Google value of subdomains

Is the use of subdomains of any significant value to better rankings in google?

For example a lot of forums (same as DP) are placed in a subdomain ie http://forums/domainname.xx

Is this better than just a regular folder like http://domainname.xx/forums/

TIA for any info

 

Subdomains are treated as separate sites. This can keep a main site from getting out of theme with a forum that may contain non-related information.

 

This is great advice. Simple, consice and accurate. Thanks...

 

http://www.seomoz.org/blogdetail.php?ID=1068
That should help you.

 

Subdomains are amazing, link them all up, and you can increase your in/link exchange, and promote profits.

 

linking to you own subdomain doesnt add much value.

 

well subdomains can raise the pr of the main domain ive tried some free hosting sites and the domain value does go up

 

good info - thanks

 

If your main site has a good PR and if sub-domains have links from main site, you might get a better rank. Also this might give a boost to main sites PR after the sub-domains get indexed. One thing you do need to be aware of is that heavy cross linking of sub-domains can get you into trouble with Google.