About BitTorrent influencing the hard drive - PART 2

We have talk about how the BT influence the hard drive. Now we will talk about what to do to minimize the damage done by BT.

1. Set higher Cache
BT have multiple line of download/upload, the Windows usual Cache 512KB is obviously to be not enough. If RAM is higher than 256MB, setting the Cache to a higher value can reduce the hard drive read/write frequency. Usually set at 8MB to 16MB have the best effect. 32MB is also possible if user have higher RAM. To set it, go to Start -> Run -> regedit and then go to this address:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE＼SYSTEM＼CurrentControlSet ＼Control＼Session Manager＼Memory Management＼
After that, find IoPageLock-Limit(If not exists, create new one with type DWord) and set the value of the new Cache.
P.S. Have to enter value in hex format, such as 16MB=4000. It is recommended to make a backup first before modify.

2. Decrease Process Priority
BT uses a lot of CPU and Memory resources, when use it will definitely influence the computer. If user are using Windows 2000/XP, then it can use Windows Task Manager to lower its process priority. Then, even the BT client want to use more resources it will not affect other programs. To do this, use Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination then go to Processes and find the current BT client which is in use and right click -> Set Priority and click Below Normal or Low.

Here is the way we can protect our hard drive
1. Buy better quality hard drive
This is one of the basic solution. Never buy second hand hard drive! Be careful when choosing the right hard drive. If the quality of hard drive is not good, then it is obvious that the hard drive would not live long.

2.Use SATA instead of IDE
Since BT always read/write, therefore it is recommend to use SATA. SATA can read/write faster than IDE. Therefore, will work better when using BT.

3.Remember to always defragment the hard drive occasionally
BT always create pieces of files that may make the hard drive to read slower. Defragment hard drive can speed up the computer and making it last longer. The hard drive won't have to spin as much to find the pieces of files after it is defragmented. Therefore, defragment it occasionally will help to make the hard drive lives longer.

In conclusion, please be careful with your hard drive. Try to change it after used for 2/3 years. Maintenance for hard drive is neccessary to make our hard drive have higher lifespan. Thank you.

The above information is translated and edited by Yong Wen Fei

Original Sources - Internet References
简单设置，BT下载时保护硬盘 - ゞＷǒ眞de愛妳メぢ - 网易博客, [DOC, Online], 31 May 2007 URL: http://blog.163.com/yhtkissmm/blog/static/1165208200662814310/

Is-K.13, BT爱好者论坛 - ~[转帖]害怕BT伤硬盘的都进来!!, [DOC, Online], 31 May 2007
URL: http://bbs.btchina.net/showthread.php?s=b91e0a80a97a748444bf36d19fe57133&threadid=241891