Redirecting Temp Folders to RAMDisk for Maximum GameLoop Performance

Relocating high-read/write directories such as Windows temp folders and GameLoop emulator cache to a RAMDisk can drastically improve system responsiveness, FPS stability, and map loading times. This guide walks you through the safest and most efficient way to configure this setup.

Why Use a RAMDisk?

RAM is the fastest form of memory available. By storing temporary files and emulator cache in a RAM-based virtual drive:

• Disk access latency drops to nearly zero

• Map and asset loading speeds improve noticeably

• Emulator responsiveness increases, especially during rapid in-game transitions

Step-by-Step: Set Up RAMDisk with ImDisk

📍 Step 1: Download and Install ImDisk Toolkit

1. Visit the official ImDisk Toolkit site: https://sourceforge.net/projects/imdisk-toolkit/

2. Download and install the toolkit with default settings.

3. After installation, open “RamDisk Configuration” from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

📍 Step 2: Open ImDisk Configuration

After installation, launch “RamDisk Configuration Tool” from the Start menu.

Basic Tab:

• Size: 6 GB to 8 GB (or more depending on system RAM)

• Drive Letter: R: (choose any free letter)

• File System: NTFS

• ✅ Check: Launch at Windows Startup

• ✅ Check: Create TEMP Folder

Now click: Set TEMP Variables
→ Set both User and System to: R:\Temp
→ Click “OK”

📍 Step 3: Enable Physical RAM & Set Drive Label

Switch to the Advanced Tab:

• Drive Label: RamDisk

• ✅ Check: Use AWE physical memory

• Leave everything else default

📍 Step 4: Enable Persistence with Backup Folder

Go to the Data Tab:

• Load Content From: C:\RAMDisk Backup (or any safe folder)

• ✅ Check: Synchronize at System Shutdown

• ✅ Check: Delete data removed from the RamDisk

• Make sure the Excluded Folders list is empty.

• Now click Synchronize Now to save your first backup.

• Then click OK to apply configuration.

💡 This setup ensures that:

• RAMDisk content is saved on shutdown

• Reloaded automatically on system boot

• Changes persist between reboots

📍 Step 5: Final Checks

Confirm:

• TEMP variables are now R:\Temp

• R: drive appears in Explorer after reboot

• ImDisk is in startup and auto-mounts the disk

⚠️ Notes & Best Practices

• Minimum RAM: 16 GB (Recommended: 32 GB+ if allocating 8 GB RAMDisk)

• Do NOT use RAMDisk for GameLoop installation, only TEMP folders

Revert Instructions (if needed)

To revert TEMP variables:

1. Go to System Properties → Environment Variables

2. Restore TEMP and TMP paths back to default:

   • %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Temp

You’re Done!

Your TEMP directories now run on ultra-fast RAM. GameLoop and system operations will benefit from:

• Reduced disk load

• Faster response

• Lower storage wear