Intel Turbo Memory 2.0

This thread is for discussing anything about intel turbo memory. How it works, If it works, user pinning, etc.

 

I will start it off by stating that I have a sager NP2096 with intel turbo memory 2.0 (2gb module). i also have vista 64 bit. My computer does move quickly but I do not know if it is from the turbo memory or just because I have 4gb 800mhz sdram.

First off, for users that cannot get that gosh darn user pinning feature in the new update (v1.7.0.1029) I ran into some issues with this driver because I could not get user pinning to turn on and replace the readyboost function. You do not need to enable user pinning and can keep readyboost on though. I had issues right off the bat with the driver. I installed and uninstalled. Finally, with a little help from powernotebook's sager support, found that you need to install with the command prompt and add this little feature at the end " -UP"

For example, I would enter this if the driver was downloaded to the desktop:

C:\Users\Username\Desktop\invm_enu.exe -UP

don't forget the space between ".exe" and "-UP"

reboot and you should have the new intel turbo memory user pinning dashboard.
Try this with any version (512mb,1gb,2gb,4gb) and tell me if you have any success!

 

WOW thanks for that tip! I only have the 1gb ITM 1.0 module but I will give this a shot in a few days. Thanks again for sharing.

 

What size is your turbo memory, Full or Half Mini PCIe? I received 4gb module in Half Mini PCIe which is too short for Dell XPS. Anyone knows intel part number for a Full Mini PCIe 4gb module?

 

Can Turbo memory-1 laptops use the new module?

 

Yes, if the new module fits into your PCI express slot. There are 2 sizes of the PCI express. One is Half Mini and the other is Full Mini. Look here on page 2 of this link, http://www.intel.com/design/flash/nand/turbomemory/316979.pdf

 

Please let us know if there is a vast difference in performance. I'm mainly interested in Photoshop user pinning.

 

Intel Turbo Memory 4GB is available now. Shall we discuss Intel Turbo Memory 4GB?

 

How does everyone else interpret this statement from Intel:

"Intel® Turbo Memory Technology Cards
Designed for easy integration into systems, the PCIe* full-minicard and
half-mini interface card are available in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities. The
PCIe card features: one Intel® Flash Cache Logic chip, two Intel® NAND
Flash memory chips in parallel, and supports Microsoft Windows Vista*
ReadyDrive* and ReadyBoost* technologies for the 2 GB card. The
2 GB card, with a one-time OEM configurable option, can substitute
ReadyBoost for “User Pinning”; while, the 4 GB card supports
ReadyDrive and User Pinning only."

 

Yeah I don't understand what it is saying in the italics either.

EDIT: Aah...here we go; look at the table in the pic:




I guess if you want the turbo-memory to prioritize something, you'll need to use the 4gb module.

 

The 2 GB card, with a one-time OEM configurable option, can substitute
ReadyBoost for “User Pinning”; while, the 4 GB card supports
ReadyDrive and User Pinning only."[/QUOTE]


They want you to tell your Original Equipment Manager (OEM) to configure the turbo memory so it can use ready drive and user pinning. If you don't, you will have readyboost and readydrive with no user pinning. User pinning replaces the readyboost feature when installed.

I had readyboost and readydrive when my computer came. I downloaded the updated drivers and with the methods previously explained, I enabled user pinning, which also replaced the Readyboost feature.

Configs: 2GB Turbo Memory either has:
1. Readyboost/Readydrive
2. UserPinning/Readydrive

Configs :4GB Turbo Memory only has:
1. Userpinning/Readydrive

I personally like the user pinning feature better. I think that as newer computers come out, the 2gb modules will have userpinning/readydrive only. I think the readyboost/readydrive config was just temporary until user pinning came about.

Hope this clears up some confusion on the matter. It took me awhile to understand it as well.

 

Hey guys,

I get an error about a generic exception being thrown while looking for applications and no applications show up on the pinning dashboard.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

I am considering buying the 4gb module. Can anyone provide some conclusive evidence or at least an opinion as to whether it increases performance at all?

