📂 What Is an MT5 Optimization Cache File?
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) optimization cache files are special .opt
files generated by the MT5 Strategy Tester. These files contain pre-calculated results of thousands (or even millions) of combinations of input parameters for a specific Expert Advisor (EA). Instead of re-running the entire optimization process, traders can instantly load and explore the results using these files.
⚙️ What Does “Optimizing an EA” Mean?
Optimizing an EA means testing its performance using different combinations of settings (such as Stop Loss, Take Profit, Lot Size, Indicator Parameters, etc.) over historical data. The goal is to find the best-performing configuration for a specific market condition, timeframe, and trading instrument.
However, this process can be very time-consuming and resource-intensive — especially when using multi-pass or forward optimization.
🖥️ How Are These Cache Files Generated?
At MeetAlgo, we use our powerful local optimization infrastructure, powered by multiple high-performance agents and machines. These agents are capable of running thousands of optimization passes in parallel, drastically reducing the time it takes to generate reliable results.
We’ve invested significant time and money into building this infrastructure to provide high-quality, trusted cache files that are:
Built using real historical data
Optimized using precise control conditions
Filtered to include only the most promising strategies
📥 Where Do You Get These Files?
You can access our collection of pre-built optimization cache files directly from this page:
👉 https://meetalgo.com/tools/cache-file/
Each file is labeled with:
Publish Date
Product Name
File code
Pair Name
TF – Which timeframe use.
- Test Period –
- Download Link
These files are ready to be downloaded and used inside your MT5 terminal.
🔒 Who Can Access These Files?
We currently provide access to these cache files under two conditions:
For MeetAlgo Members:
Registered users or lifetime members can access the full collection of cache files at any time.Public Access (Limited):
We also provide a selection of cache files publicly, so non-members can try and experience the benefits.
For full access and premium strategies, we recommend registering a free account or becoming a MeetAlgo member.
🛠️ How to Use Optimization Cache Files in MT5
Using our .opt
cache files is simple, and it saves you hours of optimization time. Just follow these steps to load and analyze the results directly in MetaTrader 5:
✅ Step 1: Download the Cache File
Visit our cache file page:
👉 https://meetalgo.com/tools/cache-file/Choose the file you want and click download.
The file will come as a ZIP archive. After downloading:
Unzip the file to extract the
.opt
file.Example file name: 101_MeetAlgo_PrimeScalperEA_MT5.XAUUSD.H1.20170101.20250416.01.F1AA4C8797327859A0C8E3337CD77A6D.opt
✅ Step 2: Install or Open MetaTrader 5 Terminal
If you don’t already have MetaTrader 5 installed, download the official version from MetaQuotes:
Install and run the platform.
✅ Step 3: Load the Cache File in MT5
Open your MetaTrader 5 terminal.
From the top menu, go to:
File
→Strategy Tester
The Strategy Tester tab will appear at the bottom.
Click the Overview tab.
Then click the “View Previous Results” button.
A file browser will open. Navigate to and select the
.opt
file you just extracted.Once opened, MT5 will automatically load the chart and preview of optimization results.
✅ Step 4: View the Optimization Results
Switch to the Optimization Results tab in the Strategy Tester.
You will see a list of all optimization passes that were included in the cache file.
Here’s what the columns mean:
Pass: The number of the optimization attempt (e.g., 1, 2, 3…).
Result: The main optimization metric, typically total net profit.
Profit: Net profit achieved with that parameter set.
Total Trades: Number of trades executed during the test.
Input List: A detailed list of all input parameters used in that specific pass (like Stop Loss, Lot Size, Magic Number, etc.)
These results help you instantly identify the best settings for the EA without needing to run optimization yourself.
💾 How to Save a Settings File from Optimization Results
Once you’ve loaded the optimization cache file in MetaTrader 5, you can extract and save the exact input settings (also called a .set
file) used in any specific test result. Here’s how to do it:
✅ Step 1: Select a Result to Inspect
After loading the cache file (as shown in the previous section), go to the Optimization Results tab in the Strategy Tester.
Click on one of the result rows to select it.
Right-click on the selected result and choose:
“Run single test” from the context menu.
This will re-run that specific pass using the exact input values stored in the cache file.
✅ Step 2: Let the EA Prepare the Backtest
The backtest will start using your EA and selected parameters.
You will see the Graph tab appear, showing the backtest progress.
Wait at least 1 minute to allow the EA to fully initialize.
You can either let the full backtest run, or if you’re only interested in saving the inputs, just wait a minute and then click the Stop button.
✅ Step 3: Save the Settings File
After stopping the test, go to the Inputs tab.
You’ll see all the input parameters exactly as they were used in the test.
Right-click anywhere in the Inputs tab and select:
“Save” from the context menu.Save the file — it will be saved as a
.set
file.
This .set
file can now be loaded anytime for backtesting, forward testing, or live trading using the same EA.
⚠️ Important: You Must Have the Same EA Installed
To run single tests or save the input settings, you must have the exact same EA installed in your MT5 terminal.
For example:
If you download a cache file for MeetAlgo Prime Scalper EA, you must install this EA in your terminal.
Without the matching EA, MT5 cannot run the test or load the input parameters.
🔗 You can get the EA files from your MeetAlgo member account or from the product page if it’s publicly available.