PowerFlex: RAM Cache and Metadata Cache explained
Summary: The distinctions highlighted below will showcase how each caching type contributes to system efficiency, with RAM cache offering broad performance enhancements and metadata cache focusing on data organization and access. ...
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Instructions
| RAM Cache (RMcache) | Metadata Cache (MDcache) | |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is? | A fast storage layer using RAM to store frequently accessed data or instructions. | A cache that specifically stores metadata, which is information about the data itself, like file locations or permissions. |
| Purpose | Speeds up data access by reducing reliance on slower storage. | Enhances the performance of file systems and databases by speeding up metadata retrieval |
| Usage | Common in computing systems for caching a wide range of data to improve performance. | Used in file systems for quick file information access and in databases for efficient query processing |
| Key Trait | Fast but volatile, with limited capacity | Focused on metadata, crucial for efficient data management and access |
Main Differences
Content: RAM cache can store any data, while metadata cache is specific to metadata.
Impact: RAM cache broadly improves system speed, whereas metadata cache specifically optimizes data lookup and management.
Context: RAM cache is versatile, and used across various applications, while metadata cache is key in file systems and databases.
Affected Products
PowerFlex SoftwareArticle Properties
Article Number: 000226125
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 01 Jan 2026
Version: 2
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