB
Fat32 for 4GB or Above-----u should use Fat 32
if u partition the SD card ext size must be
128mb
256mb
512mb
1024mb ---don't use than 1024mb
3- I think link2sd is better, but app2sd also good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rudjgaard said:
What he ^ said. But to make a few adds,
You format the whole sd card as fat 32, and set a high cluster size value. Then create ext partition which can be made in fat32, ext2 or ext3 (ext3 is said to be best)
You can also partition the sd card from cwn recovery (remember it will wipe all data on card).
Linking is better because it moves a larger number of info onto the sd card, i use link2sd which is very simple and efficient. Nonetheless when linking most backup apps except titanium will not be able to follow the simlink to the apk (i think mbackup also just solved this issue but i'm not sure), but they will backup the app data.
Also be sure to tweak your sd card speed in case you havent already done that. A 1024 read ahed value should be the best option for your class
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, guys. I'm getting a clearer picture on what I should do with my new external storage. Now, let me ask a few more questions:
a.) Any particular reason why I should use ext3? Shouldn't the partition be both FAT32's?
b.) If I do use ext3, what would be the reason? Any advantage over FAT32? Also, is ext4 better?
b.) What should be the ratio when I partition my card? Ex. 50:50, 75:25, etc.
Again, thanks. I'll be doing my own research on the topic while I'm away.

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1- u can use fat32 too. But ext 2,3,4 are better. If the rom support u can use ext 3 or 4..
2- ext3 is better than ext2 (correct me if i wrong)..yeah use ext4
3- for ext - 1024mb is enough
for ur swap 128
sd card should be fat32
---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------
As above guy said, use cwm

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hmmm...the safest format when you want to partitions your SD card is FAT/FAT32....EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 is good but depend on your kernel...you your using custom kernel then those format wont be any problem to your phone....
here is the best way to partition your 32Gb SD card....
for your main storage/primary = FAT32
for your 2nd partition/primary = EXT2/EXT3/EXT4
for linux swap = you dont need this partitions so its an option....
Size for your main storage = the remaining size after you have partition it
Size for your 2nd partition = 1024mb (do not go beyond this size)
Size for Swap (option) = 100mb....

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Pusak Gaoq said:
hmmm...the safest format when you want to partitions your SD card is FAT/FAT32....EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 is good but depend on your kernel...you your using custom kernel then those format wont be any problem to your phone....
here is the best way to partition your 32Gb SD card....
for your main storage/primary = FAT32
for your 2nd partition/primary = EXT2/EXT3/EXT4
for linux swap = you dont need this partitions so its an option....
Size for your main storage = the remaining size after you have partition it
Size for your 2nd partition = 1024mb (do not go beyond this size)
Size for Swap (option) = 100mb....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah,

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I've went ahead and formatted my SD card into one FAT32 and one ext3 partition (still thinking about ext3, though). I've linked my apps to the ext3 partition. I've managed to free up about 100mb+ in internal storage space. Time to clean up my system ROM, let's see how much free space I can get.
Thanks to Pusak Gaoq, bandarigoda123 and Rudjgaard. You've all been great.

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Haha, no problem bro.