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Thread: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

  1. #1

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    Question USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    I don't know if this has been already discussed but I was wondering if it would be possible to use pen drives as additional ram memory "on the fly".

    So when one sticks the USB pen on your PC , opens the usual dialog window with the options "explore, view, blah blah PLUS: "USE AS RAM".

  2. #2
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    ReadyBoost is part of Vista (bleugh!) and Windows 7.

    I've tested with it, but never actually made use of it in every day life.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator si_the_geek's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    I used it in Vista for a while, and it definitely helped - but of course it wasn't as good as adding actual RAM.

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    To be honest I can't see what situation would arise that would require the use of ReadyBoost.

    Effectively it's just a glorified addition to paging file and as such the "speed boost" they suggest, isn't going to allow you to run a game that little bit smoother or allow you to run more applications at once. It's just a backup that will be called upon if it's needed.

  5. #5
    Super Moderator si_the_geek's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    The speed boost does let games run noticeably smoother, assuming they need more memory than you have available.

    While ReadyBoost is basically another paging file, it has a faster data rate (and thus is used before) the hard-drive version.

    Obviously it isn't as quick as proper RAM, so unless you have a serious shortage of money you would only do it as a short-term thing - because proper RAM is much better still.

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    The idea behind ReadyBoost was that older systems that could not accept more than 1GB or so could still run Vista better than they would without it. Even a 2GB RAM system can see benefits. The idea was to extend the life of older systems.

    Comments about ReadyBoost in a 4GB and up machine are just silly, like complaining that a compact car can't pull heavy trailers.
    Last edited by dilettante; Jan 12th, 2012 at 06:14 PM.

  7. #7
    Fanatic Member Bonker Gudd's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    I like the idea of instant ram.

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    My HP Elitebook 8730w has a slot in the front for a 1GB SD card that is used for ReadyBoost...
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    It's what you get when dry a ram and grind it to a powder.

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Use it every day. Boots up in 18 seconds vs 80. Lots of startup apps in the registry, loaded instantly. x64 lets me use all 16GB as ReadyBoost. Not USB, but a ReadyBoost Card.
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  11. #11
    Addicted Member arunb's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    is there an application for linux that does the same thing as ReadyBoost ???

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    Angel of Code Niya's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Flash memory have a limit to how many read/write cycles they can endure before they conch out. Wouldnt this speed up their demise ?

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    Fanatic Member namrekka's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Quote Originally Posted by Niya View Post
    Flash memory have a limit to how many read/write cycles they can endure before they conch out. Wouldnt this speed up their demise ?
    Indeed! Also flash is slow compared to RAM.

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    It isn't RAM, but compares to DISK LOAD TIME

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    Super Moderator Shaggy Hiker's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Quote Originally Posted by Niya View Post
    Flash memory have a limit to how many read/write cycles they can endure before they conch out.
    That's when they move to Florida, right? It sounds like Flash memory is much like folks from NYC.
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Conch?
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  17. #17
    Super Moderator Shaggy Hiker's Avatar
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Used in many dishes in Florida, which is where my comment came from.
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  18. #18
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    I got that...

    My wife's family does the seven fish thing for Christmas eve and the scungilli smell horrible!

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  19. #19
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    I guess it makes a diference if the price of RAM is expensive for you?

    I have 12GB RAM on my home PC

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Loaded from DISK is slower...

  21. #21
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Quote Originally Posted by Shaggy Hiker View Post
    That's when they move to Florida, right? It sounds like Flash memory is much like folks from NYC.
    rofl

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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Quote Originally Posted by Niya View Post
    Wouldnt this speed up their demise ?
    The topic is of speeding up the system.

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  23. #23
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    Quote Originally Posted by CVMichael View Post
    I guess it makes a diference if the price of RAM is expensive for you?

    I have 12GB RAM on my home PC
    I need that much in my pc.
    when you quote a post could you please do it via the "Reply With Quote" button or if it multiple post click the "''+" button then "Reply With Quote" button.
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    Re: USB flash drives as "instant RAM"

    gamur
    Low order primate of a rodent like form. Typically heavy for its body size, with poor muscle tone. Often remains living with parents until well into middle age. Same granny glasses as were in style in 7th grade. Does not often venture into sunlight, mostly nocturnal in habit. Small ears help avoid parental pressure to "Get a job!"

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