---
title: Shader cache — pipeline warm-up | Meridian
description: How Meridian's per-title shader pipeline cache works: first-run compilation, warm-up runs, and invalidation rules.
canonical: https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/shader-cache
updated: 2026-10-13
---

# Shader cache

Pipelines compile on first sight and persist per title. Second runs are the measurement.

## Facts (2026-10-13)

- **Scope:** Per title; never shared across games
- **Rule:** First sight compiles, second sight reuses
- **Warm-up:** Replay the same route before measuring
- **Invalidation:** Major builds may partially invalidate

## Mechanism

Meridian compiles GPU pipelines the first time a title shows each effect, then stores them in a per-title cache. First runs hitch at new effects; replays of the same route reuse compiled pipelines and run clean.

This is why every game note prescribes a warm-up: repeat the route, lap, or sortie, and measure the second pass. One-time hitches are cache; repeating hitches are hardware or defects.

## Rules

- Never compare a cold run against a warm run. Warm-up is part of the method — see [Compatibility methodology](/log/compatibility-methodology).

- Major Meridian builds may invalidate part of each cache. Re-warm after updating from [Download Meridian](/download).

- Do not copy caches between machines or titles. Mismatched caches corrupt silently and waste diagnosis time.

- Keep the cache folder on a local drive. Cloud-synced paths stall compilation per [Windows installer](/protocol/windows-installer).

## FAQ

### Why does the same corner hitch once, then clear?

That corner's effects compiled on first sight. The replay reuses them — that is the cache working.

### Can I download someone else's cache?

No. Caches are per-machine and per-build. Foreign caches corrupt silently.

### Do updates wipe my cache?

Major builds may partially invalidate it. Re-warm affected titles once after updating.

## Related

- [Reference](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference)
- [How it works](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/how-ps5-emulator-works)
- [Compatibility methodology](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/log/compatibility-methodology)
- [God of War Ragnarök — PS5 emulator](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/library/god-of-war-ragnarok-ps5-emulator)
- [Gran Turismo 7 — PS5 emulator](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/library/gran-turismo-7-ps5-emulator)

## Download

Free Windows app: [Download Meridian](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/download)

Markdown mirror: https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/shader-cache.md