SQL Server Performance Forum – Threads Archive

using /3gb switch and /PAE

My server has 10 gig of physical RAM. Sql Server is using 8 gig via AWE. Do I still need the /3gb switch in my boot.ini? I’m thinking that using /3gb and AWE is redundant in my particular circumstance.

Why? You generally use the /3gb switch until you reach 16gb of memory on the server. You then take it off. You do have the /pae switch enabled since SQL Server is using 8gb right? The biggest reason to leave the /3gb switch on there as long as possible is because of the extra gb in the base RAM. This gives SQL Server access to 3gb without having to access the memory extensions. MeanOldDBA
[email protected] When life gives you a lemon, fire the DBA.

The thought is that since I have 8 gb via AWE why short limit the OS to 1 gig. The network guys fear that Windows could get memory starved and would like to see it taken out. I’m trying to determine the pros and cons.

The network guys should stick to networks. <img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif’ alt=’

‘ /> Refer to these articles for memory recommendations and SQL Server usage. They should get you started. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291988</a> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;274750&sd=tech</a> http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=sql+server+2000+%2F3gb+switch&btnG=Search</a> If this is a dedicated SQL Server with the amount of RAM you said, then you should use both switches unless you have a good reason not too. MeanOldDBA [email protected] When life gives you a lemon, fire the DBA.

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