Windows Vista : Use your flash drive as RAM!
Till this date, Microsoft’s windows had two options for the memory requirement of the computer, so that the computing can be done at cheaper rates and that too without installing the physical memory.
1. Physical Memory (RAM)
2. Page File (A virtual memory file, stored on hard disk).
The page file is used by the Windows OS to cater the needs of various applications when the physical memory is fully used up. The reason for that is, that Virtual memory is slower as compared to the physical memory and thus Phyical memory takes the first priority.
However, with the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft has introduced a new technology called ReadyBoost. With the help of this technology one can use any Flash drive, SD Cards, CF Cards as the third memory option for the computer.
Now, the benefits of Flash Drive or Cards as a source of Memory :
1. It is faster than the virtual memory which is accessed through the hard disk drive.
2. It is cheaper as compared to the actually Physical Memory.
How can it be activated ?
In order to activate the ReadyBoost technology on your FlashDrive or Memory Cards, you have to follow these steps…
1. Open My Computer.
2. Right Click on the Removable Disk Drive and select Properties.
3. Click on ReadyBoost Tab.
4. Enable the feature by selecting the option and allocate the amount of space you want to use as memory.
Things to be noted….
1. Regardless of the fact that you use Readyboost or not, you need at least 512 Mb of memory to run Windows Vista decently.
2. If your device is not giving the option of ReadyBoost then it means that it doesn’t clear up the minimum data trasfer rate required by ReadBoost technology.
Source : Cnet Forum | Wikipedia
[tag]Windows, Vista, ReadyBoost, Technology, Microsoft, ReviewSaurus[tag]
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This is my first comment over here. I like this blog a lot.
I liked this blog entry the most though, the way you said it was just amazing!
See ya Later ;)
P.S. - CSS update?
Thanks a lot Free Hard Drive Eraser Guy (I wish you could have used a smaller name…he he)!
I’ve got to improve things otherwise I won’t be able to earn good amount of money :) Well, it was not CSS update..infact it was complete theme update…I switched to theme of http://www.bloggingpro.com
I know that it is a complete copy of that theme…and that’s because bloggingpro has provided this theme themselves… :P
Windows Vista : Use your flash drive as RAM!…
Windows Vista : Use your flash drive as RAM! posted at IndianPad.com…
Well, You are neglecting the fact that Flash based memory bits can go bad after 1000 write cycles (depending on the quality, etc, this number can change) while you CAN do something, it doesn’t mean you should, you you are making this general practice, it still may be cheaper in the long run to just buy some ram (and it would save the precious files on your USB key)
Hmm, I think you’ve got a nice point there Issack. However, I guess that normally it is 10,000 cycles and not 1000. Maybe this article will be able to give you more info on that….
http://www.getusb.info/what-is-the-life-cycle-of-a-usb-flash-drive/
Also, when we are talking about making use of Flash Drive as RAM, I think we are talking about an alternative and not a permanent solution. Physical memory is faster than Flash drive option, so either way…it is good to have Physical memory only…but there is always a case where we may need more ram and if someone has a flash drive then they’ve got the solution with them.
Oh cool! Dude is there any way to have this feature in Windows XP ;) ?
If I’ll get Vista, I have a 20GB USB Flash Drive … I’ll get 20GB … OMG :O !
Well, no at this point of time there is no such facility in Windows Xp. He he…but any device which is larger than 4 GB, will only be able to give 4 GB. It can’t exceed 4 GB. Sorry to break your heart Rishi!
now i have 2 gig sticks and on my dell E1705 i have 2gig already in it for RAM will will it still use that 2gig for a total of 6 GIG ram? if so this will be incredable!!!
Alex, I agree that it will be great if you have bigger and larger amount of RAM. However, if you notice what ISSAC said in the comment is also correct. Don’t forget that it is just for those time..when you are in need of extra ram. Otherwise normal ram is the best solution!
Has anyone tried using a sony memory stick pro for the ReadyBoost feature?
@ Ralph : Here are some of the minimum requirements :
* The memory stick has to be at least over 256 MB.
* The device should have access time of 1 MS or less.
* The device must be capable of 2.5 MB/sec. reads & should be able to write at the speed of 1.75 MB/Sec.
