RAM issue

Hi,

Some of our constructors seem to have a random problem with AutoCAD 2009. At times, after a period of time, even while working with small drawings, autocad process virtual size increases from 20% to 60-70%. All the PC`s have a total of 3 Gigs of RAM and Dual-Core CPU`s, so there`s enough resources. The question is what causes this and how to get rid of it?

Thank you in advance!

P.S. Just installed AutoCAD sp2 on the problematic workstations, will wait for results.

AutoCAD version: 2009 Full

OS: Win Vista 32-bit

I think ive been there before. when I check on the task manager, CAD memory usage seems to increase gradually. I quick fix would be to restart CAD.

Im not sure on the a cause but im almost certain this to be it. the longer a CAD file/s is/are open and operated on, without closing and reopening it, the greater the memory it gradually requires coz CAD saves all actions, commands, processes, etc that you have done with a file from the moment the file is opened, and all these can be undone even though you've worked on it the entire day,everything is saved and thats where your RAM is going.

Ok, I understand that, but still why virtual size increases even while idle. And I got a confirmation, that it happens even with small drawings.

I think AutoCAD pre-grabs any resource that is available. If the RAM is needed elsewhere AutoCAD will/may release it and start using virtual memory. At least that is how it used to work.

Ok, I understand that, but still why virtual size increases even while idle. And I got a confirmation, that it happens even with small drawings.

But im sure not the same amount of rise in memory use actively working on the file.

Hmmm, im not sure but CAD does Autosave, so even in idle it will still require some memory to excecute the autosave process.

You might have 3GB onboard RAM but 1GB is immediately taken up by Windows and not allocated to AutoCAD. It's like starting a foot race with a bag of rocks tied to one leg. Your performance will suffer.

Very well, I think that the guys can get over it and re-start AutoCAD time after time.

Thanks for sharing your ideas and experience.

Not so fast. Have you considered the use of memory flushers? I used to use a program called RAMBoost but that was a few years ago. I know there are others out there. Some are free while others are either shareware (donation invited) or for sale. Check over at PCWorld as they have a free downloads center I believe.

Not so fast. Have you considered the use of memory flushers? I used to use a program called RAMBoost but that was a few years ago. I know there are others out there. Some are free while others are either shareware (donation invited) or for sale. Check over at PCWorld as they have a free downloads center I believe.

I am aware of this kind of software, but I don`t trust `em at all. Maybe it`s ok for a home user or small business, but not for a big company to use tweaks like this. If Autodesk can`t come up with a solution, then I`ll accept this as a AutoCAD characteristic.

Thanks for the tip anyway, but this is not the case.

I am aware that Vista uses 1 Gb of virtual memory itself, well even a guy with 4 Gigs has experienced the same problem. So maybe it`s less opened projects for the engineers and less problems for the IT guys eh?

A computer using Vista as an OS should not be experiencing any problems. On the other hand, if the computer is running XP then I'd suggest bumping the RAM to 4GB and edit the boot.ini file to take advantage of the /3GB switch. I've noticed that it helps me when working with large drawings including those done in 3D. Even accounting for the 1GB "hit" up front and an additional 500KB when AutoCAD loads up, I'm still left with 2.5GB just for mucking around with my drawings. I am, however, running a stand-alone workstation and AutoCAD and all drawing files are on my hard drive. I also do not use Xrefs. Do your drawings make heavy use of Xrefs?

By the way, what are the graphics card specs?

A computer using Vista as an OS should not be experiencing any problems. On the other hand, if the computer is running XP then I'd suggest bumping the RAM to 4GB and edit the boot.ini file to take advantage of the /3GB switch. I've noticed that it helps me when working with large drawings including those done in 3D. Even accounting for the 1GB "hit" up front and an additional 500KB when AutoCAD loads up, I'm still left with 2.5GB just for mucking around with my drawings. I am, however, running a stand-alone workstation and AutoCAD and all drawing files are on my hard drive. I also do not use Xrefs. Do your drawings make heavy use of Xrefs?

 

By the way, what are the graphics card specs?

Yeah, we heavily use xrefs, and most of the stuff is located on network.

I wouldn't be too hasty on discounting a memory flusher. They are small programs themselves that do work. You could always try one out. Create a restore point first, install the program and give it a test run to see if it works as advertised.

Have you purged your drawings?

What else is running on your computer?

Grpahics card specs? You did not mention any details.