Utilizing memory in Win 98

[transcend76]

Just installed another stick of 256 mb of ram for a total of 512 megs...I've read somewhere that Windows 98 doesn't fully utilize memory well and that there is some kind of patch to solve this problem. Anyone heard of this?

 

[camieabz]

Run the file "sysedit.exe" and goto the system.ini window. Scroll down the file until you come to a paragraph called "386enh". At the of the paragraph, add the line "ConservativeSwapfileUsage=1", making sure to include upper case letters, and no spaces.

This makes Windows98 use all memory before using swapfile.

Exit the window and restart as directed.

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[jihiggs]

is this really true? gonna have to try that when i get off.

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[Toejam31]

He's absolutely correct.

I would also suggest that you add these lines to the [vcache] section of the system.ini file:

MinFileCache=4096
MaxFileCache=131072

Check out this post:

<A HREF="http://www.nvnews.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001147" target="_new">http://www.nvnews.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001147</A>

And this one:

<A HREF="http://www.aumha.org/a/memmgmt.htm" target="_new">http://www.aumha.org/a/memmgmt.htm</A>

Toejam31

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[jihiggs]

i assume that win 2k does this kind of mem management by default?

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[Toejam31]

Yes. NT kernel-based operating systems have <i>much</i> better memory management.

Toejam31

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[camieabz]

Ahh. Respected all over the place these days. Nice write up on that other website.

Q. With the Vcache settings recommended, what would be the desired AGP aperture size?

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[Toejam31]

Sorry to take so long to get back to you ... I have an IT friend in Alabama who just built a new system with a finicky Soyo Socket A board and I've just spent a few hours attempting to help him troubleshoot some hard lockups that kept occurring whenever he reached the GUI. Not fun. VIA chipsets sometimes require "tough love". {SIGH}

Thank you for the comment on the write-up. As you can see the "max memory" question is a common one; almost a variation on a theme!

And for you:

Do you want the long answer or the short one?

As a rule of thumb, I prefer to keep the VCache settings and the AGP aperture settings, combined, at no more than the total amount of physically-installed system memory. (Which is, in this case, 512MB or 524,288KB).

And so, with the VCache setting at 128MB or 131,072KB, that leaves 384MB or 393,216KB available, and that should be more than enough memory addresses left for a 256MB aperture, which is the largest I have seen on a mainboard. This would also be my preference, as long as the system was stable with this setting. I've never had any problems with Win9x using this method.

It's interesting to note, that although the AGP aperture is defined as a section of addressing space immediately below the physical addresses used by AGP card's frame buffer ... the actual memory allocated is virtual.

Most mainboard manufacturers recommend a setting of 1/2 the size of the installed physical memory. I agree.

That's the short answer. Believe it or not! LOL!

On a more technical note, it's also interesting to note that since most DirectDraw heaps end up being allocated from Write-Combining memory, the amount of virtual memory that is available for these heaps is 1/2 the aperture size. For example, a 64MB aperture allows 32MB for WC heaps.

The other portion of the aperture is mapped to Uncached memory.

If you really want to get into the specifications for the AGP port, take a look at this book. Excellent read on the subject.

<A HREF="http://cseng.aw.com/book/0,,0201700697,00.html" target="_new">http://cseng.aw.com/book/0,,0201700697,00.html</A>

Sometimes it's nice to have something on paper for a reference.

Toejam31

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[camieabz]

Gadzooks!

Another book I shall not read whilst drunk Sirrah!

Needless to say, I once set my aperture size to 128MB and got the Windows "close off apps please" warning. Put it back to 64MB, and have left it so ever since. As I'm operating 512MB on my new system, I might as well have a go. Don't know if I'll see any differnece, but I'll let ya know.

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[camieabz]

Aww.

Just found out. i815EP options are 32MB & 64MB.

Got any progs or a scenario for testing the Vcache settings?



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[Toejam31]

I don't have anything specific to test the VCache settings, but I do know of some programs that are very useful for stressing the system when testing for stability:

<A HREF="http://www.jam-software.com/software.html" target="_new">HeavyLoad</A>

<A HREF="http://www.passmark.com/" target="_new">BurnIn Test V2.3</A>

As you may notice, these are primarily burn-in programs, and are very processor/video/memory intensive, so use with care! Older components do not always "like" being heavily stressed, and can fail. Of course, if you've got a stability issue with your machine, one of these programs is going to expose it to view.

Comment: The AGP aperture settings are not carved in stone ... they can vary somewhat from mainboard to mainboard. Whatever looks good on your system, and is the most stable setting (especially when playing a graphic-intensive game or running a benchmarking program like 3DMark) ... that's what you should use.

Sorry that your options are limited with your current mainboard. Maybe the next upgrade ...?

Okay ... now it's time to drink a few beers, eat the last slice of pizza, and kiss a drunk, wet-lipped blonde! Happy New Year!!

Toey

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[camieabz]

so use with care

Hmmm. Just lost my ST6-R mobo. I was oc'ing to 147MHz and it gave up!!! WTF!

Anyway, gone back to my 6 month old BX133-R mobo. It'll be ok?

Incidentally, the BX aperture goes up to 256, which it is set to. I found that 3D Mark needs minimum of 128MB of total Video Memory for the 64MB texturing test. Between my 64 gfx & 64 RAM I should have had enough, but it skipped the test. Now its fine. Score of 4864. Not sure if thats good or not, but I figure I ain't messing to much anymore.

Only got the mobo thats in it now.

Welcome BTW

I'll check out those links after I've set up my Vcache. Post tomorrow.

Camie

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