Why do file transfers over USB slow down my whole computer? [duplicate]

Solution 1:

This sounds like a classic case of system load to me.

When you read/write something to/from a drive, it needs to lookup file information. However, that file may be fragmented, in different locations, or even organized.

When you copy something from your drive to a USB, you have to read a (potentially) fragmented file and then re-write it to another storage medium. With some systems (read EXT), it is often faster than other systems (^{cough NTFS cough}). Also, if you have a bad processor, it wastes cycles for other things trying to copy things over.

There is really nothing you can do to solve this issue. There are workarounds, however:

1. Defragment your hard drive.
2. Use an EXT formatted flash drive where possible.
3. Install more memory as a "cache" space.
   1. Use excess memory as a ramdisc.
4. Use a better USB protocol.
5. Upgrade your processor/PC.
6. Get an SSD.