SuperFetching/Ready Boost Information Vista Tips Discuss SuperFetching/Ready Boost Information in the Windows Vista forums; Some think that ReadyBoost allows flash drives and SD/CF cards to provide additional RAM. But, using ReadyBoost is part of SuperFetching--i.e., a SuperFetcing cache is stored on ...

[Znod]

Some think that ReadyBoost allows flash drives and SD/CF cards to provide additional RAM. But, using ReadyBoost is part of SuperFetching--i.e., a SuperFetcing cache is stored on the flash device.

I now have seen an explanation of why this process might be somewhat faster than just using virtual memory. Hard drives are superior for large sequential I/O operations, and ReadyBoost does not get in the way in cases in which hard-drive action is expected to be superior. ReadyBoost functions only in cases of small, random I/Os, like paging to and from disk--cases in which it is expected to beat hard-drive performance. So, flash drives, etc., just provide a faster type of virtual memory in the cases where their use is expected to be superior.

It is hard to find a flash drive that will work, and very few SD and CF cards will work at this time. I have tried two 4 gig flash drives (a pqi Cool Drive and a Corsair Flash Voyager), and ended up returning one to Fry's. I decided to keep the second purely for storage--as it did not work as a SuperFecth device either. It appears that that the Apacer Handy Steno HT203 line (512 MB to 4 GB) line is most likely to work. I ordered the 4 gig from Newegg--at a very reasonable price--$109.99. If if doesn't work, then I'll return it or the Corsair. The flash drive requirements are:

1. The USB key must be at least USB 2.0;
2. The device must be able to do 3.5 MB/s for 4 KB random reads uniformly across the entire device and 2.5 MB/s for 512 KB random writes uniformly across the device; and
3. The device has to have at least 64mb of free space. (per Matt Ayers, the Program Manager in the Microsoft Windows Client Performance group and on the ReadyBoost feature)

Unfortunately, the flash drive manufacturers typically don't provide the pertinent info in their specs or on their packaging. One might think that the X number would help one choose, but that's not the case--at least to any significant extent. There are two reasons a seeminly fast flash drive might not perform up to required read/write levels:

1. The X numbers are related to sequential performance--not random performance and
2. Performance may not be consistantly fast across the entire device. (per Matt Ayers again)

Right now, I am successfully using a probably low X-value Lexar JumpDrive Sport 1 GB with success. My machine is very snappy regardless, so it is hard to notice a difference, but I think I perceive a slight increase in quickness. I keep running my performance meter to see if I can get an improvement. Strangely, when I first started using the Lexar, my RAM performance immediately dropped from 3.5 to 3.4. Go figure. All things considered, I doubt that the use of ReadyBoosting will show up in our performance values, but ???

[dazzlin]

I haven't even tried this feature yet. Thanks for the lowdown. Now, my curiosity will probably make me get around to it a bit faster.

[Znod]

You are welcome. I'll bet you are trying it before the day is over.

[Znod]

Aspiring
***

Group: Members
Posts: 109
Joined: 1-July 06
From: Phoenix AZ
Member No.: 1,099
OS: Windows Vista




Hi Friends:

My 4 GB Apacer Handy Steno, from the Apacer HT203 series (512 MB to 4 GB), arrived today. As 4 GB drives go, this drive is very reasonably priced (about $110 from Newegg) and is very attractive, although it is relatively large. The dirve works perfectly with ReadyBoost/SuperFetching. But, given my large amount of RAM, I doubt that I will notice a performance improvement. The Apacer is a 200X drive--claimed by Apacer to be the worlds fastest. But remember, as expalained in post#1 above, it is not the overall speed (i.e., revealed at least partially by the X-value) of the drive that matters.

[dazzlin]

Great to know it works! I may have to buy myself one of those.

[Znod]

I say go for it. But, as you know, I'm waiting to exceed the speed of light.

[y eye]

30dec06

Is Ready Boost compatible With XP Pro?

[felix8406]

It'll be cool to get ReadyBoost to work with Win XP. The answer is no...ReadyBoost works with Vista OS only.

But perhaps it could be possible to use a USB drive as paging file for Win XP. I don't know whether or not it's possible, but maybe someone here in this forum could answer that question. Flash memory runs faster than HD, so there's a possibility to see great improvements...if it would work at all that is.

[Snuffy]

Wow, your lucky, My USB drive is lost in a major snow storm #2 somewhere between California (It ships via Denver)..to Kansas. Maybe Next year I can test it..

[y eye]

30dec06

http://www.ncix.com/go/?vistaupgrade

I guess XP Pro is compatible with ReadyBoost for $150.00 US.

and/or

Corsair Flash Voyager: Corsair Secure Digital, 133x
USB 2.0
Plug and Play in Windows XP
512MB - 16GB

http://www.corsair.com/corsair/flash_memory.html


Apacer: Handy Steno HT203, 200x
A true plug and play connection
supports hot swapping function
256MB - 4GB
no driver required for XP

http://www.apacer.com/en/products/Ha...T203_specs.htm

y