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1.
Does partitioning using a single drive offer any advantages for gaming?
No, there won't be any difference at all as long as the game is stored in the system drive.
2.
If I partition should games be placed in same partition as the OS or on the next partition?
Games installed in the OS partition will definitely load faster but there shouldn't be a huge difference in the load time for such a fine drive like WD Caviar Black.
Perhaps, a merely 1 or 2 seconds faster.
Most people install games on the next partition(D drive) nowadays due to latest games occupying so much spaces, messing up the OS partition with fragmented files generated during the process of gaming and .... "LONG STORY!"
3.
How much should I allow for Vista 64 or Windows 7 alone?
Well, it depends on how many programs you are going to install on the OS partition.
The only information I can give you is that the Windows 7
Ultimate occupies approximately 16GB alone(much lager for Vista Ultimate, but it can be shrunk by disabling the hibernation ...I forgot how big it is as Windows 7 is the one being installed on my PC now. )
4.
What about the page file?
I let my OS decide it. However, the size of the page file shouldn't be an issue at all with WD Black, 4GB dual channel Ram and E5200(or better) CPU.
5.
Finally, if I only intend to partition whenever installing or reinstalling Windows, is a partitioning program necessary?
No, you can partition you HDD during the installation of the OS. "Acronis True Image" is handy for backing up your partitions though.
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I suggest that you assign 30GB for the OS partition with all
LEGAL programs
excluding games installed on it. Of course you would want to make it bigger if it's not enough, but bear in mind to make it as small as possible, reserving at least 20% free space. e.g. Reserve 20GB for a 100GB OS partition