If your memory stick has these features or meets these requirements, then it will certainly work for Readyboost feature. If you are not sure about these features, then let me know the exact model number and I’ll get the information for you :)
careful because some flashdrives are incompatible with readboost feature
That’s right Alex. Not every flash drive is compatible with ready boost feature. The comment posted by me..just above your comment (http://www.reviewsaurus.com/2007/04/10/windows-vista-use-your-flash-drive-as-ram/#comment-5346) has got the minimum requirement and thus if the drive meets these requirements then it will definitely support readyboost.
you can use a psp memory stick im doing it right now, you just have to do a couple edits in the registry just search for it and youll find it, but it doesnt speed it up very much there is only a slight difference in the speed but hey my comp is running pretty quick even though im running vista ultimate on 256mb ram lol and my index score is only 1.0 but yea anyways it works
Hey Thanks for the comment Josh!
I’ll go ahead and will look up for more information on that and will create a post specifically for that :) Thanks once again.
I need help. I am a total “dummy” as far as the memory sticks and downloading information (school reports) for powerpoint presentations. My son did a report, used a memory or flash stick but it would not come up on the school computer. He thought he lost everything but the report is still on our home computer. Can you give me step by step instructions to download or upload the information to the stick for his school project. He had done another one previously , using the same stick, he was able to present that at school but he said the format came out all different on the school computer. Please help.
Thanks for your visit Debbie!
As far as your problem goes, using a flash drive is not a difficult task and I guess that if your son has done it before then it should work this time too.
You just have to make sure that the flash drive is plugged in properly and then that you copy the presentation on to it and then before unplugging it, make sure you select the option of SAFELY REMOVING THE HARDWARE in the system tray.
Once you do it, try and see that presentation once again by plugging the Flash drive on your computer.
If even that doesn’t work, then just copy all the content of the flash drive on your computer and format the flash drive and then copy the presentation and see if that helps you or not.
If at all, in any of these steps, you need my help you can email me directly or leave comment here. You can email me at web@reviewsaurus.com
hey:) it’s my first comment in here.i wanna ask can i use my ipod like a ram??
Vista needs 512 MB? Woooww. Well, if you really want to see your machine fly, I’d recommend Linux. And if you must have all the decor, use Beryl. (search for it on youtube if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)
ethana2@gmail.com for any help you may need making said transition.
@ Noyan : Unfortunately, there is no way of using an IPOD as RAM for you windows.
@ ethana2 : well, I know what you want to make clear with this but still try and see windows as user friendly OS and you’ll know why it is better than others.
Um, have you ever used Ubuntu? I simply must disagree on that last part. Window’s user friendliness comes from the fact that everyone expects you to have it and it comes pre-installed on basically all machines.
Handy little link: http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net (except he refers to crackers as “pirates”… I digress)
@ ethana2 : Oh yes I’ve seen that link and found it great enough that even I blogged about it :) And as far as Ubuntu is concerned, I’ve ordered the discs so, I’m sure I’ll be able to give it another try…I used it earlier version and wasn’t impressed..but I’m sure that new one will be able to impress me. I’ll definitely try that one :)
i used my ipod shuffle and it worked…
ok a cupple myths to answer
This little “hack” is handy mostly for laptops that are limited to like gb of ram, Adding a extra 2-4 gb is pretty handy when say you are playing GTA sanandreas, ( Vista is such a pig of a OS I have 6x the video memory and 3 times the ram and the game runs worse than on my old laptop) but I tryed this and it helped aot,
Also handy if you have a large USB flash drive that you can aford to leave in your desktop at all times then on top of maxing out your ram, do this, Take high speed flas drive ( min 2gb) and leave it in your desk top, Go into V-mem settings and set up v-mem to use the usb drive as hard disk then just tell it hw much to use, ( Only use 75-85% of space for better performance) I tryed this with a 20gb on win XP-mce/pro and it worked great, This trick can also work on Vista, I tryed it and I got about 13-19% better test times in my desk top.
Any questions E-mail/ IM me
IthnkthereforIam@aim.com also IM name
@ Mike : Thanks a lot for your valuable comment. I’m sure this will certainly clear up lot of things and gives lot of information to all of us.
[...] of my most famous article @ ReviewSaurus was “Use USB drive as RAM in Windows Vista“. However, I recently noticed that there are users who are experiencing problems of delayed [...]
First I want to coment on the techi-dinosaur. I think it is cute.
Thank you for clearing up a lot of the details on this. I think I also learned why my friend has been having problems with his computer ever since he installed vista. I’ll have to find out how much ram he has.
My boss was talking about this USB drive as ram feature, He’s under the same misconception as Rishi. I’ll have to let him know that he’s limited to 4 GB ;)
I’m also glad to learn that Vista uses 512 MB before I upgraded this computer, it only has 248 (very low, I know).
