Memory Allocation Question

• brk5tr

  Ten Centuries

  Points: 1360

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  July 20, 2010 at 8:17 am

  #144189

  I am running SQL Server 2005 (64 bit) on a server which has 8Gb of memory.

  The memory has no min or max values set, so I'm assuming it is dynamically handles by SQL Server.

  I run the following query:

  select * from sys.dm_os_performance_counters where counter_name like '%server_memory%';

  This brings back the following:

  Target Server Memory: 6809320

  Total Server Memory: 6708704

  I have two questions:

  1/. Is the Total Server Memory, the amount of memory that is currently in use by SQL Server. Also, does it only include memory allocated to the buffer cache, or does it include the plan cache etc.

  2/. Why could my Target Memory be higher than my Total Memory, as the server has a tiny amount of use, and it only houses one instance of SQL Server?

  I appreciate any help.

  Thanks.

• SQLBuddy123

  One Orange Chip

  Points: 28294

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  July 20, 2010 at 10:14 am

  #1195658

  Hi

  1. Total Server Memory is the memory currently in use by SQL Server and it includes both data and procedure cache buffers.

  2. Target > Total indicates that SQL Server is working fine. If Target <= Total then SQL Server is experiencing memory pressure.

  If possible try to configure Max and Min server settings something like MIN=MAX= 6GB and also Lock pages in Memory

  Thank You,

  Best Regards,

  SQLBuddy