Vista Ready Bost question

[JDS]

I have added a 2 GB SD card to an SD card slot in the side of my monitor.
Monitor is connected to Vista box via USB extension. So, I'm wondering if
I'll notice a "boost" or not? Would I be better off to use UBS stick
plugged right into back of box - noticeably?

 

[Dustin Harper]

With RAM prices so low, it is a lot more noticeable to add more RAM to your
machine than to get a USB memory stick and use ReadyBoost. It doesn't have
as much of a noticeable increase in performance (especially with >2GB of
system RAM).

Out of curiosity, how much RAM do you currently have?

 

[JDS]

4 GB

With RAM prices so low, it is a lot more noticeable to add more RAM to
your machine than to get a USB memory stick and use ReadyBoost. It doesn't
have as much of a noticeable increase in performance (especially with >2GB
of system RAM).

Out of curiosity, how much RAM do you currently have?

--

Dustin Harper
http://www.mstechpages.com
(e-mail address removed)

 

[AJR]

ReadyBoost is one of the most misunderstood of Vista's features. ReadyBoost
is not an extension of RAM - it's function and performance are independent
of the amount of RAM. It works in conjunction with Superfetch (successor
to XP Prefetch) and you must specify usage of a flash drive or UFD as a
ReadyBoost device (right-click>properties>ReadyBoost tab) - at this point
Vista will check the read/write specs of the device - specs must equal or
exceed those of the HD or Vista will reject the device.

Generally Vista utilizes ReadyBoost as follows: non-sequential read/writes
to the HD slow performance so Vista directs those to the ReadyBoost
device - sequential read/writes to the HD. So performance increase depends
on type of read/write action. Most devices have a LED which gives an
indication of ReadyBoost activity

ReadyBoost also, over a period of time, aids Superfetch and Vista in
tracking startup and usage - defrag uses this information to selectively
put files at beginning HD sectors - a function that proponents of defrag
being of little value ignore or unaware of the function.

 

[pupick]

There is the promise/fantasy of ready boost and the reality:
If you search the web you will have no trouble finding objective studies
demonstrating that in real world use more often than not if Ready Boost has
any effect it actually slows down your computer.

 

[JDS]

Actually Google gave me 3 for and 2 against.

 

[JDS]

So - will it speed me up?

 

[Charles W Davis]

After having read all of those posts, it probably won't make a noticeable
difference. If you want a fast computer, buy one.