Today, many programs use large amounts of memory while operating, so computers with small RAM will have a hard time handling them. Therefore, use your large USB drive as RAM, so that your system can handle more operations. The method? Just look at this article.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a USB Drive as RAM in Windows XP
Step 1. Make sure your USB drive size is above 2GB
Erase the entire contents of the drive, then connect the drive to the PC.
Step 2. Right-click on the My Computer icon
From the context menu, select Properties
Step 3. Click the Advanced tab
Step 4. Click on Settings, which is located under Performance
Step 5. Click the Advanced tab
Step 6. Click Change under Virtual memory
Step 7. Select your USB drive
Step 8. Choose a Custom size:, then enter the following values:
- Initial Size:1020
- Maximum size:1020
- The size of memory you can use will depend on the size of the drive, so adjust the value according to the free space on your USB drive.
Step 9. Click Set, then click OK
Step 10. Restart the computer with the USB drive plugged in
Computer speed will also increase.
Method 2 of 2: Using a USB Drive as RAM in Windows Vista, 7, and 8
Step 1. Insert the USB drive into the computer, then format the drive
Step 2. Right-click on the drive, then select Properties
Step 3. Click the ReadyBoost tab, then click Use this device
Step 4. Adjust the maximum amount of space to be used on the drive as memory
Step 5. Click OK, then Apply
Step 6. Now, your drive can be used as RAM
Tips
- You must be logged in as Administrator to perform the above steps.
- If you are using Windows 7, start from steps 1 and 2. A different window will appear. Click Advanced system settings in the sidebar, then follow the steps that appear.
Warning
- Using a USB drive as RAM will shorten the life of the drive. Flash memory-based USB drives can only be written to a certain number of times. Generally, you can use a USB drive for long periods of time, but if the drive is used as RAM, millions of transfers will be performed, thereby reducing the life of the drive.
- Do not remove the USB drive while in use. Your computer will crash. However, to fix this, all you have to do is reconnect the drive and restart the computer.
