Does ReadyBoost really improve performance? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does Windows ReadyBoost have a meaningful impact on performance?
Does using an SD card with ReadyBoost help? Would I notice any difference on a 32-bit netbook with 1 GB of RAM, running Windows 7 Starter? Should I use an 8 GB SD card, or more?
Solution 1:
Yes, it works really well, but you have to get a 'fast enough' storage for this. It helps me a lot in my notebook. And it's good since I don't have to use a 7200 RPM HDD, nor waste money on SSD or something like this. I'm not made from money and a fast enough pendrive is dirt cheap now. Try it out with a friend's pendrive.
(I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate with 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz low-holo Gepida memory (IBM-Lenovo ThinkPad T500), dual-channel. YET, it helps a lot.)
Solution 2:
Yes, ReadyBoost will help.
But I think an 8 GB card will likely be overkill - with ReadyBoost, more is not always better. ReadyBoost works as an optimization for your existing RAM and page file. You're not storing or caching more information anywhere, you're putting the same information in a faster location.
Your page file rarely grows as large as 8 GB. It does happen, but most of the time it's sitting much closer to 4 GB, and so I recommend looking for a faster 4 GB card. That will be a closer match for your actual use. Check reputable reviewers for actual benchmark data, as the faster the card, the more the speed boost.
Even better, most netbooks support up to 2 GB of real memory. ReadyBoost will help, but the 2 GB upgrade will help more.
Solution 3:
It can help but only if you have minimal RAM. Benchmark tests by various sources have been done to show its effect:
Toms Hardware Windows Vista's SuperFetch and ReadyBoost Analyzed
As you can see, if you have 512 MB RAM, ReadyBoost can really help. If you have 2 GB or more it probably will go un-noticed.
For you with 1 GB ReadyBoost would help slightly, a 4 GB or 8 GB USB stick would work best (see the other link in my comments), although for the same price you could probably get a 1 GB RAM upgrade which would be better.
Solution 4:
Yes. It helps as you will be able to open many more software on your computer at the same time. But you will have to wait several minutes each time you turn on your computer.
In my case with a Windows Vista laptop (2 GB RAM) + 4 GB in ReadyBoost, I need to wait around 15 minutes before having the full power of my computer (I can see that because the hard drive LED doesn't stop running when ReadyBoost is on contrary if it is off).
Solution 5:
It can help but only if you have minimal RAM.
Benchmark tests by various sources have been done to show its effect
Not really true. Most comparisons are done vs a pagefile or direct program access, these are not comparable. I'm using an i7 rig with 9 GB of RAM, usage rarely goes above 5-6 GB when under load, I've never reached 8 even with the latest games.
- True: Windows 7 does have much better handling of the pagefile and related objects.
- True: ReadyBoost enables faster retrieval of small files while your disk is busy with other searches. Namely the prefetch files (small cache links to commonly used programs etc.)
In my real world tests it speeds up the load times of applications drastically. Windows 7 does not store prefetch data to RAM — and that is where the boost lays.
My ReadyBoost is a 16 GB Class 10 SD card. The reader, I need to upgrade it as it's basic and often overheats, but other than that it works great. I squeeze every inch out of my system, I have had it for many years – removing that ReadyBoost does make a difference.
Don't listen to that minimal amounts of RAM nonsense. It is a different system entirely.