Windows 7: Windows ReadyBoost does it actually work?

Gotcha...I'm just perplexed about some who make the general "ReadyBoost" doesn't work...add RAM comment. Well if you have a slow system, an unused flash drive, that doesn't sound like good "general" advice. RAM is cheap, but an unused flash is cheaper.

Well you can see lots of opinions out there. When I'm not sure I got to the people who made Windows 7, who should know better.
Understand ReadyBoost and whether it will Speed Up your System

Yea, it's a good article. I've been watching my Ready Boost performance monitor for about a week. Lots of activity, but like it says, hard to tell what change it is actually making. It sure FEELS a lot quicker, actually..not, but I like playing around with it.

Well I don't know what kinds of programs and resources people are using but you typically will not see a change in performance with multiple gigs of ram and ReadyBoost.

I recently purchased this new toshiba laptop with 8gigs of DDR3 1066MHz, accompanied with the intel core i7 620m processor and I have not only used ReadyBoost for my system but noticed a significant difference in the loading and processing times.

What do I do you ask? Design buildings using AutoCAD/AutoDESK/Architectural Desktop Suite pack 15.6. Fully installed with all of its tools and packs takes up a whopping 42+GB of HDD space, and each file I've compiled so far is no smaller than 2gb(the bigger projects take up 20 times that if saved properly)

I'm currently running 2-16gb(32gb compressed) instances of ReadyBoost at any given time on my windows 7 ultimate system and I definitely need it. Originally when I was looking for a new laptop to replace my Toshiba Satellite L505 series, Intel i3 w/ 4gb of ram, I was looking for a quad core, local stores didn't carry one and the infamous "geek squad" insisted that I did not need a quad core for anything, then again they've never used architectural desktop.

Anyway, to say the least the ReadyBoost definitely helps out if you're begging for more system resources and NEED it. And by need it I mean really, truly need it. If you're surfing the net, emailing, gaming, whatever it is you may be doing, you probably won't notice a considerable difference, even if you're really looking for the difference. While some may claim 5 - 10% increase in response time, that's great, more won't notice it unless they're really killing their system for resources. I'm just glad windows 7 unlocked it from their vista version, to allow more capacity because I can definitely use it.

So far, I've noticed that the best way to get the speed and have it working all the time is by using SD cards in an empty SD slot(for a laptop anyway) Thumb drives stick out and use up usb ports. Not to mention you can set an SD card up to run while windows starts up to free up load time and reduce program load times by up to 50%. Not only that, but when I used a typical thumb-drive, I actually got the BSOD while running a few system scans(BSOD went away when I removed the thumb-drive), so it's not the best form. If you have SD and the slots, I suggest using those first. Kingston 16 G SDHC is the way to go for ReadyBoost...

Sorry for such a long post

Have you considered increasing your physical RAM, perhaps doubling it?

Thanks for the testimonial. First good report on ReadyBoost I've seen, and from someone who actually relies upon it.

If you could stick more ram in your computer I think you would be very happy.

Well, guys, you also have to take into consideration that this is a Laptop User. Unlike desktops, laptop memory will still have some 'stunting' as to how much physical ram you can up it. Depending on the model and who designed it, you may get the newer ram types like DDR3, but not necessarily the nicer memory upgrade ability as a desktop as most higher end desktops allow for 4 slots, where as laptops only allow enough room for 2 slots and even then, the chip count size will be even significantly less than a PC.

Although, looking at the Toshiba site, and looking up their models there, if he had this one:

Toshiba Qosmio® X505-Q890 Laptops

He should be able to upgrade to 22 Gigs worth of memory, although I think at that point it is the cost of the memory that would bite him.

Edit - Oh wait... That is Graphics memory and even that number is a bit off... going to here:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...io%20X505-Q890

The max memory available is 4 Gigs per slot, 2 slots maximum, therefore, he is at his maximum amount of memory for his system. So original assessment is correct, laptops are limited on memory allowances. Well, this particular one.

can someone explain me why i can't use my 1tb usb flashdrive for readyboost?

excuseme for noob question

I believe Windows does a check of your drive and system to see if it can work for you. It doesn't always automatically open the dialog, but if you open the properties of your flash drive, and there is a ReadyBoost tab showing, you can set it up from there.

yeah and this is what i get