OT: Running out of memory on Dell precision 690 & HP xw8600 ???
Turbo Mini Forums

These are the two machines we're using now at work for CAD apps. The project we're on has got a master assembly that is admittedly very large - but should in theory be easy pie for machines of these specs.

Whenever the software crashes, the trail files always say it ran out of memory - crashes the same way on both machines. Looking at the processors with the task manager open, these are never being taxed prior to the crash.

According to the specs under the system tab, both machines are seeing 3.25Gb of Ram.

I seem to recall that XP doesn't 'see' more than 3Gb - but the machine could have more (i pulled the side off, and it looked scary in there so it went back on - but all the Ram slots were full).
If this is the case - and there is more than 3.25Gb of ram, is it just that windows doesn't see it - but my Pro/E application will?

Any basic tips / advice as I can't get anything out of IT / support. I have searched a little and concluded that as we're on XP, we could be on a 32-bit system which will be limiting the ram available - not sure how to check if it's a 32 or 64bit though?

Will this improve or get worse as/when we get vista-ised?







EDIT - See this post:

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=265622

Edited by turbodave16v on 15th Jan, 2009.

If the processor says '64' on it then chances are the software (windows) will be too.
Xp will see 4Gig easy, Possibly running out of memory in graphics, remember CAD programs are like games very graphics card intensive.
Vista requires twice the resources sas Xp to run, and its generally crap, If you get the choice Keep XP!
Try having less simultaneous processes (windows, apps, images loaded in CAD)
Just my two cents man.

Not true - I have an Athlon 64 processor but run 32 bit windows.

If its only seeing 3.25Gb ram and there's 4Gb installed then it'll be 32 bit thats installed more than likely. If it see's 3.25Gb then thats all it can address and use. Vista 32bit generally see's upto 3.5Gb.

64 bit operating systems technically can handle upto 8Gb but a lot will recognise less even if the full 8Gb is installed.

Hario - I could understand that if it was whilst we were revolving the image in wireframe or something - but it's mostly when you go for a regen or similar, which doesn't neccesarily take a lot of effort on graphics, but has the tower chundering away for anythign from 5 to 30 seconds depending on what is being re-generated.
I guess I should have mentioned that earlier!

Coupe - so I think you're saying that if we've got a range of CAD stations, ranging from 18 months to brand-new, including dells and HP's and ALL say they have 3.25Gb, then it's more likely we have 32bit?

This makes sense I suppose.

But if I pressed the IT to change to 64, would I realistically have any improvements?

Short of pulling the sticks, is there any way of telling what Ram is installed?

And how do i know if a machine is 32 or 64bit?

As has been menitoned, if you have the 32-bit XP version your system won't be able to see more than 3.25 to 3.5Gb of ram no matter how much memory you physically have. In addition, any program won't be able to access more than 3GB the rest being reserved for the OS.

To see more, you will need a 64-bit OS and of course you'll need a 64-bit processor.

Also, you might want to check that you have enough virtual memory (Control Panel, System, Advanced, Performance, Advanced, Virtual Memory). If you have anything else running on the computer and you use the entire RAM then you start using virtual memory. If the amount allocated is not enough then it will crash. But even with plenty of virtual memory, you still won't be able to go over 3GB with the 32-bit XP.

Jean

http://www.jbperf.com/

get Sisoft Sandra and run a memory test aand it will tell you what is installed in each slot. but if the machine is seeing 3.25GB then it is likely that you 4 x 1 Gb sticks installed.

I meant if you purchase a box from a retailer with a 64bit processor then they will almost certainly provide 64bit software!!

Hold windows key + R
type 'msconfig' without the quotes
click on the services tab
tick the 'hide microsoft services' box
Then look for programs that start at windows boot and run in the background and uncheck any that arent nececarry, this will free up some ram.
carefull though you need some stuff.
then click apply
then close.

I had similar issues with AutoCAD at our place of work (I work in IT). With a lot of research we found we had to use the /3GB switch in the boot.ini (XP 32 bit in our case).

Takes a bit of understanding and some information can be found here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/833721

It has been a while since I looked at it but you need to experiment with the setting that best for your application/configuration.

I have also had to use the /3GB switch but I assume that Dave already has that set since he's seeing 3.25GB available. If I remember correctly, when the switch is not set the OS only see 2GB even if you have 4GB of physical RAM.

Jean

http://www.jbperf.com/

What is the name of the software you are using?

I'll give you a ring in an hour dave

Team Racing

You should beable to install 64 bit on that ok. I use Vista 64 bit and its much faster. Vista basic will see 8 gig, Premium will see 16 gig and business and up will see 128 gig.