How to Add RAM Without Adding Memory Boards

For best results, use an empty flash drive to allocate all the available memory to RAM.

There is no need to purchase new RAM boards and take apart your computer to install them. In Windows 7 and Vista, you can add additional RAM with a simple flash drive. Windows takes the available memory from the drive and allocates it to RAM, speeding up your system. While the flash drive is being used by the computer, the allocated memory on the drive can't be used to store new files. Any files on the drive will remain undisturbed.

Things You'll Need

• Flash drive

Instructions

1. Insert the flash drive into the computer's USB port.

2. Select "Speed Up My System" in the Autoplay dialog box to open the Properties window. If the Autoplay dialog box doesn't appear, click on the "Computer" or "My Computer" folder. Right-click on the "Removable Disk" icon that represents the flash drive and select "Properties."

3. Click the "Ready Boost" tab in the "Properties" dialog box.

4. Select the amount of space on the flash drive you want to allocate to the computer's RAM. Choose "Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost" to allocate the entire remaining storage, or select "Use this device" to use less than the total available memory.

5. Move the slider left or right, if you selected "Use this device," to manually select the amount of storage that will be used. Underneath the slider, Windows lists the recommended amount of storage needed for optimal performance. Match the recommendation or choose a different amount.

6. Click "Apply" and "OK."

References

• Microsoft: Using Memory in Your Storage Device To Speed Up Your Computer
• Reviewsaurus: Windows Vista -- Use Your Flash Drive as RAM!
• Microsoft: Turn ReadyBoost On or Off For a Storage Device