 

where can you buy the 2gb or 4gb model? or is it on avalable with a new system?

 

I've tried the -UP option on my alienware m15x with the 1gb card. It installs the dashboard ok but will only let me pin 36kb of information! Any idea on how to fix this? I'm trying some uninstall/reinstall cycles.

 

can someone tell me where to buy this????? (2GB or 4GB)

 

Here. I'm not so sure about the retailer, but thats the only place I was able to find it.

 

Sphinx, when you used the -UP option did it disable the checkbox for readyboost in the Turbo Memory Console? Did you even get a Turbo Memory Console or did you just get the dashboard. I can enable readyboost even with the dashboard installed and I suspect that is why I can only pin 36kb.

 

There are a ton of vendors for the Turbo Memory modules. You can search for one at www.froogle.com --> Intel Turbo Memory

I got my 4GB module through Google Checkout from E-tech or something.
The full height card is NVCPEMWR004G2

On that note, does anyone know of an adapter to allow me to mount a half-height card in a full-height slot. I have a half-height wifi card when I should've gotten the full-height...

 

Same here. I'm just gonna buy the 4GB one. Hopefully my $70 won't go into waste

 

Can someone confirm as to whether the 4GB modules work on the PM965/GM965 mobile chipset? I sent a mail to Intel asking this questioin, but instead of replying as to whether the HARDWARE is COMPATIBLE, Intel told me it was yp to the notebook manufacturer...

Intel's webistes is not clear enough on this point, I think, as it says the 4GB might need the Series 4-chipset or the IHCM10 southbridge, and yet they also writes that ITM is compatible with IHCM8 and the 965 chipset, without differentiating between ITM 1.0 and ITM 2.0

So, if any of you have tried it out (2 or 4GB modules) on the Santa Rosa chipset, I would appreciate your replies...

PS: My system is a Dell XPS M1330, running ITM 1.0 1GB module (which has a way to small capacity and is too slow...)

 

No ideas for you. I experience the same thing. It happens just a couple days after installing Vista. The only way to fix it is to redo the entire OS. From what I understand, Intel is not aware of the problems dozens of users on this forum have reported. The following is a list of issues with the software that many others here agree is wrong. The software in question is the Intel Turbo Memory Dashboard.

However, in contact with Sager, they have said nobody has reported any issues, and to have anybody on the forums contact sager / clevo / or your manufacturer so they can contact Intel via their support channels.

Sager has asked everybody who has a sager system to contact them and let them know the problem, and all those not under sager to contact Clevo.

They are asking for system model and specs and the issues with either the card or the software. The following is a list I have compiled, feel free to use it and add to is:

* After many restarts and launches of the TM Dashboard (15+) the application begins to fail and is unable to find programs on the computer, and throws an error message of "A generic exception was thrown while finding applications". You can no longer add data to the module without reinstalling the OS.

* After restart, the TM reports using 3% of the module, and does not update any higher until I open the dashboard, where it will propagate the card with data. No amount of waiting for it to do it on its own will help it propagate.

* Using the TM Dashboard to move items from right to left, or to scroll through the list of items, utilizes 100% of the CPU cores, causing the system to perform very poorly while using the interface.

* Adding more than one program to the module at a time can cause the dashboard to freeze and the HDD to read constantly until the OS is restarted.

* The TM Dashboard changes the % of usage to different percentages at random times. It isn't always consistent, and will drop from 85% to 65% usage after a single restart.

* Removing an application from cache while it is propagating causes the application to freeze and fail to perform the operation.

