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VFX Optimization: Scratch and Cache Disks

In a VFX workflow, the OS drive (usually C:) is for software, while a scratch/cache disk is an industrial dumpster for high-speed temporary data. Moving this off the C: drive prevents OS bottlenecking and avoids premature SSD wear.

Resolve generates massive high-bitrate files (ProRes 422 HQ or DNxHR) to allow smooth playback of complex node graphs.

  • A 10-minute 4K project can easily generate 200GB to 500GB of cache.
  • If this is on the OS drive, Windows and Resolve fight for the same PCIe lanes, causing the stuttering playhead syndrome.

Substance uses disk-based swapping when baking high-poly meshes or working with 8K textures.

  • A single complex Baker session can dump 20GB to 100GB of temporary data that is deleted only when the app closes.
  • Writing massive temp files to the OS drive increases system latency and can cause Application Not Responding hangs during 4K bakes.

Scratch / Cache SSD

  1. Use a dedicated 1TB SSD formatted as NTFS (not exFAT). NTFS is superior for handling thousands of tiny cache files.

  2. Use a Thunderbolt connection. Alternatively, plug in to a Blue (USB 3.1) port on back of computer using the thickest, shortest USB cable available.

  3. Disable Windows Search Indexing on the dedicated external SSD to prevent IO contention.

    • File Explorer > Right-Click DRIVE_NAME > Properties
    • General tab > Uncheck: Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties
    • Select: Apply changes to drive, subfolders, and files

  4. Enable the Better Performance policy to unlock full write speeds.

    • Start > Device Manager > Disk Drives
    • Right-click drive > Properties
    • Select Properties > Policies tab
    • Select Better performance
    • Check Enable write caching on the device
    • Click OK
    • IMPORTANT: Always use Safely remove hardware disk before disconnecting.

  5. Create destination folders:

CACHE_SSD
    Resolve_Cache
        CacheClip
        Gallery
    Substance_Cache