# witcheer's Wingtips #14: switching models resets your prompt cache

Written by [witcheer](https://x.com/witcheer) at Nous Research. Republished with credit.

Canonical: https://hermeswatcher.com/wingtips/14  
Published: 2026-07-06  
[Original](https://notwitcheer.github.io/hermes-recipes/wingtips/14-switching-models-resets-your-prompt-cache/) · [On X](https://x.com/witcheer/status/2074153526222114974) · [Full collection](https://notwitcheer.github.io/hermes-recipes/) · [Official docs](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/developer-guide/context-compression-and-caching)

[Source Markdown](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/notwitcheer/hermes-recipes/8653fb699a137a32e81936fa33cabacd3f4f2095/docs/wingtips/14-switching-models-resets-your-prompt-cache.md): use this file as the base for relative links in the verbatim text below.

Sources: [Hermes docs: Context Compression And Caching](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/developer-guide/context-compression-and-caching)


Hermes Wingtips #14: switching models resets your prompt cache

switch models mid-conversation and the next turn re-reads the whole thing at full input price. the cache key includes the model, so a new model means a cold cache. occasional switches are fine, frequent ones in a long session multiply your cost.

- batch your switches instead of ping-ponging mid-thread

- on a long session, start a fresh one or delegate (subagents get their own context) rather than switching back and forth