Windows Readyboost ? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Zweiblumen · 06-09-2010, 01:47 AM

Hi all,
I'm facing the problem of giving couple of laptops an overhaul to add some "bang" to them. They are all Intel T7200 @2.00 Ghz with 2 Gb ram and currently running XP. I know that adding some ram would be a good way to improve their performance.

The idea that I got was to do a clean install of Win7 and add a SD (2 Gb) card configured for Readyboost.

So the question is does ReadyBoost work ?.

Yours
Zweiblumen

God of Thunder · 06-09-2010, 02:31 AM

I run Compaq laptop with an AMD Athlon dual-core 2GHz processor with 2GB of ram. I run Windows 7 Home Premium.

I took and unused 2GB SD card and have been using it for readyboost for a couple of months. My overall reaction is "meh". If you're expecting a "wow, that is much faster now" then don't use it. But I can see a little improvement in some apps like photo editing.

The read/write light on the card reader lets me know when their is activity, but I have yet to notice any kind of trend.

Anxst · 06-09-2010, 06:15 AM

I don't care for readyboost. I think it's mostly a gimmick, and in some cases it can actually slow programs down.

It does almost always improve boot times, though.

Here's some testing that was done a while back:

ActiveWin.com: Windows Vista ReadyBoost Test Round-Up - Review

Martian · 06-09-2010, 02:31 PM

Yeah, readyboost isn't so hot. Nice in theory, but the practical truth is that Flash drives aren't fast enough to offer substantial benefits.

A T7200 with 2 GB RAM ought to have plenty of bang as it is for most day-to-day tasks. You could add another 2 GB RAM, but depending on the config that could be pricey (2x2GB SoDIMMs are going for ~$100 right now).

Honestly, I think your best first step is to just start with a fresh windows install. You can also use nlite to remove some of the extra crap Windows normally installs. See how that does, then start considering upgrade paths.

snowy · 06-10-2010, 12:17 PM

The laptops you're upgrading to 7 sound similar in specs to mine. I have 7 Professional; I tried ReadyBoost and didn't notice any difference.

Zweiblumen · 06-12-2010, 08:26 AM

Thanks to you all for your input.
Since these machines all have SD card readers I just wondered if that could be used to gain performance cheaply.

Based on that and the experience with those laptops running XP Pro I think that the Win7 and faster HD would be the best option.

Yours
ZB.

06-09-2010, 01:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Zweiblumen Insane Location: at home	Windows Readyboost ? Hi all, I'm facing the problem of giving couple of laptops an overhaul to add some "bang" to them. They are all Intel T7200 @2.00 Ghz with 2 Gb ram and currently running XP. I know that adding some ram would be a good way to improve their performance. The idea that I got was to do a clean install of Win7 and add a SD (2 Gb) card configured for Readyboost. So the question is does ReadyBoost work ?. Yours Zweiblumen __________________ Sodomy non sapiens. : I'm buggered if I know

06-09-2010, 02:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	I run Compaq laptop with an AMD Athlon dual-core 2GHz processor with 2GB of ram. I run Windows 7 Home Premium. I took and unused 2GB SD card and have been using it for readyboost for a couple of months. My overall reaction is "meh". If you're expecting a "wow, that is much faster now" then don't use it. But I can see a little improvement in some apps like photo editing. The read/write light on the card reader lets me know when their is activity, but I have yet to notice any kind of trend. __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

06-09-2010, 06:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Anxst Condensing fact from the vapor of nuance. Location: Madison, WI	I don't care for readyboost. I think it's mostly a gimmick, and in some cases it can actually slow programs down. It does almost always improve boot times, though. Here's some testing that was done a while back: ActiveWin.com: Windows Vista ReadyBoost Test Round-Up - Review __________________ Don't mind me. I'm just releasing the insanity pressure from my headvalves.

06-09-2010, 02:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Yeah, readyboost isn't so hot. Nice in theory, but the practical truth is that Flash drives aren't fast enough to offer substantial benefits. A T7200 with 2 GB RAM ought to have plenty of bang as it is for most day-to-day tasks. You could add another 2 GB RAM, but depending on the config that could be pricey (2x2GB SoDIMMs are going for ~$100 right now). Honestly, I think your best first step is to just start with a fresh windows install. You can also use nlite to remove some of the extra crap Windows normally installs. See how that does, then start considering upgrade paths. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

06-10-2010, 12:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	The laptops you're upgrading to 7 sound similar in specs to mine. I have 7 Professional; I tried ReadyBoost and didn't notice any difference. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

06-12-2010, 08:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
Zweiblumen Insane Location: at home	Thanks to you all for your input. Since these machines all have SD card readers I just wondered if that could be used to gain performance cheaply. Based on that and the experience with those laptops running XP Pro I think that the Win7 and faster HD would be the best option. Yours ZB. __________________ Sodomy non sapiens. : I'm buggered if I know