If your computer uses an AGP graphics card, then it is important
that you do not set your minimum cache size to less than the size
of your AGP aperture. This is usually 64Mb, but the exact setting
can be found in your computers bios setup. Setting the maximum cache
size to less than the aperture size can cause poor video performance
or even system lockups.
1) What is CacheMaster?
2) System Information
3) Settings
4) Preset Configurations
5) Uninstalling
1) What is CacheMaster?
CacheMaster simplifies the task of specifying how Windows uses your computer's memory. Windows splits a your computer's memory into a number of different sections, often called caches. The default cache settings are often not the most optimum settings. The default settings are set to provide for general computer use. In other words, they are geared towards a "one size fits all" configuration. However, a 3D videogame uses memory much differently than a database program or a file browser. Tailoring these memory settings to specific actions results in a much more effecient use of your memory and better system performance.
2) System Information
This part of CacheMaster shows the current state of your computer system.
Physical Memory:
This is the actual RAM contained within your computer. The blue gauge corresponds with the "Load" label, showing the percentage of system RAM that is being used.
Virtual Memory:
This is a little trickier. In order to ensure that your computer never runs out of memory, Windows keeps a file on your hard drive which is often referred to as the "swap file". If ever your memory starts getting a little on the full side, Windows will remove some of the data from your memory and write it to this swap file. Generally Windows looks for data that hasn't been used recently. So the virtual memory system basically allows Windows to extend your memory onto your hard drive, giving you gigabytes more space to work with. The trouble is that since the hard drive is vastly slower than RAM, it is preferable to not have to rely on this swap file too heavily. The Virtual Memory gauge shows you how much of your swap file is currently in use.
Total Memory:
This gauge just combines the Physical Memory with the Virtual Memory to show how much of your total available system memory is in use.
Disk Cache Current Size:
This gauge is what it's all about! Picture this gauge being your physical memory (RAM). The blue represents your disk cache size. So if the blue is halfway across the gauge, then half your RAM is being used by the cache.
3) Settings
This section will explain the various memory settings to help you to understand how best to configure your system.
Keep On Top:
Selecting this just causes CacheMaster to remain on top of all other windows. It's handy for watching how the gauges are effected by opening and closing other programs.
Shrink:
Shrinks the size of CacheMaster so that only the gauges are showing.
Gauge Refresh Speed:
This sets how often CacheMaster refreshes the various resource gauges. Setting a faster refresh, like 1/4 Second, gives a more precise readout of resource changes but also uses up more resources and processor time.
Min Disk Cache/Max Disk Cache:
Did you ever notice that the first time you open a program it takes such a long time to load, but if you shut it down and reopen it right away it takes mere seconds? This is the result of the disk cache. Windows sets aside a chunk of your memory to store recently used files. It takes longer to open a program the first time as all the components need to be read from the hard drive and placed into memory. But once you close the program those components aren't immediately removed from memory, instead they reside in the disk cache. This is why it's so much quicker the second time. By default the disk cache has no minimum or maximum values, but rather it grows and shrinks as needed. Unfortunately, this can result in the cache growing so large that it takes up the majority of your memory with items you no longer need. The Min Disk Cache and Max Disk Cache sliders allow you to set the minimum and maximum values for the cache. If you set a slider to "0", then it returns control of that setting to Windows. As a general rule of thumb, if you are going to be using your computer in such a manner that you will be opening and closing numerous files then you may wish to create a larger cache. You may wish to set your cache smaller if you intend to do something that requires a large amount of free memory, such as playing videogames or writing CD's. Finally, if you set the minimum value equal to the maximum value, it can result in better performance as your system no longer will have to expend resources constantly resizing the cache. But the exact settings are very much based on specific systems and specific uses, and it is suggested you do some experimenting to find a configuration which works best for you.