Thank you again for all the information.
@ Nancy : I’m glad that the post helped you. Hope to see you as a regular reader. You’ll find more tips and tricks on http://tipsosaurus.com the brother of ReviewSaurus :)
Hey. Thanks for the info. But I have a problem.
I got an OEM Windows Vista Business edition with my PC and I can’t access any of my old USB 2.0 Flash drives. I have tried my Transcendusa 1GB, Kingston 4GB, a Sony microvault 1GB- and not a single one works!! It says to insert the disk that came with flash drive. have tried a few that have been drivers for Windows 98 (as no XP drivers) and run it as an administrator and compatibility for Windows 98- and no luck.
One installs and then when it reboots says meant for Windows 98 and shuts down. The other driver just get stuck on install.
Any help please??/!!!
I have 1 gig of ram with vista minumin ram requirements for the new game Crysis is 1.5 gig, so doses that mean using a 1gig mem stick with ready boost will get me past the post
@ Sam : Sorry for the late reply. However, I’ll suggest you to go on the websites of the manufacturer’s and download the drivers. I really wonder that if they have driver for Windows xp.
Otherwise try this :
1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Go System.
3. Then go to Hardware Tab.
4. Click on Device Manager button.
5. Uninstall each and everything under Universal serial Bus controller and then restart the computer.
6. Then try and plug-in the USB drive.
@ Paul : Yes you got it right. You will be able to past the post. However, I’ll suggest you to go through the comment # 4 & 5 (from Issack and me) and decide that what needs to be done.
hey my display driver is not working with vista…….any other go?..
mine is intel 845gvsr graphics controller
some one give me the link of an updated driver for this
@ Jude : The best I can suggest you at this point of time is that you can go over to intel’s website (or if it’s intel based motherboard) then go that manufacturers website and find if they’ve released the appropriate drivers for Vista.
If that isn’t the case, do let me know and we’ll try and get around this problem :)
Just wanted to let anyone know who, for whatever reason, really wants more than 4 gigs of ram. if you get thee 64-bit version of vista it can support up to 8 gigs of ram. ive also herd that if you have more than 4 gigs on your comp your system will only see the 4 but will invisibly use more, im not 100% on that though but it cant hurt i guess.
Just thought I would give you an update, I bought a 2 gig stick none of my old sticks were fast enough stuck it in used ready boost has been working like a treat for the last month Crysis ran well
Has anybody out there succeeded in figuring out the DLLs and executables that might be ported over so this feature could be implemented on Windows XP Professional?
Is there some other utility out there that someone makes, or freeware, or shareware, that can do a similar thing?
One thought is, how about setting up a pagefile on the USB drive? Wouldn’t that do the same thing as making the drive act like RAM?
Hey The wind, Read my post about 13-14 comments up and that should at least answer your question to part B of your post. Thanks.
@ The Wind : Well, unfortunately this has still not been figured out that how this can be done on XP. Hopefully someone will come up with a software. I don’t think Microsoft is interested in providing this feature in XP otherwise they would have done it by this time.
Mike’s earlier comment is really enlightening and I’m sure others can benefit out of it.
I’ve not tried that but I’m sure it should work however, you won’t find much difference until and unless USB drive is really fast. It won’t give you the same performance as of RAM however, I’ll still suggest you to keep the pagefile on the hard disk only.
vista sux incredibly and ReadyBoost is no reason to get it… stick with xp if you know what’s good for you. seriously; no one in their right mind likes vista.
and this is coming from a mac supporter: stay with xp!!
I have to agree with Mac, so far I have un-installed vista of 2 laptops and 1 desktop and put win xp back on them, and every one else I have spoke to doesn’t have a good word for it, at least xp doesn’t use all your ram, and most of the cpu just to go.
Regarding this option on xp, Microsoft isn’t interested in xp at all, I have a friend in IT and he sais when they released Vista, they started doing a recall on xp from stores, so you had to go with Vista software, how sucky is that.
I found this site if you are interested in a program like ReadyBoost for xp have a read here http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2007/12/11/ready-boost-for-windows-xp-eboostr/ very interesting, mainly if you have a low end machine. Peace and Blessings, I like ya site and will pop back now and then to have a read.
[...] If you use Windows Vista, you can easily use your pen drive as RAM. There are softwares that claim to do so even for Xp, but they are generally not very effective. [...]
