CREE8 workstations include two cache locations.
For most users, you don't need to change anything. Your applications are already configured with sensible defaults.
If you're using demanding creative applications such as Photoshop, After Effects or Nuke, we recommend using the high-performance cache instead.
Cache Option 1: X:\ Cache
(Recommended for most users)
The X:\ drive is your persistent cache.
This is automatically configured on your workstation and applications will largely default to this location without you needing to apply any settings.
Any cache files stored here remain available after you restart your workstation.
This is the recommended location if you:
Edit in Premiere Pro
Want cache files to persist between sessions in any application
Prefer not to rebuild cache after restarting
Benefits
Cache survives workstation restarts
Best for projects you return to regularly
No additional setup required for most Adobe applications
Cache Option 2: A:\ Cache (High Performance)
The A:\ drive is a high-performance temporary cache.
It provides faster local storage but is ephemeral, meaning its contents are cleared whenever the workstation is restarted.
This can improve performance for applications that generate large temporary files.
Typical examples include:
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Nuke
Benefits
Faster cache performance
Reduces activity on shared storage
Ideal for temporary working files
Things to know
Cache is cleared whenever the workstation restarts.
Applications will rebuild their cache the next time you open a project.
Only use this location if you're happy for cache files to be temporary.
Which should I use?
If you want... | Use |
Cache that survives restarting | X:\ Cache |
Maximum performance for temporary cache | A:\ Cache |
For most customers, the default X:\ cache is the best choice.
If you're unsure, leave your application using its default cache location.
When should I switch to the A:\ Cache?
Only change your cache location if:
You're using applications such as Photoshop or After Effects where temporary local cache provides a performance benefit.
Please note, it is essential to change to A:\ in Photoshop as the default location is C:\ and requires manually setting once.
You understand that cache will be rebuilt after every workstation restart.
Need help?
If you're unsure which cache location is right for your workflow, contact the CREE8 support team. We can recommend the best option for your applications and help you change the setting if needed.
Changing the Photoshop Scratch Disk
Adobe Photoshop uses a Scratch Disk rather than a media cache. For the best performance, we strongly recommend pointing it to the A:\ Cache drive.
Open Adobe Photoshop.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks.
Tick A:\ Cache.
Untick any other drives if A:\ is available.
Click OK.
Restart Photoshop.
Why this helps: Photoshop constantly writes temporary files while you work. Using the high-performance A:\ Cache can make large documents, filters and complex edits feel much more responsive. Additionally the C:\ drive can get filled up very quickly.
Changing the After Effects Disk Cache
After Effects lets you choose where it stores its disk cache.
Open Adobe After Effects.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Disk
Under Enable Disk Cache, click Choose Folder...
Browse to the A:\ Cache drive.
Select ADOBE_CACHE
Click Choose, then OK.
Why this helps: The A:\ Cache is faster than network storage, allowing After Effects to cache previews and renders more quickly. Remember that this cache is temporary and will be rebuilt after a workstation restart.
Changing the Illustrator Scratch Disk
Adobe Illustrator uses a Scratch Disk when working with large or complex documents. For the best performance, we recommend pointing it to the A:\ Cache drive.
Open Adobe Illustrator.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Plug-ins & Scratch Disk.
Under Primary, select A:\ Cache.
Click OK.
Restart Illustrator.
Why this helps: Illustrator uses the scratch disk whenever it needs more working space than is available in memory. Using the high-performance A:\ Cache can improve responsiveness when working with large vector artwork or complex documents. Adobe recommends using the fastest local drive available for the scratch disk.
Changing the Nuke Disk Cache
Nuke stores several types of temporary files, including cache and playback data. If you regularly work with large scripts or high-resolution footage, you can point these caches to the A:\ Cache drive for improved performance.
Open Nuke.
Go to Edit > Preferences.
Select the Caching section.
Browse to the A:\ Cache drive.
Select NUKE_CACHE
Click OK and restart Nuke if prompted.
Why this helps: Using the local high-performance cache can improve playback and interactive performance when working with complex scripts.
Note: The A:\ Cache is temporary. After restarting your workstation, Nuke will rebuild its cache automatically. If you frequently reopen the same projects, you may prefer to keep your cache on the default X:\ Cache instead.