Virtual Memory/ KT7 A

[mdeavenport]

I am trying to increase my virtual memory. Windows 98 will not let me allocate the right amount wanted. Has anyone increased it on this motherboard and If so, what is the mathmatical formula for increasing this to its fullest amount. 20 gig Hard-Drive. 1.4 Gig AMD, 512 Ram. I would like to find out about setting it in the Bios? since I havn't done this before you may be able to help. THANKS

[Sterling_Aug]

Virtual memory is set from within the operating system. If you have 512 MB RAM, then let windows set the virtual memory. An acceptable setting would be 256MB (min. and max.)

[NDC]

Win2k/Win9x - Swapfile Optimization (http://65.100.204.165/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12)

[mdeavenport]

Thanks for the information.

[krazefinn]

Don't allow windoze to mange the swap file: it automatically resizes itself resulting in marked and rapid fragmentation, imposing a severe performance hit as the head has to search the enire hd platter to find it's scattered bits and bytes.

Instead, use a inverse formula dependant on actual installed Ram. Most old rules of thumb were 2 or 3x ram, but with more ram, less swap is needed. Hence, 500 min/max with only 64mb, 400 with 128, 300 with 256. Never less than 200, and be forewarned windoze will scream the chicken little warning that the sky is falling, and it must manage the swap. Ignore the warning, choose yes to proceeed, and restart.

Well, actually, before you nrestart, rt click my computer, choose file system tab, select (regardless of network status) "network server" as typical role of your computer. This will greatly increase the system file caching and number of files cached, resulting in much more efficient use of memory than the default setting of "desktop computer".

[mdeavenport]

Krazefinn thanks , that is exatually what I asked for. You have the right answer. And windows should not run my virtual memory. Thanks again "thats what the doctor ordered":D

[krazefinn]

You're welcome, and good luck. Last months maximumpc rag had a great informative article with more windoze and swap file tips. I also frequent tweak3d, they're usually loaded with good tweak stuff.

It's rare, but some (I've never encountered any) really bloated games will protest a fixed swap file thats too small, but it's easy to either reverse or increase amount.

Also, dependent on apps, might want to actually use system monitor to ascertain actual swapfile needs. Also, use windows defragger (or better yet a 3rd party ute ie Norton SystemWorks, McAfee office etc) to place the swap on the fastest portion (outer perimeter of platter). If using windoze for this task, select "advanced" under defragging tools option, and choose "allow windows to rearrange most-frequently-used to optimize speed". And don't forget to actually defrag at least monthly. Actually with a fixed swaapfile, fragmentation is reduced substantially.

[mdeavenport]

Krazefin,
Thanks for the feedback, I am running XP. Norton and McAfee I find are system hogs and controllers and a "B****" to remove. I still havn't got the swap file down yet but will keep trying. I do appreciate the information and would like to here what you think of XP. I will go to Maximum PC and check it out.