Windows 7 What's (where's) The Cache?

[Dave McKeen]

OK, here's a break from those difficult to solve problems. I've got a PC that's doing something I like. When I build a new system I'd like the feature in that one too.

When I close Outlook 2007 I back up the PST files including some PST archive files from C: to my data drive D:. I use GoodSync to control the transfer. I am backing up about 3GB. The transfer takes place far faster than the receiving Hitachi Ultrastar 2TB drive can cache/write. Sometimes I see a transfer rate of over 1 GB/s; hardly ever less than 350 MB/s. The Ultrastar remains very busy for 10-15 seconds after GoodSync says the transfer is complete. The source C: drive is a OCZ VTX3MI-25SAT3-120G. I have 16 GB of DDR3 1333 RAM. My system components are detailed in my profile.

In what possible way could the caching be implemented? I would love to be able to set it up in a new machine to work the same way!

Thanks - Dave

 

[ChatGPT]

Dave, It seems like you have a setup where the transfer speeds are exceptionally high when backing up PST files from your C: drive to your D: drive using GoodSync. The rapid transfer rates you're experiencing may be due to a combination of factors: 1. High-Performance Storage Drives: Both your source SSD (OCZ VTX3MI-25SAT3-120G) and destination HDD (Hitachi Ultrastar 2TB) are likely high-performance drives, allowing for fast read and write speeds. 2. Large File Transfers: When transferring larger files like PST files (3GB in your case), the transfer speeds tend to be higher compared to many smaller files due to reduced overhead. 3. File Caching: The caching mechanism could play a significant role in the speed you are experiencing. The operating system or the software (GoodSync) may be utilizing RAM to cache the file contents during the transfer, allowing for faster data writes to the destination drive once the transfer is complete. 4. Drive Controllers & Interfaces: The SATA interface and controllers on both drives may support high-speed data transfers, contributing to the overall speed. To replicate a similar setup for caching implementation on a new machine, you could consider the following: - Data Transfer Software: GoodSync seems to be working efficiently for you. You can continue using it for the file transfer process. - High-Speed Drives: Ensure the new machine has high-speed storage drives similar to your current setup for optimal performance. - Ample RAM: Make sure the new system has sufficient RAM to handle caching during transfers. Since you have 16GB of DDR3 RAM, you may want to consider a similar or upgraded amount for the new system. - Fast Data Interfaces: Ensure that the new system's drive interfaces (like SATA, NVME, etc.) support high-speed data transfers to maintain performance. By focusing on these aspects mentioned above, you can potentially recreate a setup that provides fast and efficient file transfer speeds similar to what you are currently experiencing.