Readyboost vs pagefile vs RAM

CharlyAR · 02 Aug 2009

Hi guys,

I'm running Win7 x64 with a Quad Core and 4GB of RAM. I've enabled Readyboost on two USB devices of 2GB each I had laying around: a SanDisk Cruzer Micro, random read speed is 5341 KB/sec, random write speed is 3068 KB/sec. And a Kingston FCR-HS219, random read speed is 3412 KB/sec, random write speed is 3739 KB/sec. Not much, but should suffice to give it a try.

While booting, I saw and improvement. But the thing is I have my computer on 24/7 so I don't care that much about boot time. And I don't see a lot of activity of these devices once is turned on. Specially over the pendrive.

Is it because I have > 2GB RAM? Or is it because they are too small?
Would I benefit if I create a pagefile over one of these devices instead of Readyboost?
How can I "measure" this?
Is there a guide regarding Readyboost and USB devices?

Thanks a lot!

Muad Dib · 02 Aug 2009

Readyboost was really intended to assist low memory systems. Some of the older systems which are limited by the MOBO to 2GB, etc. Probably not going to help with 4GB.

Start the RESOURCE MONITOR and click the MEMORY tab to see how much memory is actually being used after boot and after some actual system use.

P.S. Welcome to SevenForums!

CharlyAR · 02 Aug 2009

Thanks Muad Dib for your fast reply!

So that's it. I thougth it was also being used for caching. I guess I will leave only one then. Win7 after booting only uses 1GB. Sometimes I use 100% of RAM, but most of the time I'm working I use about 2~3 GB.

And thansk for your welcome. :)

Cheers.

Muad Dib · 02 Aug 2009

Well, Win7 will EVENTUALLY use all available memory as "Standby". As you use apps and close them Win7 does not remove them from memory (unless it runs out of memory). Instead it marks the memory usage as "Standby" and if you use the app again it is already loaded. Thus you get a quick response when changing between apps that have already been loaded from the HDD.

One of the benefits of using "Sleep" mode is that all the most used apps stay loaded in memory.

CharlyAR · 02 Aug 2009

Thanks for the extended reply. That's useful.
Just out of curiosity, wow do you see how much memory is marked as "sleep"?
I also wonder how does it manage the fragmentation. I guess it will release the memory if it runs out OR it needs contiguous?

Shockwave · 02 Aug 2009

i have 8GB of RAM and i noticed a pretty good difference using my 8GB flash drive for readyboost

Antman · 02 Aug 2009

It must be over simplified for mass consumption...

Yes, the more RAM you have, the less readily apparent the effect is. No, it is not a disk cache. Yes, it is integral to the design of Windows 7.

I am just tired of the FUD on ReadyBoost and SuperFetch. Several highly knowledgeable posts exist on this forum addressing the matter in detail.

All due respect, Muad Dib, but you are less than entirely correct. Being pragmatic, your answer is good enough.

Muad Dib · 02 Aug 2009

CharlyAR said:

Thanks for the extended reply. That's useful.
Just out of curiosity, wow do you see how much memory is marked as "sleep"?
I also wonder how does it manage the fragmentation. I guess it will release the memory if it runs out OR it needs contiguous?

Not "Sleep" but Standby. The memory outlined in the red boxes is STANDBY memory. It consists of programs/data that will not have to be read from the HDD when it is used again.

Readyboost vs pagefile vs RAM-capture4.jpg

When the computer "Sleeps" the memory, including Standby memory, is retained.

The next time you re-boot start the biggest/slowest loading app you use and note how long it takes to load the first time. Close the app. Now start it again and note how long it takes to load.

Muad Dib · 02 Aug 2009

Antman said:

It must be over simplified for mass consumption...

Yes, the more RAM you have, the less readily apparent the effect is. No, it is not a disk cache. Yes, it is integral to the design of Windows 7.

I am just tired of the FUD on ReadyBoost and SuperFetch. Several highly knowledgeable posts exist on this forum addressing the matter in detail.

All due respect, Muad Dib, but you are less than entirely correct. Being pragmatic, your answer is good enough.

Antman, I am grateful for your blessing. I will be happy to post the MS Whitepaper in another thread if that will satisfy your stringent discipline. But for most people it is a bit of overkill.

Antman · 02 Aug 2009

Muad Dib said:

Antman, I am grateful for your blessing. I will be happy to post the MS Whitepaper in another thread if that will satisfy your stringent discipline. But for most people it is a bit of overkill.

Half of the truth is less than the truth. You could preface an incomplete response with, "For your particular situation..." or "Practically..."

False information begins with partial information. You are being held to a high standard because this is not a lesser forum.