A data storage device includes storage media and control circuitry and is configured to enable the creation of partitions with different performance levels. The storage media includes a first set and a second set of memory blocks having different performance levels. The control circuitry is configured to: in response to a request from a host system, provide performance data from the first set of memory blocks and the second set of memory blocks to the host system. The control circuitry is further configured to: receive partition settings from the host system, the partition settings creating a first partition including at least part of the first set of memory blocks and a second partition including at least part of the second set of memory blocks, wherein the first partition has a better performance level than the second partition; and save the partition settings to the storage media.