Separate Hard Drive for OS/Programmes - advice on size

[elsmandino]

Hello,

I am building a computer with the following specs:

Antec p182
4GB Corsair Memory (PC 6400)
E8400
Asus P5Q-E
750W Corsair PSU
1TB Samsung Spinpoint (for media)
Radeon4850 Graphics Card

I need a hard drive for my OS and Programmes and would like to avoid the expensive SSD and Raptor hard drives. I have looked around and it seems the best alternative would be a second 1TB Samsung Spinpoint (though Western Digital Caviar Black has been suggested as an alternative).

Do you think that 1. It would be a waste of money to buy a 1TB hard drive just for the Operating System and Programmes - I don't really play games, so much of the space is never really going to be used 2. I have heard that placing the Operating System on such a large hard drive is actually a bad idea (though am not sure why) - is this true? If so should I partition, to say leave just 100GB free for the OS and the rest for programmes?

Would be really grateful for your comments and suggestions for any alternatives.

[RecT]

Just partition the 1TB hdd you have. It is a waste to have a dedicated 1TB disk when, quite simply, it will never be used. 100GB is ample for the OS and any programmes you may need.

Simple, low hassle and doesn't cost you any extra.