Solved New i7 Computer with 16GB of Ram

[timlab1955]

Ok, getting a new computer which has 16GB of Ram. How can I use this wisely? Someone mentioned a RAM DISK and you agree, how do you create a RAM DISK? Thanks.

 

[Layback Bear]

If you are using Windows 7 you don't need to do anything. Let Windows 7 take care of all that Ram, it will do a fine job.

 

[unifex]

On one hand Bear is right, Windows 7 does not need much tweaking, some say any tweaking. On the other hand a RAM disk is not so much of a tweak, but rather an attempt to speed up the system based on the idea that RAM is the fastest of all memory you've got (even if you have an SSD). Now, I have not personally seen an app that needs 16GB of memory at this time, therefore I think that setting up a RAM disk is not such a bad idea. In addition, if you are concerned about privacy and security, then a RAM disk is also a good solution since it is "destroyed" at system shutdown.

There are several tools that may create a RAM disk for you, some free and some expensive. I know people hate this advice, but simply type "RAM disk" into Google - or any other search engine - and you will find lots of suggestions.

Now, what to put on the RAM disk? That's not an easy question. If you run Photoshop and any similar app that uses "scratch disk" space, then putting that on the RAM disk may improve your performance. I was never successful with putting Windows temporary folders on the RAM disk, so I would not recommend that. If you get a portable version of Firefox, then you can run it entirely from the RAM disk - this will blow you away. So, there are lots of uses for RAM disks, but at the end of the day, it you who has to decide whether to use it and if yes, then what to do with it.