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Jagoodie
60 pts.
 SQL Server 32 bit, AWE/3GB/PAE
3GB, AWE, PAE, SQL Server
I have read quite a few articles that recommend turning on /3GB on a server with 32bit SQL server and 32bit Windows 2003 standard where you have between 4GB and 16GB or RAM. Why is /3GB needed? Just so SQL Server can have more VAS, and because VAS is better than AWE mapped memory? This switch effectively limits your kernel to 1GB right? Why put the limit on if you have 6 extra GB for SQL Server?

Software/Hardware used:
Windows 2003 Standard 32bit, SQL 2005 Standard 32bit
ASKED: September 23, 2009  8:49 PM
UPDATED: September 26, 2009  1:15 AM
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The /3GB switch increases the virtual address space from 2 Gigs to 3 Gigs. This increases the potential size of the procedure cache and application memory.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  September 24, 2009  12:36 am  by  Denny Cherry   64,520 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  Denny Cherry   64,520 pts.
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Thank you! I think you are right, but do you have any documentation about this?

Jagoodie
 60 pts.
 

Here you go. 6th paragraph.

Denny Cherry
 64,520 pts.
 

Thanks again. Exactly what I was looking for. I just read here: http://www.modhul.com/2007/11/10/optimising-system-memory-for-sql-server-part-i/
that Windows 2003 Standard will only see 4gb. Does that mean it is not worthwhile to add an additional 4gb to the system to allow SQL server with AWE to utilize all 8?

Jagoodie
 60 pts.
 

This is true, Windows 2003 x86 will max out at 4 Gigs. This is a licensing limitation, not a physical limitation. You’d need to upgrade to Windows Enterprise x86 to use more RAM.

Denny Cherry
 64,520 pts.