ReadyBoost can improve computer performance

What is ReadyBoost

Windows Vista uses new technology to make your computer significantly more responsive while performing everyday tasks.

Installing more memory / RAM can be the best way to improve a computers speed and performance. More memory means your computer can run more programs without needing to access the hard drive as often. However, upgrading memory can be costly, and some machines have limited memory expansion capabilities, making it impossible to add RAM.
Using ReadyBoost-capable flash memory devices allows Vista to access random disk reads about 8-10 times faster than random reads from the hard drive. This allows the ReadyBoost flash device to help run the system as if it had much more RAM. It isn’t really using the flash memory to increase the main system RAM in your computer, but the flash drive stores the information that is being used by the memory manager.
If you are running a lot of programs with limited RAM, ReadyBoost will use the flash drive as virtual memory. this is not as fast as RAM, but a whole lot faster than using the hard disk.
You will see a boost in performance.

The ReadyBoost - capable device can be removed at any time without interruption of system service or loss of data. All data is written to the hard drive before being copied to the flash device, so if you remove the flash device the system simply uses the hard drive again. ReadyBoost will also encrypt the information on the flash device so it can only be read on the computer the data was created on.

"Editors note" - We use only Crucial memory. It's the highest quality, and is priced lower than any 'quality' brand. A lifetime warranty from an American company seals the deal for us. - "End soapbox"
Shop for ReadyBoost certified USB drives.

Using ReadyBoost

Turning on this feature is very easy. Just stick the USB 2.0 flash drive, Secure Digital (SD) card, or CompactFlash card device you want into your computer. You will see the AutoPlay dialog pop up:
Vista autoplay dialog

Click the “Speed up my system” link, and the AutoPlay menu panel with the ReadyBoost option will open:
Vista disk properties dialog

Just check "Use this device", and set the amount of space you want to use, and it will be used for faster access. Remember that USB sticks must be USB 2.0. Secure Digital (SD) cards and CompactFlash cards must be connected using USB 2.0 readers or directly connected to the computer using at least USB 2.0 transfer speeds.
Vista will run a quick performance test on the flash drive. If it does not pass you will see a message saying the device does not have the required performance. If this is the case you still may not be out of luck. Users report that sometimes formatting the device will bring it up to par for the test.
It has also been reported that some flash card readers may not allow the device to be seen correctly or may slow the transfer speeds causing the flash device to fail the Vista ReadyBoost speed test. Your mileage may vary.

Reports from MS higher ups: (...unfortunately Vista ReadyBoost doesn't support external card readers. In general, if a card reader shows a drive without media in it (like a floppy drive or CD ROM does), it can't be used for ReadyBoost.)
That being said, some users report no problems using external card readers.

Is ReadyBoost working? You can conform this by looking at the properties of the flash drive using Windows Explorer. If it’s working you’ll see a ReadyBoost file (which as the .sfcache extension).

Use the Event Viewer to see performance test details
Open the "Event Viewer" and drill down to: Applications and Services Logs, Microsoft, Windows, ReadyBoost, Operational.
Look through the list of events to see the performance rating for a specific flash device.

I hope this helps you Guys / Gals.
Please email us with any comments you might have.

This page was updated on 08/17/08

ReadyBoost FAQs

1) ReadyBoost can use USB 2.0 flash drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, or CompactFlash cards.
2) Only one flash device can be used at a time.
3) Flash drives must be faster than -
2.5 MB/sec for 4 KB random reads.
1.75 MB/sec for 512 KB random writes.
4) Flash drives of 256 MB through 4 GB can be used.
5) The flash drive must have at least 230 MB of free space.
6) Microsoft suggests flash memory equal to your system RAM, and up to two and a half times your RAM.
7)Any real improvement not seen until Flash memory is at least equal to system RAM.
8) Even computers with 4 GB of memory will see a marked improvement in some applications.
9) Flash devices that fail the speed test 'might' work if you format the flash device. But why use it?
10) The faster your Flash drive the better.