U.K. Service Center
ADD: Unit 39, Rainbow lndustrial Estate, Trout road, West Drayton, Middx, UB7, 7RN UK
TEL: +44-1895-430333
FAX: +44-1895-438338
E-mail: [email protected]


USA Service Center
ADD: 659 Brea Canyon Rd, Suites 4 & 5 Walunt, CA91789
TEL: +1-909-598-2263
FAX: +1-909-598-0015
E-mail: [email protected]

Sager: [email protected]

Please take some time to report any issues you are having with the software, as it will not be resolved until enough users complain about the faulty software. Keep this in mind before purchasing. When UP is working properly, it is phenomenal. Well worth the money. But keep its current flaws in mind.

Thanks!

 

I don't think the Full Mini PCIe Turbo Memory 2 is avaialble yet. I checked the 4GB module with NVCPEMWR004G210 Intel part number and the dimensions are shown as following; (LxWxH)11" x 6" x 5.75". This is way to big for the Full Mini PCIe. The size is probably for desktop.

 

Hello everybody,

i'm also interested in the new ITM 2.0 4GB module. But i'm not sure about the formfactor.

I have actually the ITM 1.0 1GB card in my Acer Aspire 5920G Notebook.
It's a Santa Rosa plattform, so i need the 'full height mini pci-e card', right?

I read this thread completely, but this point is a bit confusing.

To sum up: full height -> Centrino 1 & Santa Rosa | half height -> Montevina

Has by now anyone tested the full height card in a santa rosa notebook?
I would like to ordner the 4GB module immediately, if i could be sure that the full height really works in my notebook..

 

I have M1530, santa rosa, and it is a full height PCIe.

 

Can anyone tell me if the ITM 2.0 is worth buying? My U330 has an open mini PCI-e slot and I was thinking about the ITM 2.0.

 

If you have a high speed 7200rpm drive or a high density 5400rpm drive, there is really no point in buying a ITM, because the harddrive will be faster than the ITM.

K-TRON

 

Thanks K-TRON, you just saved me $80!

 

Anytime, we are here to help out

K-TRON

 

I thought the ITM 2.0 modules had a greatly enhanced transfer rate vis 'a vis their predecessor. The ITM 1.0 modules has a constant transfer rate of about ~65MBps

 

Sorry to ask some newbie's question.Is my Laptop(Aspire6935G) able to fix with a Intel Turbo Memory 2.0 module?And how am i going to about it?

 

Yes, it should work, given that you have an availible mini-PCIe slot...

Installation is as follows; turn off the computer -> physicly install the module -> turn on computer, boot vista -> install driver -> restart computer

 

Also, the point of strapping fast flash to the computer is so that the HDD can shut itself off, instead of keeping the platters spinning at a constant rate. So if you have a 7200rpm HDD in your laptop you will notice power savings.

Same idea as with strapping a USB ThumbDrive onto your computer with Vista, it just happens that TurboMemory is much much quicker, so the computer will default to it more often, while you type notes in class. For those long haul lectures, it can make or break getting through class or seeing the 'Hibernation' splash screen.

 

Still haven't seen any evidence that ITM 2.0 helps at all, I personally have seen no benefit in ITM 1.0.

 

I guess, I do know, that I use the readydrive, but keep the readyboost function shut down. I used a seperate thumbdrive to act as my readyboost, and at the end of a 3 hour lecture, I still had 20-30 minutes left. I pulled out the thumb drive, and I was getting the battery warning before the end of class, and the wrist rest was getting pretty toasty. lol

But in that case, I was typing in Word 2007, and almost never let the screen shut down. So it's quite possibly case by case basis.

 

Hi this is a great thread but I am still not 100% sure of a few things relating to the intel turbo memory module. Can anyone answer the following questions?

1) Is the 2gb / 4gb ITM 2.0 modules definitely compatible with the Mobile Intel® 965 Express Chipset?
2) I notice there are three features mentioned within the ITM software (Ready Boost, Ready Drive and User Pinning). Assuming user pinning is enabled do all three operate together or does user pinning replace one of the other functions?
3) I have 4gb of RAM installed, so is a turbo memory module really going to speed up my laptop and if so in which area (boot up times, application launch, etc)?

