Overview
This article provides important configuration suggestions when using the W3 Total cache plugin.
Plugin considerations
The W3 Total Cache plugin's disk-based caching feature can lead to an overproduction of files on DreamHost's servers, potentially compromising server stability.
As an alternative option, DreamHost's WordPress experts recommend WP Super Cache for page caching and Docket Cache for object caching when necessary.
Recommended settings
This section offers a few options to configure this plugin.
Configuring cache settings
The W3 Total Cache plugin uses persistent object caching, which creates numerous files that aren't cleared when you flush the cache. To manage the cache, you can either:
- switch DatabaseCache and ObjectCache to memory-based caching, or
- deactivate both caching options.
With both options deactivated, no files are created; you can delete the /cache folder to remove all cached files. New files will be generated based on your settings.
Activating 'cache preload'
You may notice that the site loads more slowly when you first visit it due to the cache creation. To fix this, activate cache preload in Performance > Page Cache and revisit the website, which triggers an automated task that helps in pre-loading the cache.
Using a database plugin
For Shared Hosting plans, using a MySQL database plugin can be more effective than retrieving object cache files from disk. See this plugin option for further details.