Question : NTFS block size in NT4.0

What are the pros and cons of using a non-default block size for NTFS partitions?  I am configuring NT as an application server to run Oracle and in Oracle I can control the database block size (2K, 4K, 8K, 16K, etc.) but it must be the same for the entire database, even if there are different sized drives.  I suspect that response times will be best if both NT and Oracle use the same size blocks.  I have read that the default block size in NT is 1/1,000,000 of the partition size (2K for 2gig, 4K for 4gig, etc.).  I would like to use 4K blocks on 9gig partitions.  Is this possible/advisable?

I am willing to give more points for a good answer, and/or to give credit to multiple responses.

Answer : NTFS block size in NT4.0

Hello there,
   Generally speaking, you can boost performance and reduce overhead by using the correct non-default block size.  On the other hand, you can also decrease performance...  
  What you really need to do is estimate your average file size of files in the database and make the block size a multiple of that in some way.  So, if you have many 28K files, you would want to have 4K blocks, and not 8K blocks.  Similarly, you would want Oracle and NT to have the same block sizes ideally, but if that is not possible, then even multiples of each other.  
   The 1/1M default block size is correct, but only for 4K blocks and smaller, I believe.  So, by default, you will not get an 8K or 16K default block because of file compression and disk defragmentation issues.  (Apparently, those utilities like the 4K size)  So, as far as that goes, your decision to go with 4K blocks sounds wise and intelligent.  I would probably go with that size unless average file size is something really weird (i.e. not even close to a multiple of 4K....)
   Finally, there is a really good article on optimizing NTFS that you should check out.  It's on Microsoft's Technet site (which I believe is accessible to those without a Technet subscription) at the following URL:

http://technet.microsoft.com/cdonline/Content/Complete/windows/winnt/Winntas/Tips/winntmag/optntfs.htm

If you can't get to it, write back, and I'll try to see if I can find another copy of it somewhere.
  I hope that this has answered some of your questions.

rawatson