Readyboost Question

[Harryc]

In order for a USB 2.0 flash (aka Jump) drive to be supported by Vista ReadyBoost, it must be capable of 2.5MB/sec throughput for 4K random reads and 1.75MB/sec for random writes. My question is, if you just plug in a jump drive and readyboost appears to be working, is that enough? In other words, does readyboost test for drive compatibility and reject it if it is not fast enough? If that is so, can one just assume that if a drive is not rejected that it is good to go? Reason I ask is because I just plugged in a 1GB USB 2.0 Lexar jump drive I had laying around in my Vista Business T61P, and it works...or does it? .

[erik]

it does.   windows will reject the device if it's not fast enough.

[Harryc]

Good news, thanks!

[erik]

here's a good FAQ on readyboost for reference: ReadyBoost Q&A

[bill bolton]

If that is so, can one just assume that if a drive is not rejected that it is good to go?

It means it meets the minimum specification for ReadyBoost use. There is still a wide range of performance in USB memory sticks above the minimum acceptable ReadyBoost level.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Harryc]

There is still a wide range of performance in USB memory sticks above the minimum acceptable ReadyBoost level.

I do not have a Smart card slot in my T61. It has a PC card slot and an Express card slot as well as USB 2.0. Can you recommend a product that is the fastest removable flash that I can use for ReadyBoost?

[Phazer]

Just picked up an R61i from underclocker and it came with Vista Home Premieum. This is my first experience with Vista by the way.

After playing around a few days and getting used to it. I saw the mention of readyboost. I have a "cheapie" DANE 1g USB memory stick so I decided to plug it in and see what happened.

Now this is just a seat-of-the-pants feel.....But WOW!!! I'm impressed!! I've not run any tests or benchmarks but I really feel I don't need to.

Bang-for-the-buck factor is probably even better than putting a 7200 drive in a T23.

[i-SnipeZ]

Oh and I just wanted to point out that unless you are trucking with about 512mb of RAM readyboost doesnt have any real performance gains. HOWEVER, even with 4gb of RAM ive noticed Vista boots a lot faster with the flash drive plugged in even if once booted up I see absolutely no difference (Ive tried this with both my T43 w/ 512mb ram, my T61 w/ 2gb, and a Dell XPS 410 with 4gb. The flash drive im using is a 2gb Cruzer Mini Speedbooster U3 compatable.)

[NorrisCell]

I'm running a 4GB SanDisk SDHC in my card reader, and I noticed a sizeable increase in the loading speed of both Vista itself and programs once Vista has loaded. When loading a program with ReadyBoost active, it takes the same amount of time for the program window to first appear, but the amount of time it takes before the program is fully loaded and ready to be used is reduced drastically.

The SDHC card isn't even a high speed one. Might be worth getting one of the faster ones.

[tomh009]

I'm running a 4GB SanDisk SDHC in my card reader, and I noticed a sizeable increase in the loading speed of both Vista itself and programs once Vista has loaded. When loading a program with ReadyBoost active, it takes the same amount of time for the program window to first appear, but the amount of time it takes before the program is fully loaded and ready to be used is reduced drastically.

How much memory do you have? Generally the incremental boost from adding a flash-based ReadyBoost cache is smaller the more memory you already have (as Windows can use memory as a cache).