Microsoft KB Archive/69961

Disk Cache Alternatives to SMARTDrive PSS ID Number: Q69961 Article last modified on 02-26-1992 PSS database name: W_Win3

3.00 3.00a

WINDOWS

Summary:

The Microsoft Windows version 3.00 SMARTDrive program is a disk cache that uses extended or expanded memory to store copies of the latest information read from your hard drive. When your application requests this information again, it is accessed from the disk cache instead of the hard drive. Because memory access is much faster than hard drive access, the performance of your software is improved with a disk cache.

SMARTDrive also works with Windows to allocate memory for software running under Windows by reducing the size of its disk cache as needed. SMARTDrive also provides double buffering that allows Windows to work with some SCSI hard drives in enhanced mode. We do not recommend running SMARTDrive with third-party disk-partitioning software IF your hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders OR your hard drive is NOT supported by your system’s ROM BIOS.

More Information:

SMARTDrive is not the only disk cache available. The following are other Windows-compatible disk caches manufactured by other vendors. These disk caches may not provide the double buffering features of SMARTDrive or work as efficiently with Windows as SMARTDrive.

The Aldridge company in Houston, Texas makes the Cache96 version 3.51 disk cache. Aldridge can be reached at (800) 548-5019 or (713) 953-1940.

Golden Bow Systems, Inc. in San Diego California makes the Vcache version 5.00 disk cache. Golden Bow can be reached at (800) 284-3269 or (619) 483-0901.

HyperWare of Pall Mall, Tennessee makes the HyperDisk version 4.20 disk cache. In a “PC Week” review, Hyperdisk was rated the fastest disk cache of those tested. It can reduce the size of its cache in enhanced mode (only) of Windows similar to that of SMARTDrive. HyperWare can be reached at (615) 864-6869.

Intelligent Devices Corporation (IDC) of Claremont, California makes the Power Cache Plus version 1.25 disk cache. Power Cache Plus was rated the best disk cache tested in a PC Week review. Intelligent Devices Corporation can be reached at (714) 920-9551.

Multisoft Corporation of Beaverton, Oregon makes the PC-KWIK version 2.00 disk cache. Multisoft can be reached at (800) 477-5945 or (503) 644-5644.

Software Matters Incorporated of Indianapolis, Indiana makes the Flash version 7.06 disk cache. This version is incompatible with Windows. Software Matters is releasing version 8.00 in March of 1991 which is compatible with Windows. Software Matters can be reached at (800) 253-5274 or (317) 253-8088.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products’ performance or reliability.

Reference(s):

“PC Week,” February 18, 1991, Volume 8 number 7. “Caches Accelerate Windows 3.0 Speed,” pages 83 to 90, Paul Bonner.

Additional reference words: 3rdparty WIN30 3.0 3.00a 3.0a cash

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1992.