Hard Drive setup query

[Sirus]

OK got a 500gb sata for a new pc build.. but I'll be using it in a P4 system until Jan/Feb when my new system parts will be bought

I was thinking the other day now that I know a thing or two about partitioning hard drives so I ask you this...

Can I make 2 partitions.. 1 partition thats 450 gigs for my movies/music/photos/other stuff and another partition thats 50gigs for the OS..

The reason why I ask is that Im gonna load all my stuff using the P4 system but when my new pc gets put together can I just format the 50gig OS partition and load the new OS to the new computer.. and most of all will my 450gig with all the good stuff still be ok and usable?

If this is a No-Brainer YES then why have I never heard of anyone with this setup before as Im thinking it'll save loads of time and stress not having my files on the same patition as my OS.. and being able to load a new OS and not have to worry about backing up my files before hand and stuff

So if I ever have to reformat or I want to mutli boot a few OS's will this be a fail safe setup as long as I dont format the 450gig partition.... or is there a downside to this setup

Thanks in advance

[chroma]

No brainer YES.

Been using this same setup on windows machines for over a decade now.

[Sirus]

No brainer YES.

SWeeeeeeet!

Been using this same setup on windows machines for over a decade now.

Damn... I gotta get with the times... the trouble and time I would have saved knowing this a decade ago