can't believe I'm defragmenting a flashstick

[Flasherly]

My binary W7 OS (5G) - multiple volumes got corrupted when I added
another, later OS binary files into the same directory. Name
conventions and probably a DOS mistake (should have moved them apart
and into directories).

Had to reinstall W7 (off a flashstick, as a result, which is nice -
very, except for physically disconnecting all other drivers).
Relatively fast for 10 minutes - maybe another 30 to setup the
essentials I need that OS for.

Making a flashstick backup of those images now, (did another set after
the install), which I didn't have, think to do on the piror OS.

Normal writes on an older 32G flashstick weren't, tho, 5Kb/sec. These
are 2G segmented FAT32 binary image files and should do better - at
least 10Kb/sec, more like 15 to 20Kb/s I get with my best flashsticks.

Consolidating half a 32G stick, via a defragger, is also sucking raw
eggs timewise. Shouldn't, but just wanted to see if that'll improve
transfer rates (SSD to USB2 flashstick).

Much more of this I'd like to investigate a short-slot x1 PCI ribbon
conversion for a USB3 PCI board. Problem is the overhead and crap of
buying stuff nowadays isn't worth it, considering prices on a new
value MB - often close to $30 (what those two items might cost, a
conversion ribbon and USB board - of course if a "value MB" now means
no PCI slots, so/thus x1 PCI conversion cables should be as well
investigated).

I looked up the defination of computer, btw, in a dictionary - it
says: A hole you must resist throwing your money into. Must be in
newly revised lexigraphy.

 

[Flasherly]

Shouldn't, but just wanted to see if that'll improve
transfer rates (SSD to USB2 flashstick).

Doubled transfer speeds. Empirical evidence that shows a flashstick
is not a SSD.

 

[Paul]

Doubled transfer speeds. Empirical evidence that shows a flashstick
is not a SSD.

I don't think you can be assured of anything.

http://web.archive.org/web/20071013...ir.com/_faq/FAQ_flash_drive_wear_leveling.pdf

There is an LBA to PBA mapping. I don't know of
any way to reset it. Formatting does not reset it.

On an SSD, it's possible "Secure Erase" ATA command,
could be used as a hint to the drive. Secure Erase
applies to the entire drive at the physical level.

There is no "Secure Erase" for USB flash drives.
And consequently, no way to hint about the handing
of LBA to PBA.

You're gathering LBAs together, and causing fewer references
to FAT table or $MFT, that sort of thing. Perhaps there
is some improvement from that aspect. In which case,
copying the data off, do a quick format, copy the
data back, reduces the number of fragments and perhaps
reduces references to the tables. But I'm not convinced
there is any way to force the USB flash key to be
entirely "minty fresh" like the day it came from
the factory. There is a better possibility of that,
with the SSD, because it supports the ATA command
set.

You would need the factory software, capable of
talking to the controller on the USB key. And
while such software does exist for some small
number of controllers, this is generally not
something you can find for every USB flash
ever made. Most, you will not find the factory
software available.

Paul

 

[Flasherly]

I don't think you can be assured of anything.

I was using the SMI, I just measured**
(Most, all but one of) flashsticks I do have for
w(rite) vs r(ead) speeds in Mb/sec:

KingstonDataTraveler w4.3 r17.9 (white) 16G
! OCZRALLY2 w7.7 r29 (black) 4G
! _PatriotMemory w-7.6 r-26.5 (liteblue) 8G
SanDisk Cruzer w4.5 r17.6 (retractable) 8G
! SMI w7.1 r25.2 Mb_sec (brown)32G

(**freeware)
USBDeview v2.35 (c)2006 - 2014 Nir Sofer
Web Site: http://www.nirsoft.net
Description -USBDeview is a small utility that lists all USB devices
that currently connected to your computer, as well as all USB devices
that you previously used.
For each USB device, extended information is displayed: Device
name/description, device type, serial number (for mass storage
devices), the date/time that device was added, VendorID, ProductID,
and more... (speed test -fl)



No - of course not, there's no way, in preparation (w/ practically
..not. supplied flashstick software), to derive for optimal performance
(whether or not, then, sub-optimally a premise and condition of
enduser usages);- 'fraid the best, as good as it gets - are those
tables and reviews with speed test postings provided by endusers kind
enough to post their performance results when buying the product(s).

Encouraging paper - layering the controller algorithms between
expected LBA and proprietary PBA stopgaps - though, Corsair's provided
(expected, even, having a premier standing among those sorts of
providers) -- especially the longevity expectancy in following an
explanation of static/dynamic wear-leveling techniques/alternatives
practiced by flashstorage industry.

Suppose, if SMI bears the remotest resemblance to factors imparted by
Corsair drive specsheets, I could/ought further continue with regular
defragmentation floggings - given such indications of improvement,
measurably ascertained for nigh 5Kb/sec speed improvements are,
indeed, consequent or within continued expectations.

I just may take "it" (quite - on such assurances). Or at least
periodically for something to do - toss in the ol' SMI 32G flashstick
for a fresh&lively grind by UltimateDefrag 3 Disk Trix Inc. - when
"consolidation levels" occupy wider matrices than Disk Trix does
rather conveniently at least offer to provide;- inasmuch in awhile, or
more time, to accomplish (cleaner delineated LBA boundary
definitions), mind, but for such occasions across 32G capacity, (not
really that often), timelier would indubitably sound better to a
credo, at least for me, when -- what's needed is better
commiseratively at hand, than all sorts of imaginable alternatives,
really, when not.

It's getting worse, though, Paul. I've caught myself, of late,
watching those 128G flashsticks - "bottom of the barrel" sales and
other excuses to buy more in mass quantities.