Chunksize:
The data that your computer loads into memory is gathered together in little groups called "chunks". This slider allows you to change the size of the chunks to whatever size gives the best performance. Again, experimentation is required to find what works best. A smaller chunksize results in more efficient memory usage but can degrade system performance, while a larger chunksize can give better system performance but at the cost of inefficient memory usage. So if you have a good amount of memory but have a slower CPU, then perhaps a larger chunksize would be better. Alternately, if you have a relatively small amount of memory then consider using a smaller chunksize. Finally, the type of activity you use your computer for may be considered as well. If you primarily work with smaller files, then lean toward a smaller chunksize, while if you work with bigger files, then lean toward a larger size. But again, it may require some experimentation to find a setting that's right for you.
Name Cache/Path Cache:
Windows uses a small chunk of memory to store names and paths of files so as to speed up access to these files. The NameCache and PathCache settings show the maximum number of file names or file paths that Windows will store. Since the amount of memory used for these purposes is relatively small, it is suggested that you go ahead and set them to the maximum setting. However, if you have a small amount of memory or using programs requiring every last bit you have, then the settings can be reduced to return that memory to the system.
System Tweaks:
Be warned that these settings should be used with caution. Try setting one at a time to ensure stable performance. I use all these settings with no problems, but that doesn't mean they will work for everyone.
Increase active application CPU priority:
Selecting this option gives open programs more processor time than background processes. By default, Windows gives all processes equal CPU time. This setting gives greater CPU time to the programs that are actively being used, which means that the CPU will tend to process commands from the program you're using before processing background tasks. This can make your programs more responsive.
Increase PCI priority:
This gives more processor time to data exchanges on the PCI bus. The PCI bus is where many of the hardware devices like sound cards and videocards reside.
Increase DRAM priority:
This gives more processor time to data exchanges from memory.
Increase AGP priority:
This gives more processor time to data exchanges from the AGP bus. This is only to be used if your computer has an AGP based video card.
Conservative Virtual Memory:
Selecting this option forces Windows to only use virtual memory when physical memory runs out. Normally Windows begins using virtual memory immediately to help ensure ample free memory. This can degrade system performance since it causes unnecessary use of virtual memory. So this setting doesn't allow Windows to use the virtual memory unless it absolutely has to, which isn't a bad idea.
Force unload of DLL files:
Dll files are system files that programs often use, and many times these files get loaded into memory along with the programs using them. By default Windows just leaves them there in case they need to be used again. This setting forces Windows to remove unused Dll files from memory.
Once you have finished modifying your settings, click the "Apply" button. You will then be asked if you want to restart Windows. AHA, so you knew there had to be a catch! Yep, you'll have to do a reboot before the settings can be applied. Note: if any sliders are set to "0", the associated label will read "Disabled". This means the control of that setting has been returned to windows.
See the online help for more information on these settings.
4) Preset Configurations
CacheMaster comes with several preset configurations that can be used. Simply select the desired configuration either from the dropdown combo box above the settings sliders or from the Presets menu at the top of the program. The presets are based on your actual system memory, and if you add more memory they will be automatically updated to reflect this. To briefly describe the settings:
3D Gaming: good for today's memory-intensive 3D games.
CD Writer: these settings can help to avoid buffer problems that seem to plague CD writers.
Current Settings: this is the configuration that existed when the program was launched.
File Server: this is a configuration that could be useful for a file server (duh).
Multimedia: if you're playing large video files or watching DVD movies, try these.
Original Settings: this was how everything was set prior to using CacheMaster.
Power User: for someone using numerous big programs, like Microsoft Office.
Standard Use: a good default for doing average, everyday activities like internet browsing.
To add a new preset, just set all the sliders where you want them and click the "Add" button. You will then be prompted for a name for the preset. Type in the name and your preset has been saved. To remove a preset, just select the preset and click the "Remove" button. Simple!
5) Uninstalling
Cachemaster can be uninstalled through the Windows Add/Remove Programs dialog, however it is suggested that you either select the Original Settings preset or set all sliders to "0" prior to uninstalling. Setting all sliders to "0" returns control of the cache to Windows.
Thank you for trying CacheMaster, I hope you find it as useful as I do. Have a great day!
