USB as Power Boost? Vista Tips Discuss USB as Power Boost? in the Windows Vista forums; Well, it wouldn't work if it was not up to spec. And, its the same SD card that I now have quit using on my laptop--even though it ...

[Znod]

Well, it wouldn't work if it was not up to spec. And, its the same SD card that I now have quit using on my laptop--even though it showed a 2% performance boost on my laptop. I still think it would be interesting if you supplemented your earlier experiment using composite performance scores rather than the results of only the memory tests to draw conclusions about ReadyBoost's efficacy. Then, we'd have something to compare to my 2% result. And, I like the idea of using the composite score since that score gives sort of an average across many things a user might be doing.

[felix8406]

That's the point I was trying to make, just because it runs doesn't mean that it's going to be effective; the access time may not be fast enough to make a difference. Even memory chips (RAM) can differ in speed due to quality issues. By any chance do you have any specs for your USB drive?

[felix8406]

These are the specs for my Memorex TravelDrive

Size: 512 MB
Dimensions: 2.25” .85” x .27”
Read Access Speed: 6 MB/sec
Write Access Speed: 3 MB/sec
Data retention: Up to 10 years
Read/Write/Erase Cycles: 100,000 times

Information about Windows ReadyBoost

1. The Windows ReadyBoost technology (formerly code-named “EMD”) makes PCs more responsive by using flash memory on a USB drive, SD Card, CF Card, or other memory form factor to boost system responsiveness.
2. To use Windows ReadyBoost, PCs must be preinstalled with Windows Vista™ and have access to a non-volatile flash memory buffer with at least 1GB of storage capacity. The flash memory buffer must also meet the requirements for random reads and random writes specified in the Windows Vista Logo “Storage-0009 WLP” specification:

• 5 MB/sec throughput for random 4k reads across the entire device
• 3 MB/sec throughput for random 512k writes across the entire device

3. Microsoft recommends that the manufacturers confirm that a particular flash device exhibits the above capabilities by downloading and executing the self test kit before claiming that a device enables the Windows ReadyBoost feature.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by felix8406

That's the point I was trying to make, just because it runs doesn't mean that it's going to be effective; the access time may not be fast enough to make a difference. Even memory chips (RAM) can differ in speed due to quality issues. By any chance do you have any specs for your USB drive?

Nope, no specs on my 2 GB SD card. Try my suggested tests though; then we'll have a basis for comparison. And, if a card or drive runs, then it meets the MS requirements; thus, it should at least help a little if ReadyBoost really helps.

[Snuffy]

OK, WOW, really happy... just rec'd the 2G Adata PD9 Pen Drives from Hong Kong. $26.96 ea. S*H included - 1st TEST Read=5391, write-2109, 2nd Test
Read=5369, Write=2375... No speed test on difference. but others I have tested -depends on what you do... I have seen from 3% to 21% Speedboost...If any body has some thing or TEST that can be performed that all tests would be the same... I currently have 3 different USB2.0 Flash drives I can test...
www.adata.com.tw

[felix8406]

Do you have the specs to the USB drive your using?

[felix8406]

Us Modular has a USB drive designed for ReadyBoost.

It's called RamboostMS Vista ReadyBoost™ compatible

Here are some of the specs:

USB 2.0 data transfer rate up to 480Mbps at "High Speed"
Speed: Read 8M bit/sec, Write 6.4M bit/sec (Max)

[Sandi]

I have an Ultra multimedia dashboard internal card reader (ULT-30155). I've never checked it to see if readyboost will work with it. It also brings my rear USB ports to the front for easier access.

Next time I load Vista I will test it. The 1Gb memory for my Kodak camera transfers faster than my bonzai flash drives, and they readyboost compatible but only 256mb. I only use the camera once or twice a year, and the memory could serve as readyboost for Vista the rest of the time.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

OK, WOW, really happy... just rec'd the 2G Adata PD9 Pen Drives from Hong Kong. $26.96 ea. S*H included - 1st TEST Read=5391, write-2109, 2nd Test
Read=5369, Write=2375... No speed test on difference. but others I have tested -depends on what you do... I have seen from 3% to 21% Speedboost...If any body has some thing or TEST that can be performed that all tests would be the same... I currently have 3 different USB2.0 Flash drives I can test...
www.adata.com.tw

I use PassMark's Performance Test. So does felix.

[Snuffy]

http://www.grantgibson.co.uk/misc/readyboost/

a nice list of USB Flash Drives, you can post yours also. Very nice and wish I had found before (we) BOUGHT 4 different versions...but at least 2 of 4 are compatible and 1 works if I modify the REG and 1 is completely non-compatible, but its good for data storage...so not all is lost.
---------------Now to find and make some tests with Passmarks Test-------