How much ReadyBoost storage is optimal?

I'll be running a 2Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU, 2GB DDRII RAM, 256MB X1400 GPU Inspiron 6400. I also intend on buying a USB flash drive for ReadyBoost purposes when I receive my Vista upgrade, for no other reason than that the functionality is there, so I may as well take advantage of it. How much flash memory would you recommend, in order to see a significant boost in system performance?

 

Check this out:
http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/06/02/615199.aspx

I have 2GB of RAM and am using Vista - I plugged in my 256MB flash stick to use for ReadyBoost and I have seen a noticeable performance improvement. I'd go with a 1GB stick since they are cheap enough these days.

 

For best performance...same size as your memory, i.e 2GB
You would see improvement only in application launch.

You would want to read this, both of you
http://www.tgdaily.com/2007/02/08/analysis_vista_ready_boost/

 

From the sounds of that, my 2GB of on-board RAM should already be optimal.

 

I have a Sony SZ330 with 2GB DDR2 RAM and I just picked up a Memory Stick Pro Duo Extreme from Sandisk that promises 18MB/s read and write. The SZ has a built in high speed reader so I just stuck the card in and now it'll stay there permanently. I figure it's a feature and why not use it? Whether it really makes a huge difference or not...can't hurt.

 

From what ive read ready boost wont really make much of a difference if you have over 1.5gb of Ram as it wont really be utilized much.

 

In my subjective tests it definitely makes a difference...I know it's using the MS Pro Duo because there are quite long periods of time where the activity light on the card reader is flashing...

 

what is the expected lifespan of memory sticks being used for "ready boost"?

 

I would assume the same or even longer than normal use. There's only activity when needed, it's not being used most of the time. Only comes into play when you load applications, startup, etc.

Since I've been using ReadyBoost though - from the moment I login via Biometric fingerprint (very fast login)...within 2-3 seconds Vista is ready with Sidebar and my 10 gadgets ready, all my startup apps (Skype, UTorrent, etc) loaded and even logged into accounts...

It's ridiculously fast...before I was using ReadyBoost these things took a little longer and were a little faster than or on par with XP...now it's blazingly fast.

Also my 3 most commonly used apps..Firefox 2, iTunes and Outlook all load in less then 3 seconds since enabling ReadyBoost.

So I guess YMMV but for me this $70 Sandisk Extreme III MSPD is worth every penny.

By the way I want to point out another advantage of having Windows use a flash-based device for Superfetch is it reduces the wear and tear on your most critical part - the harddrive...so that's an extra bonus..and finally, retrieving from flash consumes less power than a HD.

 

i just added a 2gb sandisk media card (MMC type) and it adds 1810MB of ReadyBoost and it only sticks out 2mm out of my laptop and i got it for $20

 

Nice...mine doesn't stick at out at all...

 

sd cards also work for ready boost......

 

The average longevity of a flash device is anywhere from 100,000 to 1,000,000 or more uses.

So basically, you could use it 30 times a day, and you'd still be using it until you are 120.

 

The Dell Inspiron 6400 has a 5 in 1 card reader. Can I get some suggestions on cheap 2GB flash disks/cards that would be of performance benefit, ReadyBoost and SuperFetch wise? Links would be appreciated. Bear in mind, I have 2GB DDR2 onboard RAM as-is.

 

Ready Boost was engineered in such a way that lifetimes of the devices it uses will not be significantly affected.

That was from the link I posted in post #2.