Windows 7 Forums


Windows 7: Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD?

06 Feb 2012  
FliGi7

XP / Win7 x64 Pro
1,838 posts
 
 
Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD?

I recently moved my FF cache to memory using the instructions here:

SSD owners: Set Firefox to memory cache instead of disk



I did this in light of minimizing writes to the SSD in order to prolong its life. However, I'm not really convinced as to whether or not it really has an impact on the life of the drive. I believe this optimization was done several versions of Firefox ago and I'm not sure it's still relevant, considering I was reading up on a Mozilla dev/support site from a while back and they stated they were going to implement better caching into memory in future builds so that users didn't have to make this manual change to benefit from it.

My question is, have any of you moved your cache off SSD? If so, is it to RAM or another drive? I considered just moving it to another drive but am trying the move to RAM currently. I have noticed a bit of a slowdown after doing so in rendering pages (which was also mentioned might happen if you do this) but can't tell if it's just in my head or not.
My System SpecsSystem Spec

06 Feb 2012  
ignatzatsonic

Windows 7 SP1, Home Premium, 64-bit
7,566 posts
 
 

I have moved my Firefox cache to a spinning drive, purely to reduce writes to the SSD.

Probably silly, pointless, and a gross over-reaction.

I don't notice any performance impact.

I wasn't aware of "memory cache". I'm still on Firefox 5.0.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
06 Feb 2012  
pparks1

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
8,025 posts
 
 

I'm not that worried about writes to my SSD. I'm sure it will last plenty long enough with the browser cache writing to it.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


06 Feb 2012  
GeneO

Windows 7 64 bit SP1
1,465 posts
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by FliGi7 View Post
I recently moved my FF cache to memory using the instructions here:

SSD owners: Set Firefox to memory cache instead of disk

I did this in light of minimizing writes to the SSD in order to prolong its life. However, I'm not really convinced as to whether or not it really has an impact on the life of the drive. I believe this optimization was done several versions of Firefox ago and I'm not sure it's still relevant, considering I was reading up on a Mozilla dev/support site from a while back and they stated they were going to implement better caching into memory in future builds so that users didn't have to make this manual change to benefit from it.

My question is, have any of you moved your cache off SSD? If so, is it to RAM or another drive? I considered just moving it to another drive but am trying the move to RAM currently. I have noticed a bit of a slowdown after doing so in rendering pages (which was also mentioned might happen if you do this) but can't tell if it's just in my head or not.
I have a 3GB Friefox cache on my SSD. I also have tmp and Photoshop caches on it. At my current usage, the SSD will wear out in 13 years. I will be either dead or spoon fed in a nursing home by then.

Wear leveling in modern SSD is very good. You should not worry about wearing your SSD out with caches, etc.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
06 Feb 2012  
FliGi7

XP / Win7 x64 Pro
1,838 posts
 
 

This is something I figured, but it's always good to hear positive reinforcement.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
06 Feb 2012  
GeneO

Windows 7 64 bit SP1
1,465 posts
 
 

Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by ignatzatsonic View Post
I have moved my Firefox cache to a spinning drive, purely to reduce writes to the SSD.

Probably silly, pointless, and a gross over-reaction.

I don't notice any performance impact.

I wasn't aware of "memory cache". I'm still on Firefox 5.0.

He is talking about RAM disk. Really it is silly, use the SSD for what it is intended - high IOPs for small random reads and writes - like the browser cache. You will have aged significantly before your SSD wears out from this, but you will have replace it before then
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01 Sep 2012  
stereo

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
499 posts
 
 

I removed my Mozilla Firefox cache, to another partitition ( HDD )
The OS is on SSD. Should i change it back, guys ?
Does it really affect the lifetime of the SSD ? I have this SSD since last November.
Would Mozilla Firefox open faster with the cache browser on SSD ?
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01 Sep 2012  
GeneO

Windows 7 64 bit SP1
1,465 posts
 
 

No it doesn't affect the lifetime. In fact I use both chrome and Firefox and have their caches on the SSD in addition to my Photoshop caches and scratch space and also a 640MB pagefile. I also have secure erased the SSD and reinstalled windows a dozen times. I have been running that way for a near a year and I still have 14 power on years of erase cycles left on my SSD.
Attached Thumbnails
Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD?-capture.jpg  
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01 Sep 2012  
Layback Bear

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. SP-1
8,766 posts
Northern Ohio
 
 

I don't mess with the cache on my SSD. Intel has a 5 year warranty. They or I don't care how many reads or wrights. It's fast and it works and that is why I got it.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
02 Sep 2012  
A Guy

Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
32,114 posts
Bay Area Peninsula
 
 

I have everything on my SSD, I'm not worried about writes:

Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD?-life.jpg

SSD Life Free (scroll down to free version)

SSDLife download page - freeware, professional and portable version downloads.

A Guy
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Reply

 Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD? problems?



Thread Tools



Similar help and support threads for: Did you move your Firefox cache into RAM/off your SSD?
Thread Forum
How do i move firefox's cache off my ssd? Browsers & Mail
Firefox freezing, unless I move Browsers & Mail
Mozilla Firefox 4 Beta 6 Cache Issues? Browsers & Mail
Solved Firefox Cache Browsers & Mail


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:58 PM.



Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd