Virtual Memory settings in XP?

[Trey]

Does any know the correct setting for Virtual Memory in XP? I didn't know I had a problem until I installed Medal Of Honor: Pacific Assault, when I ran it it ran just a little bit slow. I figured that my processor was just lame and that was the best it could do. But when I exited I got a 'virtual memory is too small' warning, so I looked into it. My Virtual Memory was set for 300 or 400 MBs, the 'system suggested' number the computer wanted was over 3 GBs! I don't know what formula the computer uses to get that number, but I thought 3 GBs was a little excessive. I picked nice round numbers for the Virtual Memory Min. and Max., 750MBs and 1GBs. Since doing that I've noticed an improvment in quite a few of the games I've got on here besides MOHPA.

What I was wondering is... Is it all right that I just randomly picked some figures for the memory? Should I give the system the 3+GBs it wanted? Problem is I've only got 6 GBs free on my windows partition, and I think that's where it draws it. You're supposed to use the windows drive, something about fragmentation slowing the system if you don't.

I always figured Windows just took care of the Virtual Memory itself. I never even thought about having to check if the settings were optimal.

[Doomed_Space_Marine]

I'm no expert on virtual memory, but I hope this is of some help.


I picked nice round numbers for the Virtual Memory Min. and Max., 750MBs and 1GBs. Since doing that I've noticed an improvement in quite a few of the games I've got on here besides MOHPA.

If you are happy with the result of your new virtual memory setting, and all your game’s are working properly, then I suppose just leave it.

The problem is I've only got 6 GBs free on my Windows partition, and I think that's where it draws it.

It appears as if your system drive partition is fairly low on space. I would suggest freeing up as much disk space as possible on the system partition, ideally something like four gigs if you can manage it. If you have a second hard drive move some stuff there if you can, or back-up to removable media. Always good to have some breathing room on the Windows partition.

You're supposed to use the Windows drive, something about fragmentation slowing the system if you don't.

You are right to leave the swapfile where it is on the Windows drive, as you could potentially get up the creek if you moved it.



Cheers

[InsaneFury]

I'm no expert on virtual memory, but I hope this is of some help.


You're supposed to use the Windows drive, something about fragmentation slowing the system if you don't.
You are right to leave the swapfile where it is on the Windows drive, as you could potentially get up the creek if you moved it.

False. If you have another disk in your PC, it's better to have the swapfile there. As Windows loads applications, it requires the harddisk head to catch up to the specific location of the files required. Having to use the swapspace will then stress the same head, basically giving it too much to do which takes time.

Having the swapfile on another disk will give the primary one a break.

[Trey]

I'm no expert on virtual memory, but I hope this is of some help.


You're supposed to use the Windows drive, something about fragmentation slowing the system if you don't.
You are right to leave the swapfile where it is on the Windows drive, as you could potentially get up the creek if you moved it.

False. If you have another disk in your PC, it's better to have the swapfile there. As Windows loads applications, it requires the harddisk head to catch up to the specific location of the files required. Having to use the swapspace will then stress the same head, basically giving it too much to do which takes time.

Having the swapfile on another disk will give the primary one a break.

Actually I ment 'Partition' it would be on the same drive.

[Doomed_Space_Marine]

False. If you have another disk in your PC, it's better to have the swapfile there.

Sure. I read though you should still have at least 2 MB (ideally 50 MB ) of the swapfile on the system partition.

I remember in the Win 9X days it was worth putting the swapfile on another partition to speed things up a bit. But these days with ultra fast SATA or even a zippy IDE drive it is really a mute point.

[Virgil]

"These days" one don't need to have much virtual memory, cause he usually have 1-2 Gbs of real RAM on board.

[Doomed_Space_Marine]

Yeah. For sure. I have 4 Gigs of RAM in my current rig, and virtual memory has never been an issue for me.

[Trey]

"These days" one don't need to have much virtual memory, cause he usually have 1-2 Gbs of real RAM on board.

That's what I thought too. I've got 2 GBs in here right now, that's why I was surprised the virtual memory could even be an issue.