Windows XP Virtual Memory (Swap Files)

[leo888]

Do any body know how does the Windows XP Virtual Memory works, I mean What size should I set it to gain memory without slowing down the whole system. I did some searchings and find that some people suggest to set the initial = maximum and set it to not more than the physical ram,which i have 512MB. Other suggest set it to 1.5 to 2 times the physical amount of Ram. I would like some help on this cause this is very confusing ?

[sechs]

There are no good rules of thumb concerning page file size (and I presume that you're talking about your page file, since Windows XP doesn't swap).

If you need to minimize the size of your page files, then you'll simply have to experiment to determine how small you can go and get the performance that you want. Keep in mind, however, that if you pick a size that is too small, that Windows will basically come to halt when you reach yout limit.

If disk space is not an issue, just pick a size which is so inordinately large, that it would never be a limit.

[dejha]

the easiest way to tel this is to run the biggest memory hogs you have (large 3d games, video encoders, etc...) then check the size of the commit charge -- this is how much total mem is being used. After this add about 256 and set it perm, which allows it to be defragged with certain programs. If the system runs out, XP automatically increases it instead of crashing out like the older systems used to do.

I usually just set it to have a total system of 1.5 GB - so 512 RAM is 1 GB, or 1 GB RAM is 512 - but I'm pretty hardcore on my usage, I almost never drop below 800-900 MB used

It all depends on what you do - day to day, set it where u think and use it - if the system slows down horribly and the HD activity goes through the roof - it's resizing the pagefile and should tell you that the virt mem is low.

[duffman_108]

If you are low windows gives you an error that says you are runing low on VM and shut's down some programs.