@Ben L. said:
TRWTF is using Steam to defrag GCF's. its a Known Fact that Nem's GCFScape does a MUCH better job.
To those wondering, Steam uses a thing which it calls a "GCF" or "Game Cache File" -- they're essentially virtual file systems that can be mounted alongside each other, each have a tag name, each are cryptographically signed, and only Steam can actually ADD to them without breaking things. The point is that its a lot easier to compress a bunch of HUGE FILES with SIMILAR content than a bunch of LITTLE files with DIFFERENT content.
the problem with the defragmentation is that the internal FS has its own /cluster/ system. Yes kids, independent of the OS FS cluster, GCFs have their OWN FS cluster system, which is generally around 1M however it can be as small as 8K, and which Steam can't always figure out right. Steam will report 0% when the real number is somewhere around 10% or more.
HOWEVER the biggest problem is that Windows really likes breaking up Steam's clusters. Its defragmentation TOTALLY fucks up Steam's. Why? Because GCFs are written out of order. Windows doesn't like that.
Average WINDOWS clusters: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
same clusters as GCF: [3][4][7][8][2][1][0][5][6]
Spot the problem? Steam organizes by "Most Used" in the GCF, creating artificial fragmentation. if one section is used WAY more than another, it will reorganize the CGF so that seek times are less (bullshit) and "increase performance" (Bulllshit). GCFScape reorganizes the GCF so that it matches Windows' expectations. Steam hates this, but it improves performance.
ALSO, Community Server Blows Goats: 3 posts!