PrimoCache is a supplementary software caching scheme that cooperates with system memory to provide data caching for disks. It improves system performance by transparently storing data into memory such that future requests for that data can be served faster. PrimoCache caches data on a logical block basis (offsets within a disk) while windows cache manager caches on a virtual block basis (offsets within a file).
PrimoCache can also utilize the OS Invisible Memory which is wasted on 32-bit Windows when 4GB memory or more is installed.
Principle
One of the PrimoCache's core components is a storage class filter driver which resides in the storage stack, intercepting I/O requests for data on disk. If requested data is contained in the cache, this request can be served by simply reading the cache, which is comparably faster. Otherwise the data has to be fetched from disk. Hence, the more requests can be served from the cache the better the overall system performance is.
Main Features
Supports LRU (Least Recently Used) and LFU (Least Frequently Used) cache algorithms
Supports caching strategies: Read/Write Caching, Read-Only Caching and Write-Only Caching
Supports Write-Through and Write-Deferred modes
Supports OS Invisible Memory
Supports SSD (Solid-state Drive) as Level-II cache
Supports persistent caching
Supports caching for multiple volumes
Supports TRIM command
Supports visual performance monitor
Supports cache plug and play
Supports basic and dynamic disks
Supports NTFS junction point
Supports volume with proprietary file system
Comments and Reviews
Saves excessive writing to my SSD by 50% with write cache.
caches all drives with same ram
Very good alternative to the Intel Optane.
This software really shines if you use an NVMe device as a non-volatile cache store.
Used prolifically when SWTOR was the popular MMO alternative, to boost loading times and level switching due to engine problems back in 2012. Less useful now, but it was great at saving time on my laptop 5400rpm drive, saved at least 30 seconds on loading times until SSD's were cheaper/bigger/more prolific. Also works with SSD's at caching writes so that there's less degradation in performance with partial edits, i.e. swap file usage, etc.