How-To Geek

I think I now have proof that the file transfer rate is pretty irrelevant for the OS performance on a SSD and that all the performance boost comes from the fast access time.

Here is the setup that gave me the clue:

1. I installed Windows 8 in VMware running on my desktop M4 SSD
2. Then I copied the VMware folder to a USB attached Mushkin 60GB SSD
3. I ran Windows 8 off the Mushkin attached via USB3
4. The I ran Windows 8 on the Mushkin via USB2

These are my findings:

a) there seems to be absolutely no performance difference whether I ran on USB3 or USB2 or from the internal M4 SSD

b) what was really surprising was that the boot time (as to Event100 in Event Viewer) was always around 35 sec from the internal M4, but it is 25 sec from the USB3 AND USB2 ports

c) there are a few adjustments that the system and VMware seem to make when you move the VMware folder around. The system made adjustments the first time it detected the moved folder. That was automatic and was only the first time.

VMware seems to make adjustments when you do the first shutdown from the external disk. The Windows 8 shutdown itself was 3 sec (Event 200) but VMware took a couple of minutes to shut everything down - both when I first attached to USB3 and then again on USB2. But that is also only on the first shutdown.

Conclusion: Regardsless whether you attach the SSD on a 5Gb, 6Gb or 480Mb channel, the performance is the same. The transfer speed does not seem to matter.

Installing the OS with VMware on an external SSD is a nice and very flexible option.

Rick, I was not out for collecting artificial data. This is a real life experience and I was somewhat amazed myself. In the meantime I have booted a few more times both on USB2 and USB3. The boot times vary (don't ask me why) with a spread of 25 sec to 41 sec. But that is still pretty good considering that it runs under VMware.

As far as normal operation is concerned like opening programs, a browser or an OS page, I cannot see any difference to the native performance from my M4 in the desktop. If you measured it, there may be some. But I go by what I see and feel in the real world.

In the meantime, I have also copied the VMware system to a 5400RPM HDD and attached that via USB2. That one is slower, but not too bad. It is very useable with a little delay when calling a page or program first time. But thereafter it is in the RAM cache and goes fast.

I was really testing OS portability using VMware. I run my Windows 8 in VMware and wanted to find a path to carry it to Germany for the summer - rather than starting there from scratch. The acid test is still whether it will run on another system and with a different IP address (because of the activation). I will test the other system variant tomorrow on my laptop and the IP varient on a friend's system. So the performance aspects of the tests are really only a side effect.

I sort of have the same feeling WHS... Wife's system has only ONE SATAIII port. Originally came with a 1TB SATAIII drive. Before getting the system I bought a Vertex 4 SATAIII. One of those had to go onto a SATAII port. Originally I put the Vertex on SATAII and then customized the system on the orig. drive copying it over to the SSD sporadically. Booting off of both to make sure all was OK. Of course the SSD screamed and was clearly faster than the mechanical. When satisified all was well, I switched the ports. Although I have no numbers, I really could not tell any apparent difference on the SSD, but the mechanical just seemed to take a little longer to boot.

Booting isn't just about data flowing off or a drive, a lot of other variables come into play, such as device initialization, bus congestion, number of services and processes started, and of course Internet response if connected. It is a chain, and the 'weakest' link is what determines boot speed, especially when all the links are aggregated together. Heck, I've got a program, StartUpCop from PC Mag. that monitors the startup process and will alert me when one app/service it taking too long. I don't get many alerts, but I do get them occasionally. Hardly ever the same one (I think it checks the events).

I also think 'garbage collection' has a lot to do with boot speed, as it might be done prior to system boot (will not appear in event 200). On occasion I see longer delays on W8 before the spinning dots first appear (relative delay compared to other boots).

Irv S.

Feelings are a Good Thing, however they can Never Repeal the laws of Physics and Mathematics.

Until someone comes up with some Firm Bench Marks and Calculations, I'll stick with known mathematical theory.

I'm the product of my profile which I cannot change. (LOL) :) :)

Rick P.

I read the Specs on everything I eat. (LOL) :) :)

Now you really got Rick going - on AMD versus Intel. Watch this space. LOL

This tells one all they need to know about the difference between Intel and AMD. :)

Intel Corporation
NASDAQ: INTC - Jan 25 4:00pm ET
20.96 +0.01‎ (0.05%‎)

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
NYSE: AMD - Jan 25 4:00pm ET
2.85 +0.06‎ (2.15%‎)

Why AMD's Stock Collapsed And How It Can Recover
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gr.....n-recover/
"While AMD’s chips are competitive at the lower and middle ends of the PC market, it has an insignificant presence in the high margin upper-end of the market."

OK then we go with Main Stream CPUs and Performance Bench Marks. :)

Just a sample random search.
http://www.tomshardware.com/re.....28-10.html

Yeah, Marketing and the Kick backs

For the things an "average" user does with their machine it makes little difference which brand they have in their box. In today's economic times I lay that right on the line with my customers. I let them know if they want Intel they can have it. But to satisfy their "ego" in lieu of a less expensive CPU that will more than take care of what they need to do with their box is their choice. Most opt for the AMD option for good reason. That's why my customers use me. I am frank, honest and operate with their interests in mind. I find out what they will be using their PC for then recommend a few builds based on those needs. No reason why someone surfing web, email. some photo editing and word processing needs a top of the line Intel CPU. Hardware should fit the customers needs. A little oversell now to make a few more $$ will come back later if they ever realize they didn't actually need that more expensive hardware. Then I lose all future business from that person. Basic rule of sales: ask qualifying questions to ascertain needs. Then present a solution based on those needs.