How to Clear RAM Cache

Is your PC struggling with slow poor performance? Have you tried clearing your RAM cache?

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about RAM cache, from what it is, and why you should clear it, to a handy step-by-step guide showcasing how to clear your cache.

What is RAM Cache?

RAM cache is the part of your memory that stores any frequently accessed data for faster retrieval rates. As more information is stored in the cache, the less time it takes for your CPU to access the data it needs to perform a task.

Some hardware can have multiple ‘levels’ of cache split into L1, L2, and L3, with each level expanding on the capabilities of its predecessor and moving closer towards the processor to deliver notably faster speeds.

In short, the cache acts as almost a temporary waiting area or buffer, and it’s located in between the processor and main RAM modules. Since this is temporary, any information that’s stored in the cache isn’t permanent.

Why Should You Clear Your RAM Cache?

Clearing out your RAM cache can notably help to improve your PC’s performance.

When your main RAM is overloaded, your computer begins to suffer from slower loading times, error messages, and even program crashes. Clearing the cache, however, frees up extra space within the cache, helping to facilitate smoother performance once again.

Clearing the cache isn’t dangerous, in fact, it’s something that you should try to do regularly. It won’t have a negative impact on your PC, but instead, can help to improve efficiency and your overall experience whilst gaming, streaming, or creating.

How to Clear RAM

There are a few ways that you can clear your RAM cache. This includes:

Restart Your PC

Third-party software

Restart Your PC

Since the cache serves as a temporary non-volatile waiting space, restarting your PC will delete all recent data, almost acting as a memory refresh.

Via RAMMap

Alternatively, you can opt to install a third-party software, such as RAMMap, designed to help clear your cache and optimise your PC.

RAMMap is a free to use tool that’s available from Microsoft, which intelligently analyses your memory usage and clears the cache. Here’s what you need to do to use RAMMap.

Download RAMMap from Microsoft here (external link).

Extract the ZIP file in your Downloads folder.

Open the RAMMap folder, right-click RAMMap.exe, and select ‘Run as Administrator’.

Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

On the menu bar at the top of the pop-up, select ‘Empty’

Click ‘Empty Standby List’

If your PC is still struggling with slow poor performance, even after you’ve cleared your RAM cache, check out our dedicated blog posts for even more top tips to help boost your PC speeds.

Upgrade Your RAM

Have you tried everything to no avail? If your PC is still struggling with poor, slow and sluggish performance, it might simply be time for a RAM upgrade. Thankfully, at Overclockers UK, we stock an extensive range of memory, available in a multitude of capacities and standards, including DDR4 and DDR5.

We’ve got two picks showcased below, but you can also click the button to shop the entire collection.

Shop RAM