Hi I am considering buying a flsh drive from dabs, it says “This drive is not Vista Readyboost compatible”. But it will still work with Vista won’t it? I thought it meant it might not, but after reading this page i think it just means they don’t claim it will act as extra ram on Vista. Am I correct? It’s 4gb for only €11 + €5 post so good value, at present I use XP at home & my wife’s college uses apple macs.
Thanks for any suggestions
Vista is the best!!… (that is if you have a dual core processor or higher)!! It utilizes both cores more efficiently than XP. XP loads one core to its max then uses the other when the 1st core is full. My laptop runs 1gb ram with a centrino dual core 1.6ghz processor. Its as though my computer’s performance has increased by magic and Im sure if I use readyboost the performance will increase even more!!
thanx for such useful info, I read every comment, thanx everybody , lots of to know in all the comments
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Hi evry1 just to say that this feature is available in xp aswell like i’m usin u need to download an app its called eBoostr it costs $30 but you can download for free as a torrent on mininova. btw this is illegal so i advise you pay for it. There is another way aswell, which involves changing the location of your swap file. this is good as flash drives are much faster than hdds. however i dont recommend this cuz if you unplug it ur screwd. good luck ppl
is this method compatible with all vista versions? I’m thinking about buying a new laptop with its basic vista features.
This is indeed a great feature. Everyone must use it.
many people fear the life cycle of USB pen drive would be badly affected. But now a days USB drives are coming with full 5 year replacement warrenty , hence no harm in using it. Anyway after two-three years most of the user will change their usdb flash drives with better and faster one , hence use it without fear.
can anybody tell me how can we use pen drives as RAM?
if u know please mail me at my id-
kalpkhamesra@gmail.com.
i really want to know this trick.
ReadyBoost is NOT Ram, it speed up your system because it adds a larger cache to your physical hard drive. It will not extend you RAM, and the author of this article should have explained that and chosen a better comment.
The reason ReadyBoost works is because while flash devices have poor raw throughput compared to physical disks, they have amazing random read speed. When Windows writes to a swap file, in a ReadyBoost system it also writes to the flash drive for swap segements used frequently. It compresses and encrypts the data with amazing efficiency, and when the swap file is called upon, the ReadyBoost drive reacts immediately to the “start” of the request while the hard locates the rest of the data. By the time the hard drive is ready to start streaming the relavent pages from the cache into RAM, ReadyBoost has allowed processing to start by delivering the inital pages.
This behavior in no way simluates the physical ram in your computer, and if you have 512 megs of ram, adding a 2GB ReadyBoost drive will not let you load an application that needs more than it’s capable of allocating from 512 MB of physical RAM.
Even still, ReadyBoost is an amazing enhancement for disk speed and it is an easy and cheap way to boost performance without much cost, which is why it exists, but it is NOT RAM. And when you add a ReadyBoost drive, you will almost always notice a significant increase in performance.. apps will load faster, boot time is quicker, and yes games will run faster too.
“The flash memory device serves as an additional memory cache—that is, memory that the computer can access much more quickly than it can access data on the hard drive. Windows ReadyBoost relies on the intelligent memory management of Windows SuperFetch and can significantly improve system responsiveness”
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/readyboost.mspx
Also, Microsoft optimizes write patterns to the drives so that the write cycle won’t degrade the drive for about 10 years. The author responded earlier that ReadyBoost was a short term solution (again incorrect, he obviously lacks a deep understanding of technology)
Here is a GOOD source of information on ReadyBoost:
http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/06/02/615199.aspx
Q: Won’t this wear out the drive?
A: Nope. We’re aware of the lifecycle issues with flash drives and are smart about how and when we do our writes to the device. Our research shows that we will get at least 10+ years out of flash devices that we support.
And remember, no matter how much physical RAM you have, you should ALWAYS use readyboost. It’s cheap and easy, there’s no drawback to using it at all, and it will definately speed up your system. (and it’s NOT RAM)
Hey, I see that this post is being copied verbatim at different blogs! What’s worse, the authors of those blogs claim all the credits for themselves! :(
here are two links I found:
http://techcone.blogspot.com/2008/06/make-usb-drive-work-as-ram.html
http://itechtricks.blogspot.com/2008/02/use-your-pen-drive-as-temporary-ram-in.html
Isn’t there anything to be done to stop this plagiarizing?
i have tried as stated to go to ready boost and select the function allowing me to use as extra RAM. when on the option for reeady boost i can not state how much i want to allocate for RAM and it is a 4GB pen drive
Hi Sir ,
I want to know …Xp & Vista Different
with You can explain *.Pdf ……..
Thanks Sir