Hope someone can help with this.

 

For the people with the 4GB card, how long does it take to load your apps that you set up for your current profile? I just got my card a couple days ago, and it takes about 5-10 minutes for mine to load into the memory once windows is loaded. I'm only using 46% of the 3.1 GB it says I have for user pinning. That seemed like a lot of time to me, but I thought I would see how long it took other people before I say this one is bad.

Also, has anyone tried two on one machine? I have 2 slots that support an fcm card, and I had a 1GB card before this one, so I was wondering if anyone ran two at once.

 

I have a 4GB card and it takes a long time to load the applications in the dashboard. But more... every time i boot windows Vista x64, it begins to load.
So, i bought intel turbo memory to speed up my boot and my programs run faster, but when it takes 10 minutes to load in every boot that i make, is sad and it makes me wonder "Why i Bought this?".

It happens to you too?

 

Works great for me! Boosts battery life by 10-20 minutes, depending on what I'm doing. Speeds are awesome for me also. Boottime is about 1 minutes from start to finish.

 

Is that one minute for the dashboard or just to boot? Mine boots fast, but it takes a while for the dashboard to come up with my apps loaded on the card.

 

Ah that answers the question I asked you in the other thread.

 

Has anyone seen a review (or done one themselves) comparing a setup with and without the 2 or 4 GB Turbo Memory 2.0?

It would be great to know before I spend on this theorietically great but historically questionable technology.

Thanks!

Louis

 

The point of the SSD based storage isn't much as the top transfer rates, but rather the response times. Response times are what really determines boot times and program load times. Transfer rates matter but much less than response times. That's why Turbo Memory can work with 40MB/sec transfer rate since the response time is at 0.1ms. The fact that the driver sucks and makes TM bad in overall has nothing to do with the hardware.

BTW, can anyone run Crystal Disk Mark on the Turbo Memory module?? Here's the link for download: http://crystalmark.info/download/index-e.html

 

It's known that intel only specified support for the Centrino2 platform:
http://www.intel.com/design/flash/nand/turbomemory/index.htm

However with the wide spread availability of the 2GB/4GB modules, maybe somebody has tried in on M1330/M1530. I'd appreciate any update on this issue.

 

Has anyone found a dealer with the half-height 4GB module in stock? I've found some dealers carrying it, but most want me to order two of them (special order), or they don't have them in stock altogether.

When I get one, I'll be happy to try it out on my Gateway M6750 (965 based laptop). I've since upgraded to a Gateway 7805u, and the module will be for this laptop.

A couple of interesting things I discovered about the 1GB Turbo memory module on my M6750 though:

- Before I upgraded to the 7805u, I had put a new hard drive (320GB WD Scorpio Black) and a new slot-loading Pioneer DVD burner in my Gateway M6750. With the new HD and drive, the ITM worked great. Prior to this I couldn't get it to work no matter what I tried (it'd cause the system to be unstable, freeze up sporadically, or crash). I'm a full-time computer tech, and a part time photographer; and since I was using the laptop in my photography studio to tether my camera to, obviously this wasn't going to fly, so I ripped the module out for a while till I could figure out what was wrong.

- Prior to replacing the HD and DVD drive I could not install the latest version of the Intel Storage Matrix Driver either. I had to use the one on Gateway's site (version 7.6 I believe). Any and all attempts to update it to the latest version would cause the system to slow down to a crawl. After replacing the HD and DVD drive I could install the latest versions without a single problem.

- After reverting the parts, the issue with not being able to install the latest matrix driver has come back.

- When I got my new laptop, I removed the 320GB HD and put it in the second drive bay of the 7805u. I put the stock HD (250GB WD) and the tray loading Optiarc dvd burner back into the M-6750 system. NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED FROM THIS POINT FORWARD, I COULD NOT GET THE LAPTOP TO BOOT FROM EITHER THE HARD DRIVE OR STOCK DVD DRIVE WITH THE TURBO MEMORY MODULE INSTALLED.

