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The /3GB Myth
This 3GB switch have nothing to do with Physical RAM. It's for the Address space.
Every process or running application have a dedicated 4GB max virtual address space
on a 32 bit machine. The default is such that 2GB of it goes to the user process and
the other 2GB goes to the Kernel and OS operation. What the 3GB switch does is that it
changes the default to 3GB user process and 1GB System. Especially for 3d artist
drivers and other windows process would be left with 1GB max of virtual address space,
which may cause problem. As far as my research goes it's for 32bit server that manage
ever growing files that may require additional VAS as time progress. Because server
usually do not have great graphics card or multiple devices attached or a user riding
on it, so 1GB for Kernel and OS process is suffice. Many misunderstood the use of this
switch. And moreover some use /PAE switch with the /3GB switch which in windows
environ will make the machine less efficient.
virtual address space does not means physical ram in anyway. Remember this ONLY apply
to 32 bit windows and 32 bit hardware. Once you hit 64bit there is no 4GB VAS limit.
If you wanna know more google at the right spot, like technet.
A good understanding of the /3GB switch is essential before using it.
Every process or running application have a dedicated 4GB max virtual address space
on a 32 bit machine. The default is such that 2GB of it goes to the user process and
the other 2GB goes to the Kernel and OS operation. What the 3GB switch does is that it
changes the default to 3GB user process and 1GB System. Especially for 3d artist
drivers and other windows process would be left with 1GB max of virtual address space,
which may cause problem. As far as my research goes it's for 32bit server that manage
ever growing files that may require additional VAS as time progress. Because server
usually do not have great graphics card or multiple devices attached or a user riding
on it, so 1GB for Kernel and OS process is suffice. Many misunderstood the use of this
switch. And moreover some use /PAE switch with the /3GB switch which in windows
environ will make the machine less efficient.
virtual address space does not means physical ram in anyway. Remember this ONLY apply
to 32 bit windows and 32 bit hardware. Once you hit 64bit there is no 4GB VAS limit.
If you wanna know more google at the right spot, like technet.
A good understanding of the /3GB switch is essential before using it.
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