I have searched for an answer without success. I have 2Gig DDR, but my game uses only about 400 M. I get a major slowdown on switching graphincs, maps, etc, and apparantly it is writing to virtual memory. Since i still have 1.3G unsued memory, how do I convince CivIV to use that instead of virtual memory?

You can't tell CIV4 not to use the VRAM but you can force Windows not to, as it is Windows that controls it. Note: this is for Win2k, I'm not sure if these reg keys exist in XP.

Try opening regedit ('Start' > 'Run' > Type 'regedit', navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manage\Memory Management\

DisablePagingExecutive: This setting forces various page-able items to be paged to RAM instead of the page file, which can offer a significant performance boost as well as take advantage of the massive amounts of RAM that systems usually come with today. This helps reduce the overhead behind system operations.

Also in the Virtual Memory settings, try setting both the initial and maximum values to the same amount, this will stop Windows extending the VM as it needs it slowing the HD down.

I have searched for an answer without success. I have 2Gig DDR, but my game uses only about 400 M. I get a major slowdown on switching graphincs, maps, etc, and apparantly it is writing to virtual memory. Since i still have 1.3G unsued memory, how do I convince CivIV to use that instead of virtual memory?
May I know how you know Civ4 is use only about 400M?

Regards,
Arto.

Also in the Virtual Memory settings, try setting both the initial and maximum values to the same amount, this will stop Windows extending the VM as it needs it slowing the HD down.
This one is debate by many since long time ago. And I believe that too, until I am trying to let windows manage virtual memory setting. And I gain some scores in 3dmark01SE, 3Dmark03, 3Dmark05, 3Dmark06 (check at least 3 times per bench).

Don't just believe what I say, try it yourself ;) .

Regards,
Arto.

You also may want to try setting both values to 0, restarting then defragging the HD, then put the values back to whatever you want and restart. This might put most of the VRAM in the same place on the HD although I wouldn't expect to see any significant performance gains unless the HD is pretty well fragmented already with a fragmented pagefile along with it.

Thanks, I'll try that. It seems absurd that the game limits itself to a fixed amount of memory. Other progralms, such PhotoShop let you set as much as you want.

I did a quick and easy check -- using Task Manager, leaving it running, then Alt-Tab back when the games virtually stops. It shows Processor at 100%, dropping back when the alt-tab take effect, but the memory stays at the same level -- i.e., about 400M above system memory.

Thanks, I'll try that. It seems absurd that the game limits itself to a fixed amount of memory. Other progralms, such PhotoShop let you set as much as you want.

I did a quick and easy check -- using Task Manager, leaving it running, then Alt-Tab back when the games virtually stops. It shows Processor at 100%, dropping back when the alt-tab take effect, but the memory stays at the same level -- i.e., about 400M above system memory.
For 100% cpu usage, there is a cure. By setting _civ4config.ini file inside C:\Program Files\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4 directory (directory may different depend on your pc).

; Set max frame rate clamp (0 means none)
SetMaxFrameRate = 30

It is default at 0, mean cpu will run 100% since it will try its best to draw at max frame rate it can. 30 - 60 should be good to limit it and bring cpu usage down, thus reducing heat. I saw no different on game picture quality after I set it to 30.

400m above system memory? You mean Civ4 take 2gb + 400mb = 2.4gb memory?

Regards,
Arto.

400m above system memory? You mean Civ4 take 2gb + 400mb = 2.4gb memory?

I was using 400M with system functions before starting the game. This comp is also network center. After starting the game, memory usage rose to about 800M. In 'normal' game play the CPU usage hovers around 100%. That is OK, the game moves fast enough. I am only guessing that from time to time it swaps my game map out to virtual memory in order to load another graphic. At those times, the CPU pegs at 100 % and everything slows to a crawl. I can Alt-Tab, and teh CPU unblocks, and the game returns to normal. I hesitate to limit virtual memory since one of my major activities is drawing picture in PhotoShop, which likes virtual memory for large pictures...