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Caution on using CF as windows boot
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New MessageCaution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) tfhnotlt4char
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Just a caution on using compact flash cards for windows boots. Most CF cards have unlimited read cycles, but they also have a limit on the number of write cycles you can perform. Its some insane number for most chips, like a few hundred thousand to a million. Obviously a 'so what' for taking pictures or copying some files, but a huge issue if you're using the cf to host a swap file or anything else that might do a few thousand write cycles or more per day. I think some flash chips have more available write cycles than others, and perhaps someone has one that has a ridiculously high limit (or has eliminated this limitation). Just a heads up...this might definitely be a microdrive application...
11-14-2001 11:02:50

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) ranman
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Tfhnoltlt4char,

What you have brought up is an important point. It has been brought up on other boards, but I think this is the first time anyone has mentioned it here.

I would certainly like to know an average time a CF card would last with windows running on it. Any ideas? Are you thinking weeks or months?

I currently am using a 340mb microdrive. When I bought it, it was quite a bit less than a 256mb CF card. I wish I were able to report on the reliability of a CF card running windows but I can't as I don't have one. I can relate though, that the microdrive has been running windows98 perfectly since August.

And it even sustains temperatures that will burn your finger by touching it for more than a few seconds. Of course, heat like that isn't good for it. So, fortunately, it seems to be running far cooler now - not sure why, but maybe because I got rid of a whole bunch of extra space wasting junk.

Also, how many times could the internal sandisk support having an OS image written to it? Would each write count as 1 write cycle to each sector/byte/unit?

ranman

11-14-2001 12:56:12

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) tfhnotlt4char
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I dont think the heat is as much of a problem, and to be fair i suspect it would last months...i think the # of write cycles has improved with newer flash. Older ones may be a lot more problematic though.

On your last question, AFAIK the # of write cycles is dependent on the architecture of the particular flash modules in use. A write is not performed while you stay within the boundaries of a particular area, so a series of small sequential writes wont trigger the same # of actual writes. the only thing that would concern me is using it for virtual memory, a page/swap file, or a medium sized database of some sort that takes frequent updates.

I ordered a 340mb microdrive myself. I liked the idea of no moving parts/noise with the flash option, but for $65 more i got an extra 90mb of space, more speed and no concerns about the write cycle issue.

11-15-2001 10:13:41

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) atemybuick
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I've been thinking about CF life too. According to SanDisk product manual (registration required), the minimum number of erase write cycles per block is 300,000 for their cards.

Hope this helps.

11-15-2001 10:52:45

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) smee
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Does anybody have a good source for 340Mmicrodrives? I can find 1G drives everywhere but I'm having trouble with the 340M ones.
11-15-2001 12:24:25

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) halljb
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I just ordered mine from http://www.cititronics.com . The 340mb version is $145, or $149 with pcmcia adapter. You can check http://www.pricewatch.com and search on 'microdrive' for more sources.
11-15-2001 13:56:20

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) ranman
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halljb,
That is where I ordered mine from. I got mine with the PCMCIA adapter. It also came with a nice plastic case for the microdrive by itself, as well as the plastic case for the microdrive while in the adapter. I am surprised the prices haven't come down more than that. I got mine for $175 back in March.


How about that new compact flash type I 1gig hard drive? Costs some $800? Jeesh.


ranman

11-15-2001 15:51:35

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) tfhnotlt4char
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check ebay. someone is selling a zook of them for $120 with the cf adapter. may be used, the ad wasnt clear. past that there were a bunch of the 340's selling for under $150 with adapter, you can even nab a 1gb model with 'buyitnow' for under $300. that might be the way to go, spend a few extra $ on a larger drive instead of ripping your hair out trying to get stuff jammed into a little flash or small cf drive.
11-15-2001 17:46:37

New MessageRE:Caution on using CF as windows boot (modified 0 times) realmojo
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Newegg.com has the 1GB microdrive drive for $299 plus $7 FedEx saver.

Actually, I just looked it up again and they've raised the price to $310. Still, the extra space could come in handy.

11-16-2001 07:22:29

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