can i use a USB stick for dedicated memory


  1. Posts : 24
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #1

    can i use a USB stick for dedicated memory


    Is it possible to turn a usb stick in to ram and then use that stick for a certain program
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  2. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    I'm not an expert in anything. :)

    I don't believe it's possible to designate which memory modules a program should use. It would be kinda like telling a program, "OK, go ahead and use the memory in slots A and C but totally disregard the memory that's available in slots B and D."

    It is possible to use a USB flash drive or memory card to speed up a computer. It's called ReadyBoost. But even that has limitations based on how much RAM is already installed in the computer.

    ReadyBoost - Setup and Use
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  3. Posts : 24
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks,

    Ive set up a USB with readyboost. The problem i have is i currently only have 2gb of ram and its just not enough and cant afford to upgrade yet as i just got married and im decorating house so i was trying to find a temp solution for a few weeks or so.
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  4. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    Congratulations on the new marriage and home decorating. It's absolutlely essential to prioritize how you spend your time . . . and money! :)

    A suggestion, if I may. According to your specs you're using Ultimate x86. That means your computer will be limited to 4GB of physical RAM. (See Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7 here.) Of those 4GB, a portion will always be set aside for graphics cards, other hardware, and something called Physical Address Extension. So even with 4GB installed, you'll find that your usable memory will be throttled back to about 3-3.25GB. (Right now I'm guessing your usable memory is about 1.5GB.) As long as you stay with the x86 version you won't need to buy but an extra 2GB RAM. Here in the Colonies a 2GB stick of DDR3 is roughly $15 USD.

    If you double your RAM I think you'll see a noticeable difference in how your computer responds. Looking down the road, if you decide to go to Ultimate x64 you won't have that 4GB RAM limitation. But I can also tell you from personal experience, the average user will not see any difference between 4GB and, say, 8GB of RAM. Just some unsolicited info.

    Again, congrats!
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  5. Posts : 24
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks, wife says she gonna smash up PC if i dont decorate lol.

    I just looked on ebuyer.com and corsair or kingston 4gb ddr 1333MHz (max i can use) are both £17 so maybe pay day ill slip some in without wife knowing lol.

    My bro has X64 with 16GB and says he tells a difference but never used it so i dont know persanally

    Cheers
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  6. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #6

    customBUILDER said:
    Thanks, wife says she gonna smash up PC if i dont decorate lol.

    I just looked on ebuyer.com and corsair or kingston 4gb ddr 1333MHz (max i can use) are both £17 so maybe pay day ill slip some in without wife knowing lol.

    My bro has X64 with 16GB and says he tells a difference but never used it so i dont know persanally

    Cheers
    Please, PLEASE . . . make sure you have 112 (or is it 999) on speed dial!

    But seriously, if it wouldn't be a financial hardship, using a matched pair of memory modules is a very good idea. Slight variations in manufacturing between even well known name brand modules could cause issues later on. It's like having a Michelin tyre on the left front and a Pirelli on the right front. Even the exact same size could cause problems in steering, handling, etc. Just some more unsolicited advice.

    Again, congrats and all the best!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #7

    If you need more memory, that's your only solution. This is a good time to buy, as memory is dirt cheap. Readyboost isn't doing anything for you right now anyway, considering you already have 2 GB.

    The only other real option is to look and see if you are wasting memory with unecessary apps running in the background, like IM programs, etc.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #8

    You can use it as Ready Boost. Which will help some apps

    But not as dedicated memory. As usb sticks does not have the required speed to match the speed of RAM.
      My Computer


 

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