browser.cache.memory.capacity

This tutorial is going to show you how you can use about:config to set the amount of RAM you wish Firefox to use, the default is -1 which means (auto) for older computers or people using other memory hungry programs this is not the ideal setting, and some people don't want to use a cache at all

will this help me?
Do you need Firefox to release more RAM? if the answer is yes, then maybe this is for you.
Lowering RAM Will give you more RAM, When using the back button will cause previous pages to load slightly slower (none to almost no difference should be noticed with most sites, tho it may increase your bandwidth use!)

Increasing RAM Will take more RAM away from you but should load previous pages slightly faster.
So really it just comes down to what you want! and what works for you based upon your browsing habits.

For the changes within this setting to work you need to make sure that browser.cache.memory.enable
is set to True (ON)

Step One

Open Firefox either by Double Clicking on the 'desktop icon'.
or
Hold down the 'windows key' and press 'R' type in 'Firefox' and Click OK
Refer to images below.

Step Two

In your address bar type about:config

Step Three

Right Click anywhere within the window
Select 'New'
Click 'Integer'

Step Three

Enter browser.cache.memory.capacity into the dialog box

dialog with broswer.cach.memory.capacity typed in

Step Four

Click OK

Step Five

You will now be displayed with an Integer Value dialog box enter one of the values below:
Firefox Version 2
Physical RAM --- Memory Cache (in KB)
32 MB ------- 2048
64 MB ------- 4096
128 MB ------ 6144
256 MB ------ 10240
512 MB ------ 14336
1 GB -------- 18432
2 GB -------- 24576
4 GB -------- 30720
8 GB and up --- 32768

Older Versions of Firefox
RAM --- Memory Cache (in KB)
32 MB ---- 2048
64 MB ---- 4096
128 MB --- 8192
256 MB --- 14336
512 MB --- 22528
1 GB ----- 32768
2 GB ----- 45056
4 GB ----- 59392
8 GB ----- 75776
Based on how much RAM you have or would like Firefox to use, The Default is -1 which is auto, and is usually fine for most people! again it depends on your browsing habits and how Firefox is running on your computer.

I'm Entering 4096 which is 64MB
Integer value 4096

Step Six

Click OK

Step Seven

Close All Firefox windows.

Finished!

You have now set the amount of RAM for Firefox to use, remember if there are any issues just restore your backup, and if you just want to turn off caching full stop browser.cache.memory.enable Anything you have for this setting will just be void if browser.cache.memory.enable is False (OFF).

Back to Firefox Memory Tweaks
Back to Tutorials