Question:
How to get rid of unwanted cached memory?
Garrincha
2012-09-11 04:53:44 UTC
My PC is working very slow, and I believe it is mostly because I have a lot memory that is in cache.
How do i get rid of it?
Five answers:
Tweeter & the MonkeyMan
2012-09-11 05:30:35 UTC
wrong problem..



cache memory is supposed to speed up your system, not slow things down.

The fastest memory in your computer is also the most expensive.

there are registers built right into the processor.

usually right on the same chip, the manufacturer will add a small amount of extra memory.. but since it isn't part of the processor it isn't quite as fast. (Level 1 or L1 cache)

Modern processors may have Level 2, and even level 3 cache memory as part of the CPU package.

... each is a little larger, and a little further from the central core, so a bit slower.



Then we add RAM memory to the machine; this is pretty fast as memory goes, but information needs to travel across the motherboard to the CPU, making it even slower. Fortunately, in recent years RAM has become pretty cheap, so we can use a lot of it.



Finally, all the rest of your programs, data, and information is stored on something like a hard disk.

Instead of having to search the entire hard disk for files you were just using, we set aside part of the hard drive as a "swap" file, or a "system cache".



When the CPU wants new data or program instructions, it checks

.. its own registers,

.. L1 cache

.. L2 cache

... any other cache levels

... system RAM

... the swap file or system cache that was set aside on the hard disk..

.. then searches the entire hard drive



You want cache memory.. and you want as much as your system can handle. Cache memory is always faster than searching the hard disk. (nearly always)

You also want to see "high" use numbers. IF cache memory is not being used at 90-100%, then something might be wrong..



No, unwanted cache isn't a real problem. You probably have too may programs running, or maybe a virus or two. Get a good antivirus program, or save your data and rebuild your operating system.
?
2012-09-11 05:19:28 UTC
That is unlikely to be the problem. I recommend trying some maintenance first to see how it goes.



Run you antivirus and antimalware programs to remove viruses and other malware.



Visit Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista and Windows 7) and uninstall programs you no longer use or need. If you're hard drive is too full it could slow down Windows. When hard drive free space is low enough the OS will show an error message. Uninstall large programs like 3D games to get some free space. Media files take up a lot of space. Backup or delete video and audio files you no longer use.



Open Windows Explorer and right click the C: drive. Select Properties. On the General tab you'll see a button, Disk Cleanup. Run Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files on the hard drive.



Analyze your hard drive with Disk Defragmenter. If it says to, defragment the hard drive. If you're OS is Windows Vista or 7 then you can skip this step since both those defragment the hard drive automatically.



Run Windows Update and download all of the updates and drivers.



You might try running CCleaner to remove unused registry keys.



If none of the above helped then it might be time to refresh the PC. The first way is following the manufacturer's instructions to to a factory restore. A restore will re-image the hard drive which will reset everything back to when it was first new. Any files or programs that have been added since the computer was new will be deleted so make sure to backup your personal files. After the restore you can reinstall your programs and move over your personal files from your backup.



If your PC doesn't have a restore function from the manufacturer then then the next thing you could try is reinstalling the OS. You'll need a copy of the OS on disc. Booting from the disc will start the installer.



The instructions are a bit different if you're using XP vs Vista and 7. What you want to do is delete all the partitions on your hard drive then create a new one. Deleting the current partitions will wipe out anything on the hard drive so backup any files you want to keep.



Create a new partition and format the new partition. From there you will be able to install the OS. Once the OS is installed run Windows Update and download everything. Visit the manufacturer's web site and search your for model number. You'll find all the drivers for your computer if you need them.



- Dominic
Caroline
2016-02-23 00:26:28 UTC
Extra files on a computer don't necessarily result in a slowdown. If your machine is from the Windows XP era (with 512 meg, it sounds like it), the machine may just be running too much at one time. I have a theory that XP machines have gradually bogged down over the years because they came with what's now insufficient RAM. I added half a gigabyte of RAM to my two XP machines and they're running much better. First, find out how much RAM your machine already has, this way: 1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties. 2. At the right-bottom of the General tab you should find the amount of memory it currently has. Then dig up the specifications for the computer. If you have an HP, go to the HP website and look them up there. They may no longer be in the Find My Computer search, but if you search the website for your computer model number, the documents should still be around (mine was). See if the computer can handle more RAM than you currently have. If it can, note the EXACT kind and speed and how many slots you have to fill (usually two). That's the amount to get. Read up on the steps to install it (not difficult) or have someone "throw it into the machine" for you. The memory modules for my machines (I needed three) went for $12.99 each. Hope that helps.
Konakona
2012-09-11 05:07:59 UTC
cached memory = memory being used by current running processes or recently opened applications.



open up task manager (ctrl+shift+esc), go to performance, then look at the 2nd graph. This is your current memory usage. Open up things you normally open up at the same time, the ones that are most demanding. If your current ram usage is above 90% usge, you may want to consider adding more ram.

If its below 90%, its not likely your ram causing slowdowns.
2012-09-11 06:07:57 UTC
Install CCleaner, run it & clear everything. It's free.

http://www.piriform.com/

Then defragment the hard disk. Smart Defrag from IOBit is free.

http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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