A cache mode selection method and system sets to a cache load inhibit mode a cache mode used for a random access dataset of lower access hit ratio if use ratio of a data transmission path exceeds beyond an upper use ratio limit. It also sets to the cache load inhibit mode the cache mode used by parts of a sequential access dataset. These make it possible to select a proper cache mode depending on state of a load dynamically to prevent an I/O response from decreasing so that the hit ratio can be increased.