The system would post, it just wouldn't do anything. It was like it was in a catatonic state.

I powered down the laptop, removed the ITM, and started it back up. The system booted up without a hitch now.

The only conclusion I could come to is that some devices must not play well with the ITM, which would explain why I've seen some users here say that when they installed the ITM in their system their system either slowed down, or (like in my case after replacing the HD and DVD drive) it made a noticeable improvement. Besides the spindle speed, the major differences between the two drives are that the original 250GB HD is SATA 1.5Gb and didn't support NCQ. The 320GB WD Scorpio is SATA 3.0Gb and supports NCQ. I have no idea why the DVD drive figured into the equation though (it's PATA). It might have something to do with the firmware, but I haven't been able to find any updated firmware for it yet.

Initially I thought the speed increase was only because of the 320GB 7200 RPM WD Scorpio HD. I had tried the drive out initially in Windows with the apps I use most often (Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom 2.2). I noticed that although it was slighly faster than before, it wasn't like I had a Raptor HD in my system all of a sudden. I then installed the ITM back into the laptop. To me it seemed to make a noticeable improvement. Photoshop and Lightroom were opening faster. Unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to run HDTach before and after installing the ITM though, but I did run the WEI several times after installing the ITM module. After 10 runs, WEI showed that the HD performance increased by .1 (that's on top of the difference between the 250GB HD and the 320GB HD). Not a major increase, but it somewhat confirmed that I wasn't just seeing things.

At any rate, for those of you who have an ITM and you've noticed no difference (or system crashes/lockups), would you mind posting what you have for an HD (and DVD drive too if you know it). I'm really wondering if there's a pattern here.

Anyways, if someone can point me to a vendor that has a half-height 4GB module, I'd really appreciate it. I'll duct tape it into my M-6750's spare full height mPCI-e slot to see if the 965 can use it at all. This time around, I'm willing to run some benchmarks on the sucker too (the 320GB HD doesn't have much on it, so it's not a total P.I.T.A. to put it and the slot load drive back into the system). It'll also be interesting to see if the 4GB module works and makes any difference in the 7805u with dual HD's too.

 

I installed the v1.7.0.1029 Intel Turbo Memory driver with user pinning today. The results are great!

I have a M570TU system with a 320GB 5400 rpm hdd and the 2GB ITM module. The driver was installed using the -UP command as sphinx454 described. Rebooted and filled 75% of the module with things like Opera, Photoshop, Visual Studio 2008, MS Office 2007 and some other stuff. Then I rebooted.

To test this I just timed the startup of some applications before and after the user pinning:

Office Word 07: 9 sek -> 2 sek
PS CS3: ~30 sek -> ~5 sek!

The system feels much faster now

 

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11520&Itemid=1

"One of the major highlights of the three high-end chipsets will be the introduction of a new technology known as Braidwood. In short terms, it is basically a revision of Intel's Turbo Memory which was first seen on the Santa Rosa mobile Centrino platform in May 2007 and later in its second revision on the Montevina platform in July 2008.

The technology attempts to decrease hard drive usage by moving frequently accessed data over to flash memory which ultimately allows for faster boot times and more power efficiency. This time, however, the memory chips will also feature a dedicated NVRAM controller to the system and storage buffers to allow for read and write speeds available only on solid state disks."

The chipsets are for Nehalem and Braidwood is the next generation Turbo Memory that will go with it. The size of the device is supposed to be 16GB. These are desktop chipsets but there is no reason to expect Calpella won't feature them.

 

hi all, would i be able to use the 4gb module with a asus m50sv?

 

Can Intel Turbo Memory be used on the integrated SD card reader on the Dell Latitude E6400? If yes, what kind of speed increases should I expect?

 

@HerrKaputt
As far as I know E6400 has a internal slot for TM. So you dont't need to fit it into SD card reader which has far less perfomance.