How to Use a Flash Drive as RAM

If your computer seems slow, and you have already gone through the standard things to remedy the problem like making sure there are no viruses, spyware, or adware on it, defragmenting the hard drive, clearing your browser cache, etc,. it may be because your system needs more RAM. RAM is pretty much the short term memory of the computer. It works with the processor (the brain) to multi-task. RAM can easily be added to your system (if you are not already at maximum capacity for your motherboard, and you have available slots). However, RAM can get expensive, and even after you max out your motherboard you may need more. Using your Flash Drive as RAM is a quick,easy, and not to mention, cheaper way to increase system memory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Windows Vista (CANNOT be done with previous versions of Windows)
• Flash Drive

1. Insert your flash drive into a USB port. If you have auto play enabled, there should be an option in the menu that appears that says, "Speed Up My System" that will allow you to enable ReadyBoost and skip to the final step (step 6).
2. Open the My Computer tab.
3. Find the drive letter that your flash drive is occupying. Your computer will automatically assign the next available letter in the list when you plug it in. If you have one hard drive, and two disc drives, this means that your next drive letter is F. However, if you have multiple drives (hard drives, disk drives, removable disk drives, etc), or partitions, the letter will be further down the list.
4. Right click the drive letter, and choose properties.
5. Look for the ReadyBoost Tab, and select it.
6. Look for the option to enable the flash drive as RAM, and allocate the amount of space on the drive you wish to use as RAM. Remember, most systems (even newer ones) max out at 4GB RAM. So if you have a drive larger than that, or 2GB RAM already, you need to remember this limitation so as to prevent damage to your system.

Tips & Warnings

• You should be running a minimum of 512MB real RAM before trying this nifty little trick.
• Flash Memory will help your RAM, but it is not the same type of memory as RAM, and can be expected to run a little slower.
• Do not rely on this to be your memory upgrade long because it cannot take the place of real RAM; you should upgrade to real RAM sticks as soon as possible, or upgrade your motherboard if you can no longer upgrade your RAM.
• If you are not seeing the option to use readyboost, then your flash drive does not meet the minimum read rate/data transfer speed to be used as RAM. When it comes to choosing a flash drive to use as RAM, look at the specifications before you purchase it to see if it is readyboost compatible.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.