page file - can I set it to 0?

[hifiaudio2]

I will have 2gb ram in my new 925x system - 3.4 ghz proce.... is this a sufficient amount of ram to justify setting the page file to 0?

Or is there no reason to do that? Thoughts?

 

[3chordcharlie]

no reason to do it, though I've seen it suggested to set the max and min ot the same size to avoid fragmentation.

 

[hifiaudio2]

Thanks - did a little more searching - seems the consensus is to leave it on and up to windows.....

 

[Matthias99]

You should not *completely* disable it, as some programs count on it being there (even if there is plenty of physical RAM available).

You can, as suggested, set it to a fixed size (set the minimum and maximum to the same number), which will keep it from being fragmented (although this is rarely a problem). I suggest just leaving it at the automatic settings -- with 2GB of RAM, you'll hardly ever use it anyway.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
You should not *completely* disable it, as some programs count on it being there (even if there is plenty of physical RAM available).

You can, as suggested, set it to a fixed size (set the minimum and maximum to the same number), which will keep it from being fragmented (although this is rarely a problem). I suggest just leaving it at the automatic settings -- with 2GB of RAM, you'll hardly ever use it anyway.

I agree 100%.

Interesting I just was looking at the exact same computer. Decided against the 925 chipset due to cost reasons and the fact that the computer I'm buying will never be upgraded. But I'll be getting 2 GB memory and a 3.4 GHz P4. Need to order that before Dell discontinues the 4600 line.

 

[hifiaudio2]

got the Dell 8400 myself, should be a screamer...

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Windows OS need at least 2MB pagefile to be stable so NEVER set it to zero.

With that much physical ram, you should set it manually (example: low 2MB, high 50MB) then tweak OS (easy way is to get tweak application such as system mechanic) to minimize pagefile use.

Or go what others already suggested: fixed low and high to a number like 1024/1024.

I prefer manual because I believe default in win xp is low of 1524/high of 3000.

 

[ss284]

Originally posted by: PhoenixOrion
Windows OS need at least 2MB pagefile to be stable so NEVER set it to zero.

With that much physical ram, you should set it manually (example: low 2MB, high 50MB) then tweak OS (easy way is to get tweak application such as system mechanic) to minimize pagefile use.

Or go what others already suggested: fixed low and high to a number like 1024/1024.

I prefer manual because I believe default in win xp is low of 1524/high of 3000.

I think windows xp defaults to:

150% of system memory for min
300% of system memory for max


-Steve

 

[Steve]

Virtual Memory in Windows XP.

This link should give a lot of insight into NT5's memory management, and clear up some myths - such as the idea that a fixed-size pagefile reduces fragmentation.

 

[hifiaudio2]

Good link - thanks!

 

[Gamingphreek]

The general rule of thumb is set to double your memory size. I dunno if you have enough memory thats probably overkill. However make sure it is set to static so its not constantly changing it around (ie 50in 500 max not 2 min 500max).

-Kevin

 

[eelw]

I will go against everyone here and say disable your swap file. I have been doing this every since XP was available. The programs that I use don't require the presense of the swap file. I normally have 6 or 7 programs open and never receive any low memory errors. Since the swap file is disabled, none of the background programs get swapped out to the HD. So when I task switch between programs, the swap is almost instantaneous. Give it a try and you will see that your system will be more responsive.

 

[tiap]

I don't use a page file most of the time. It's great to disable it for defragging alone. Photoshop and some games require it no matter how much pysical memory. I really don't notice much difference either way