Board Optimization - XCache for vBulletin Caching

This mod will replace the default vB_Cache_Db class (database cache) used in vBulletin with an xCache implementation of it.
vBulletin has promised to implement this option themselves, but I'm sick of waiting, so I created this.

What are the benefits of using XCache for caching over MySQL (Database) ?

In theory, quicker page load times, lower server load. This will offload the duty of caching from mysql and throw it into the RAM.
It will also reduce your query count per page.

The most staggering difference you will notice is with the CMS, or any mods that make good use of the cache.
For instance, in my dev site using the default CMS content and settings, browsing as a guest, I was able to shave off an average of 0.06 seconds from the page generation time (0.23 -> 0.17 seconds) and 43 queries (86 -> 43)!
In a live site, the reduction in queries and overall time spent serving the page will have a large effect on overall performance in a busy site.

Make sure that you also have the datastore cache method set to xcache as well for further query reduction: https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/datastore
Also install "Load templates from XCache" for further query reduction: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=255994

Any drawbacks?

Other than a file edit required on every vBulletin upgrade, none that I can think of... If you think of one, post it.

What about other data caches ? (memcached, apc, etc.)

I could write those as well, if there is a demand for it, and they happen to work similar enough to xcache.

This is a beta!

This has been tested in a live forum for a few days, and no incidents/side-effects have been noticed or reported, but I cannot yet guarantee it is 100% perfect.

This mod requires one file edit

See this bug to find out why: http://tracker.vbulletin.com/browse/VBIV-13241

Requirements

This was designed to fail gracefully by falling back on the DB cache if there is an error, so if there is an error you will not even realize it.

Make sure these requirements are met:

• XCache 1.3.2 installed (only version that I tested) (verify by viewing phpinfo page)

The following are in your XCache ini settings (php.ini usually):

• xcache.var_size = 32M (32MB; at least)
• xcache.var_slots = 8k (8000; at least)
• Set xcache.admin.user and xcache.admin.pass to whatever you want (keep in mind that the pass must be MD5'd)

Restart after making any changes.

Another tip is to set your xcache.count and xcache.var_count to the number of CPU cores that you have.

See the documentation here: http://xcache.lighttpd.net/wiki/XcacheIni

After running this mod for a while, check your xcache admin page to ensure that your var_slots and var_size are large enough.

Install Instructions

1. Upload the contents of the UPLOAD folder in xcache.zip to your forum root

2. Open up your /includes/config.php file and add the following:

PHP Code:

/*
 * XCache Config
 */
$config['xcache']['user'] = 'user';
$config['xcache']['pass'] = 'pass'; 


Edit it to include your xcache admin username and password

3. This step will need to be repeated whenever you do a forum upgrade.
Open up /vb/cache.php.
Find:

PHP Code:

self::$instance = vB_Cache_Db::instance(); 


Replace with:

PHP Code:

self::$instance = fst_Cache_Xcache::instance(); 


[ssslippy]

Running this is on a site that has about 1500-2000 users on at a time. No negative results not seeing a dramatic change either. I run this with vboptimise.

Also you do not need to put in xcache admin/pass if your not using the xcache password system. I also do not have a problem clearing the cache.

[Zachery]

If you're already running vBoptimize (pro) I don't know how much this is going to help you. They already cache a lot of infomation that can be cached.

[galerio]

Originally Posted by dorans

+1 APC

Also count me for an APC version

[thecore762]

I can't find the file: /vb/cache.php

Edit, nvm.

[thecore762]

Originally Posted by Zachery

If you're already running vBoptimize (pro) I don't know how much this is going to help you. They already cache a lot of infomation that can be cached.

Zach, do you see much difference between this mod and vBOptimise Pro other than the $100 price tag?

[TheSupportForum]

Originally Posted by thecore762

Zach, do you see much difference between this mod and vBOptimise Pro other than the $100 price tag?

lol there is a free option

CLOUDFLARE

i updated my DNS and how wonderful it is

[thecore762]

Originally Posted by simonhind

lol there is a free option

CLOUDFLARE

i updated my DNS and how wonderful it is

I don't use cloudflare.
I use EdgeCast CDN.

[rossco_2005]

Originally Posted by Zachery

If you're already running vBoptimize (pro) I don't know how much this is going to help you. They already cache a lot of infomation that can be cached.

This mod doesn't cache anything new.
It's about moving what vBulletin caches by default from the DB into memory (xcache).
It makes improvements to the CMS, that's about it for default vBulletin.

[Paul M]

Forumhome blocks use the cache, so does showgroups.

[rajubd]

Originally Posted by galerio

Also count me for an APC version

1+ for APC please