Virtual Memory

[mcp6453]

I have a new computer with XP Home. It came with 128 MB memory. I have
upgraded it to 528 MB. What are the correct settings for virtual memory?
528 and 1024? Can you recommend an online discussion for the
determination of the optimum settings?

 

[MGGP]

In most cases, the best thing to do is . . . stand up, put
your hands on the chair's seat, and then sit on them; in
other words do NOTHING. Windows will, in most cases,
configure your virtual memory correctly without your help.

For more information see:

http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.htm

Good Luck !

 

[Guy Gardner]

Try these settings - I presume you know how.
For 512 MB
Initial: 768
Max size: 1536

For 1024
Initial: 1536
Max size: 3072

 

[CrazyEyes]

I would have thought Guy, having more physical ram means that you should
need less of a page file aka virtual memory. In other words the many
formulas to working out your needed page file size change as your ram
increases. eg. If i had 128M of ram i would need a much bigger page file
than say a machine with 2 gigs of ram.
I have one gig of ram and have my page file set at 128 - 256, this is fine.
The less ram u have the bigger your page file needs to be.

Crazy.

 

[Guy]

Hi CrazyEyes.
That theory is sound. The virtual memory max size is more important than the
initial size because your existing RAM (noting that is is on a need to use
basis) takes care of your requirements.
The Max size becomes important when your physical RAM is full and can no
longer meet the requirements for the task in hand.
You must remember that paging files increase and decrease as your system
needs it.
If the Max size is set too low then the page file cannot expand beyond the
max size limit to cater for the extra requirements.
If the need to have large physical memory capabilities is paramount ( and
one would question limits for general users) in dealing with hefty programs
(Graphics especially) then the paging file larger than that of the physical
is a definite. Every bit will help.
If 2 gigs of RAM is suitable for a machine to do its work to the potential
of the application, then that application is a memory hogger to say the
least ( unless you're talking Server). Still to use past this amount, the
page file will aid in the performance by allowing 2 gig plus to be utilised
from disk to memory and visa versa.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a new computer with XP Home. It came with 128 MB memory. I have
upgraded it to 528 MB. What are the correct settings for virtual memory?
528 and 1024?

See my page at www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.htm

For that you should not need much as initial size in a general sort of
workload - I would set that at 100 MB, and keep an eye on the file in
Explorer (or use the tool linked from that page) to see if you actually
use any more - quite possibly you won't. But leave the max well up
(1024 should be plenty) against contingencies

 

[Alex Nichol]

I would have thought Guy, having more physical ram means that you should
need less of a page file aka virtual memory. In other words the many
formulas to working out your needed page file size change as your ram
increases. eg. If i had 128M of ram i would need a much bigger page file
than say a machine with 2 gigs of ram.

You are quite right. As a lot of people have said for a long time.
Hence my setting out the matter at the page I have already given

There is no *harm* in having the file grossly too large - as long as you
do not mind the disk space being tied up needlessly