Boot times

How much do the drivers for add-ons like GOBI, GPS, fingerprint reader... add to boot times? How much does a SSD help? Don't ask where this is going

 

SSD hard drives significantly improved my boot times on an CF-18 mk1. I don't have the exact timings offhand here, but when running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, the time spent on the boot logo screen with the scrolling bars decreased to the point where the bars only made two trips across the screen. In fact, I was so impressed with the performance improvement that I decided to see if I could get Windows 7 running on the CF-18.

Under Windows 7, the Windows Experience Index score for the primary hard drive is 5.9 on a scale of 1.0 to 7.9.

As to boot times, installed software that runs at startup (e.g. SQL Server instances) will typically be the worst culprit. Sometimes driver installation packages will install additional software/utilities beyond just the driver itself. If these utilties are also configured by the installer to be automatically launched at boot, that will increase your boot time.

Also, if you haven't already, compare your needs with the Windows services that are running on the system and disable those that you don't need.

 

a minute is good

 

i installed 2000 on a cf-29 ....was counting 60-90 secs on a fresh install, from bios screen to login.

 

I think it would matter also how old the computer is, memory installed, the size of the harddrive/RPM's. My CF-30 takes 41 seconds running W7 , my cf-51 W7 is 38 seconds and my XPS takes 51 seconds.

 

Depending on startup programs and O/S expect the newer toughbooks to boot in 30 to 60 seconds max

My cf-30 running a 500GB 7200rpm drive takes 30 seconds to boot on XP to where you can click on an icon and run a program
The same laptop running W7 with a 250GB 7200rpm drive takes 45 seconds

I am using SSD's in my cf-19 and it takes 50 seconds on W7
and 32 seconds to be usable on XP tablet

 

Thanks guys, 32 seconds would be orgasmic. Published specs have the CF-30 at around 40 seconds and the 31 slightly longer. My concern is that the added drivers, etc for wwan and gps will add significantly to the boot time. Any experience with that?

 

I guess that you guys use your Toughbooks to defuse ticking bombs or something... :laugh:

I am pretty happy with the 44 seconds it takes my CF-29 with Win7 Pro. The specs are listed below.

 

WWan might slow it down a bit , my tests on the cf-30 have no wwan connect utility , but I have the GPS option

Azrial your boot time is excelent , under xp it might be close to 30sec

 

The 1-800-laptop5 guy told me the software is user controllable. So the GOBI and GPS files can either load at startup so I can google the specs for those pesky ticking bombs, or later if I keep them on the hard drive and/or don't need to log their coordinates.

Seriously, sometimes I need to boot a machine with a client or employee on the phone who has figurative flames up to his nipples. The difference between 30 seconds and 2 minutes can be significant.

I also learned the 31 is SATA I. Given my preoccupation with boot times, where does that leave me for SSD choices?

 

My cf-19 and CF-30's are sata1 ,but I use sata ll drives in them as they are back wards compatible

My expensive Samsung slc ssd used in the cf-19 is outclassed now by better ssd choices that you have available

If you want a ssd recomendation ,I can look for you whats the current best choice

An SSD will shave off 15 sec to boot times most likely
I noticed a difference

 

That, Sir, would be awesome. I was a Spock baby, so this is important.

 

If I understand it correctly you are looking for an SSD recommendation. Is it for SATA?

If so: Sandforce based SSD's are the fastest for heavy multi tasking.

For normal notebook usage I prefer the Corsair Nova V128. Very good single user performance and best in class power consumption. Techreport has a detailed review.

For PATA SSDs I know too little.

To answer the question by the OP: I have no experience with Toughbooks but installing an SSD has made a dramatic difference in every notebook I used them, whether it's an Atom based netbook or a dual core notebook.

My first SSD was a 32GB SLC Samsung SSD in 2007 in a Sony TZ. Boot times were about halved in comparison to a 5400rpm drive.

 

Thanks Phil

It was Sandforce type I was reading about lately
Any Sandforce controlers in the Intel type ssd's

 

OCZ Vertex 2 and Agility 2 use Sandforce controller and Intel NANDs.

Corsair Nova has an Indilinx controller and Intel NANDs. It has lower power consumption than Sandforce drives.

 

I think that the keyboard label helps a good bit...

 

Do the OCZ or Corsair drives mentioned support TRIM in XP? I know the intel (M but not E?) drives have that ability through their own software. Do SLC drives need TRIM?

 

Hey guys been away for a while
but got my CF-18 20secs from bios screen to login. dual boot with Win XP & Linux mint..

 

how did you manage that? My cf-29 has similar specs (minus the bigger perhaps faster hdd)>

 

@chingon
There is quite a bit of difference here
I measured seconds from hitting the power switch and opening up a file or program on my desktop
paddydazzer , counted seconds from bios screen to login
I don't have a login set , and with various start up programs it's best to time it the way I did ,where your computer is ready to run a program etc

 

Recounted past login from power up and got 51.4secs..

 

51 and change is fast. My CF-17 takes 1:40 to boot into 98. Shutdown is instantaneous though. A very useful stat when one's battery has been dead for years.