System Cache Size...

[Jim B]

I've got 512MB of memory. I sometimes notice that things
get really slow when trying to call up a new program or
switch between tasks. It seems like it's swapping out
lots of memory. I look at the memory being being used by
programs and its not much. I do notice that the system
cache is huge when I look at the performance meter. What
exactly is the system cache and how can I throttle it
down?
Thanks,

Jim

 

[Paul B T Hodges]

You shouldn't have a memory problem with 512 MB

Windows grows the system cache when it can't find any other use for the
memory. It soon grabs it back if it needs it. Therefore if the system cache
is huge (how huge?) then there shouldn't be a problem.

XP is set by default to optimize memory for program use,

check under

control panel/system/advanced/performance settings/advanced

Are you sure the problem isn't due to a badly fragmented disk, or the
\windows\prefetch directory having lots of redundant files in it, or purely
a cpu issue.

Paul