Out of memory :-(

[Guest]

A couple of times today Windows has popped up a message saying that it is low on memory, and I should configure Virtual Memory and restart.

However, it is set to do manage the VM itself! I'm guessing that maybe I should manage my own settings, but what should I set this to? My PIII-450 & SE440BX mobo which previously shared these components never did this (although I have 2x64Mb sticks which I keep meaning to put in - will these help?)

System:
Windows ME
Celeron 1.2 Tualatin
Gigabyte GA-6VTXE mobo (VIA 694T chipset)
256Mb RAM
SB Audigy
IBM 60GXP - 60Gb
Creative Labs Geforce Annihilator Pro (DDR)

Thanks all!

Shane.

 

[Toejam31]

I'd set the Virtual Memory at 384, maximum and minimum. That's 1.5 times the amount of installed physical RAM, and that should be sufficient.

Then I'd add this line to the [386Enh] section of the system.ini file: ConservativeSwapfileUsage=1.

You'll find a lot of information on how to tweak your system memory on this <A HREF="http://www.3dspotlight.com/tweaks/memory/print.shtml" target="_new">page</A>.

Finally, you can use this program to manage your system memory and cache settings:

<A HREF="http://www.outertech.com/" target="_new">Cacheman 5.1</A>

And this <A HREF="http://mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml" target="_new">one</A> to turn off unnecessary files that boot with Windows and cause system resource problems. Third-party programs are notorious for installing resource-hogging files.

Toejam31

<font color=red>My Rig:</font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847" target="_new"><font color=green>Toejam31's Tantalizing Tantric Toy</font color=green></A>
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[AMD_Man]

I'm guessing that you are running out of system resources. If that's the case, there is nothing you can do, it's a limitation in Win9x-based OSs. The only way to solve this problem is to upgrade to a WinNT-based OS.

AMD technology + Intel technology = Intel/AMD Pentathlon IV; the <b>ULTIMATE</b> PC processor

 

[Guest]

Right, it's happened again despite setting VM to 384Mb. Here's the message:

'The computer has run out of memory to run applications. Close unnecessary applications. Increase the amount of disk space Windows uses for virtual memory. To do this, double-click the System icon in the Windows Control Panel. Reboot the computer. Install more memory. To get information on memory upgrade options, click Memory|Physical Memory from within Client Manager. If the problem continues, call a support representative'.

WTF??!

Shane.

 

[camieabz]

What is your AGP aperture set to?

What are your Vcache settings (if any) in your system.ini file?

Are you short on disk space? This would affect the virtual memory.

<b><font color=blue>The Cisco Kid</font color=blue></b>

 

[svol]

Try Rambooster, it can be downloaded here:
<A HREF="http://www.sci.fi/~borg/rambooster/index.htm" target="_new">http://www.sci.fi/~borg/rambooster/index.htm</A>.

My case has so many fans that it hovers above the ground .

 

[Guest]

I think I've figured it actually - it's the Gigabyte Utility Manager coming up with this message - I've just turned it off - it pop's up when it runs out of *physical* memory! Sorry, my fault! :-O

Out of interest, what should my AGP aperture size be set to?

Thanks,

Shane.

 

[svol]

1/2 of your system memory will be good enough.

My case has so many fans that it hovers above the ground .

 

[camieabz]

So if I have 32MB of memory I set it to 16MB or if I have 512MB of memory I set it to 256MB?

If your video card is a 16MB card and I have 32MB of memory and my aperture set at 16MB, I have 48MB of memory to call upon for texturing. If I set it at 32MB, I have 64MB.

The ideal solution is to work out how much RAM you normally use when its set at 64MB. Allocate a decent amount of the free RAM in your aperture size.

This prevents the aperture from asking too much and allows as much free RAM as possible to be utilised.

For example, I have been running my system for 3 days without re-starts, and I'm running a distributed computing program which is eating into my RAM. I have 377MB allocated out of 512MB, leaving 134MB of free RAM.

<b>If</b> I could run a game <b>and</b> have the other program running at full whack, I'd be over allocating with 256MB of aperture size, but thats not going to happen, cause when I run a game, the memory will give preference to the game, and free up as much as possible for it.

So you should set it according to your needs. If you never run 3D stuff, a smaller aperture is desirable. If you have a 64MB card, equally you need less system RAM for running texturing.

Try differnent combinations of settings and tests with apps, games and also try running programs which run for a while on full CPU load (anti-virus scan). When you start opening apps during these progs, you really start to see a drop in performance.

<b><font color=blue>The Cisco Kid</font color=blue></b>