I use the RAMdisk for all programs that are always in use, like anti- virus, Firefox, and few others that are always in use and/or frequently used from disk, like the software is intended to be used.
But i also use the RAMdrive as temp quick disk, I use it mainly for games and heavier applications, as SolidWorks.
Every time I start a program, a batch file copies, the hole folder of a HD to the RAMdisk, and then start the game automatically.
It was lot of work to make the batch file, so for the files to start up with a minimum of work while using it.
How does it work with a batch file.
I use for all the temporary files that go on to the ramdisk a dedicated directory on it, and that i solely use for the temp program files on the RAMdisk.
How did i made my batch file , and what steps are there in the batch file, and for each batch file, I only need to change the file location in the batch file.
Startup batch file
- 1 - Ask if the RAMdisk has to be used [Y/N] input.
2 - If [Y], go to step 4.
3 - If [N] Start file on standard way C:\FILE.BAT.
4 - Display contents of the temporary folder, and displays total and spare disk space of RAMdisk with /dir command.
5 - Displays size of folder that get moved to RAM disk.
6 - Ask for [Y/N] input if other folders need to synchronize, and then removed from RAMdisk.
7 - When [N] go to step 9.
8 - When [Y] start standard remove batch file C:\clean.bat.
9 - Wait for user input (Any key) during file removel /pause.
10 - Copy the folder of local (or network) drive to the RAM disk.
11 - Start program on the RAM disk.
- 1 - Mirroring files with Robocopy, for each folder I have in the clean.bat file and start a separate Robocopy command to synchronize the folder to a folder on the HD, the RAM disk . ( not reliably on XP machines because of a bug !)
2 - Remove contents of the folder.
- Of course, during a reboot or restart also want your files are synchronized , how to do it, read it here.
The Advantages and Disadvantages, for my setup anyway.
- + Can really be much faster than SSDs.
+ Steam has no limits anymore. (but that counts also if you temporarily move your games, its just a lot more work)
+ feeling wise, i have a much faster system when i use the RAMdisk.
+/- Very long file starting time when moving files via network to RAM disk, but after quickly, and still better than getting on a new install or manually copy the archive directory.
- - Expensive!! (X79 + 3930k + 8x8GB RAM, but for me personally it's worth it)
- Longer file start time while moving files to RAMdisk, specially from network drive.
The Suggestion.
Even do the batch file i made works sorta fine, i am no programmer, and a file launcher, shortcut creator would be a hell of a lot better, something like the Deamon-tools ISO mounter.
How should it basically work?
Click on program shortcut/settings file > move complete folder to RAMdisk > start program on fast RAMdisk > sync changes wile or after running program.
How should it work for making the batch/settings file
- Start the launcher/batch-maker.
Look for a folder with installed program eider on disk or on the RAMdisk installed in the dedicated temp program folder.
If installed on the RAMdisk, set a destination folder for permanent storage.
Select executable that needs to be started after folder moves to RAMdisk.
Set minimum free space on RAMdisk after program launches. (some programs need a lot of space storage space for temp files, others uses very little)
Create batch/settings file with how the file should launch.
If on normal storage
Select folder
Select executable
Set minimum free space on RAMdisk after program launches.
Create batch/settings file with how the file should launch, including icon.
How should it work, starting a program whit a batch/settings file
- Click batch/settings file
File sends info and setting to launcher
Launcher asks if you wane use RAMdisk or launch normally. ("don't ask again" option for turning question off)
Launcher checks how big folder is and checks if there will be enough free space is left, as of given in the value in settings file.
If enough space free copy folder to RAMdisk and start program.
if not enough free space
Ask user what folder/program he wants to sync with folder on permanent storage and remove from the RAMdisk.
- Think for Romex doing this could also be a great marketing stunt, by sending licenses to hardware and game review sites.
And for home users they could make this a $5 or $10 option for the Standard and Pro Edition licenses.
Like the with the Standard Edition, you can still only use 8GB for files that are always on the RAMdisk, but give people the option to load more then the 8GB and use the RAMdrive manually true the launcher.
It will almost certainly also not eat in to Pro and Ultimate Edition revenue, as they want to be loaded permanently on the RAMdrive, and the function can be removed from the Standard and Pro Edition for Business License model.