Windows Forum·65,841 discussions

Optimum pagefile size

Locked

What is the appropriate size for the pagefile on an NT 4.0 TSE server with 4-GB of physical ram? Dell configured the server with a 512-MB pagefile but could not provide a reason for choosing this size.

Disk capacity is not an issue.

Topic

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

My view is to monitor Task Manger Commit Charge. What you are looking for is to compare the Peak with Limit.
In my opinion if the Peak approaches the limit then increase the pagefile. If it never gets near then you could even consider reducing thepagefile. Another technique would be to create a log with Performance Monitor.
If you have multiple disks then performance improves if you have a pagefile on each.
The only disadvange in creating a 4GB pagefile would be the system overhead in maintaining it.
Pagefile = Ram +2mb means that if you do get a Blue screen of death stop message, you can decipher it with Dumpexam.

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

I had a similar Dell configured server running terminal Server Ed. and found that anything over 720Mb slowed the disk subsystem to unacceptable levels. However, this really relies on the load placed on the server. I would advise getting a raid controller with a large cache if you intend increasing the page size above the 512Mb but if you can afford to experiment, do so.

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

With 4G of ram you might not even need a swap file, it will just slow things down. It can’t write a crash debug anyway. I would agree with answer above; monitor, but I would try without… and watch it scream.

Optimum pagefile size

In reply to Optimum pagefile size

How would you configure NT 4.0 server with no pagefile?

[Author]

Replies