Write-Cache buffering in Windows 7

You can get a somewhat risky boost to hard drive performance by turning off Write-Cache Buffer Flushing. This option stops the operating system from copying the hard drive's buffer to the storage platters at regular intervals, instead leaving the buffered information to be copied and cleared when its full. The result is a faster hard drive performance, but you do risk losing buffered information should the hard drive ever lose power.

To turn off Windows Write-cache buffer flushing:

In the 'Start' menu, type "Device Manager" into the 'search' bar. Under the 'Disk Drives' tab, you'll find your current hard drives listed. Right click on the desired drive and go to "Properties". Under the 'Policies' tab, you'll find the "Turn off Windows 7 Write-Cache Buffer Flushing" checkbox. Turn it on and you're all set!