Scenery Library Cache Size

[Beery]

What is a good cache size setting (in the scenery library screen) to get the most from scenery add-ons?  I've tried various numbers, but am not sure how the cache works or where it resides (in RAM or on the hard disk), or what percentage of memory I should use for it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I've searched the forums but found no messages regarding this issue.

[packercolinl]

Not sure either but I see cache size as being how
big is the box. You can increase the cache size by selecting SETTINGS and going to SCENERY LIBRARY
etc. I have found that some scenery will go to
Scenerydb or Addon depending on what the author
directs and if you choose to run it as 'cache'
rather than 'direct' it can stuff up GPS and all your
mapping and icons. I believe the 'cache' size will
possibly direct itself to create a new folder if you
exceed the initial program intention. Apart from that,
I've increased my cache size to 200 in anticipation
of loading it up and it hasn't said I can't.

[Hagar]

Providing you have all default scenery on your HD I suggest using the lowest possible Cache size of 10 Mb. Also check the "Use this scenery directly" option when activating 3rd party scenery..

I have found that some scenery will go to
Scenerydb or Addon depending on what the author
directs

If you install the scenery manually you are in control. Scenery can be activated from any location on your HD. Decide on the most convenient location for you & use it as your scenery directory for all 3rd party scenery. I find the FS2002\ADDON SCENERY folder ideal. Then activate it via the Scenery Library.

[Beery]

I tried the cache size of 100MB, and then 250, and 250 worked much better than 100.  So given that, I don't see how setting the cache lower to 10MB could work better.  I'm willing to give it a try though.

Can anyone tell me how the cache works?  I have the entire game on my hard drive using the biggest install, so it's not accessing the CD for anything.

[Hagar]

I have the entire game on my hard drive using the biggest install, so it's not accessing the CD for anything.

Right. In that case FS2002 should run without the CD in the drive. The way I see it the Cache is only required if the scenery is read from the CD. It's stored on the CD in compressed CAB files which need temporarily extracting each time they're used. The Cache simply stores the area which was last used to save loading time. This is fine if you use the same area for each flight.

All scenery installed to your HD was extracted when you first installed FS2002. It can be accessed direct as you need it, hence the low Cache setting.

PS. There's no hard & fast rules. Experiment for yourself & use whatever works for you.

[Beery]

Does anyone know the best virtual memory settings to use if you're using WindowsXP?  I had my Win98 machine configured perfectly for gaming, but I'm lost when it comes to XP.  Any hints?

[FSTipster]

[quote]Does anyone know the best virtual memory settings to use if you're using WindowsXP?