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Memory configuration

Hello, I have 8 GB memory on my SQL Server. I read some where, SQL Server can not access more than 2 GB of memory under normal conditions. In order to use more memory, we may need to enable the AWE switch for SQL Server. I was wondering, how could i do this and let SQL Server access memory above 2 gb? Appreciated if someone please advice. Thanks,
Cali
If you are using sql server 2005 then Standard Edition can also use > 2 GB but if you are using sql server 2000 you have to have Enterprise Edition to use >2gb memory… 1. Set the lock in memory pages
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-US/library/ms190730.aspx
2. Set AWE enabled using sp_configure procedure…
3. Set Max Server Memory to 6GB and leaving 2 GB to OS.
If you want to use 7GB for sql you need to use /3GB in boot.ini file. Take a look the following article…
http://www.sql-server-performance.com/awe_memory.asp
MohammedU.
Moderator
SQL-Server-Performance.com All postings are provided “AS IS” with no warranties for accuracy.

2GB restriction is applicable to SQL 2000 Standard edition, KBAhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/274750 too fyi. Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
Thanks for the answer. One last question: If I have to use 7GB memory for SQL server, why do i have to use the /3GB in boot.ini file? Can’t i use the Step1 to Step3 recommended by Mohammed? If I have SQL Server, are the configuration parameters same? I.E Step1 to Step3? Appreciated your answer. Thanks again,
Cali
Without /3GB, sql can’t use 7 GB out of 8 GB total memory…
MohammedU.
Moderator
SQL-Server-Performance.com All postings are provided “AS IS” with no warranties for accuracy.

For more clarification you have to specify what version of SQL version you are using?
There are many changes from SQL 2k to 2k5 and with operating system too. Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
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