What is new about the memory control panel?

Select Show Balloons in the Help menu to get more information about each section of the Memory control panel.

Disk Cache - in the default setting, disk cache memory is calculated automatically when the computer starts up to provide optimum application performance. The Disk Cache size changes depending on the amount of RAM installed in the computer and allocated to a RAM disk, if any.

You can use a custom disk cache setting when your computer task requires a finely tuned Disk Cache setting. To select a custom disk cache setting, click the Custom setting button. The following message is displayed:

Raising the disk cache setting above the optimum level may decrease system performance. In most cases, this setting will not need to be changed and should only be changed when specific recommendations have been given by the software or hardware product developer. Apple does not have specific recommendations about custom settings.

Click the Custom button to proceed. Be certain that any Disk Cache setting you choose is appropriate for the amount of memory installed in your computer. If you find that you do not have enough memory to launch applications, you may need to lower this setting. After entering the custom Disk Cache settings, you will need to restart the computer for the new settings to take effect.

Startup Memory Tests - In cases where there is a significant delay in starting up the computer, disabling the startup memory tests may help.

NOTE : This option is normally hidden until you press and hold the Command and Option keys while opening the Memory control panel. The startup memory tests are designed to ensure that the memory is fully functional in the computer. You should disable the startup memory tests only if you are experiencing a long delay in starting up the computer.