Should I change my Virtual Memory settings?

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Dec 08, 2001 6:11 pm

I read at speedguide.net that you should set your virtual memory to double the amount of ram you got... (max and min). Has anyone done this, and if so, has it worked? I have 512mb of PC2100 ram, so would I put in 1024?

Thanks in advance for any pointers here.

Jim Z · Post by **Jim Z** » Sat Dec 08, 2001 6:24 pm

If it's win9x, you can get away with setting it equal to your RAM (if you have 256 MB or more).

If it's NT/2000/XP just leave it alone.

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Dec 08, 2001 6:28 pm

I have 98SE. So, I will be OK with out messing with it? (Since I have 512mb of ram?)

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sat Dec 08, 2001 11:44 pm

In my experience there's no benefit in using manual Virtual Memory settings if you have more than 128Mb. Let Windows manage it - you're likely to do more harm than good.

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Dec 08, 2001 11:46 pm

Ok, thanks. Looks like I'll be leaving it alone.

NascarFool · Post by **NascarFool** » Sun Dec 09, 2001 1:31 am

Hmm , I set the virtual memory in 98SE equal to the physical memory. (512 megs minimum and maximum) I then used Nortons to optimize the drive, Nortons moved the virtual memory to the outer edge of the drive. I have seen a big difference in performance. If I find the site that shows the settings, I'll link it here.

DocSilly · Post by **DocSilly** » Sun Dec 09, 2001 8:48 am

I prefer to set my virtual memory (pagefile) to a set size. I do the same as NascarFool. It should also prevent extra fragmentation due to ever changing pagefile size.
I have 768MB and my pagefile is set to 250MB (Win2k) ...

Phjorg · Post by **Phjorg** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 2:05 pm

That's a lot of ram for win98. From most of what I've been reading, anything over 256 is money down the drain anyway.. but that aside, there are tweaks that should be done to a win98 system if you do have more than 64mb of RAM. first of all, set the role of your computer to network server rather than personal computer.

Next, do some vcache tweaks. here's a site to explain what i've been talking about. enjoy http://home.tampabay.rr.com/philip1/Win ... erform.htm

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 5:47 pm

Ah, I see. I read the whole topic about that a while back. It said you'd be OK with 512mb, but anything over will kill performnce.

Had to get more ram before teh prices inclined as much as they did. (Got a brand new stick from someone for 39$)

Thanks for the link... Maybe I'll make a Ram Drive? Does that come in handy for certain files ever?