I'll be basically doing programming and stuff.
asked Sep 14, 2016 at 13:18
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Anywhere between 2 to 4 GB should be OK, but it's completely upto you as to how much you should allocate.
Sep 14, 2016 at 13:20
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Maybe this answer will help.
Sep 14, 2016 at 13:21
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Normally your system will get soooo slow once it has to swap out even only 2GB that it's barely usable any more, so you would go exit some applications anyway. So 2GB plus a bit extra to be safe should be enough.
Sep 14, 2016 at 13:42
The standard recommendation for swap space is double your RAM, but if you have 4 GB RAM or more, you can usually get away with less swap space. For instance, I recently upgraded my desktop machine from 4 GB to 8 GB RAM, and didn't bother changing the size of my swap space -- it's still equal to my RAM, so it's unlikely I'll overrun it.
answered Sep 14, 2016 at 13:22
Zeiss IkonZeiss Ikon
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For 2 GB RAM you should have at least 2 GB swap memory or more but ideally it should be double of your RAM (in this case 4 GB)
answered Sep 14, 2016 at 13:52
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As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of programming and system optimization, I've encountered numerous discussions on memory management, particularly within the context of Linux systems like Kubuntu. My expertise spans both theoretical understanding and practical application, allowing me to dissect the nuances of topics like swap memory usage with precision.
The provided snippet is a glimpse into a query related to configuring swap memory on a Kubuntu system, dated September 14, 2016. The user seeks advice on the optimal allocation of swap memory, a critical aspect of system performance and stability. Now, let's break down the key concepts and insights provided in the discussion:
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Recommended Swap Size:
- The initial response suggests an allocation between 2 to 4 GB, emphasizing user discretion in determining the exact amount based on individual needs.
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System Responsiveness:
- Byte Commander underscores the impact of system slowdown when swap usage reaches around 2GB, indicating that allocating a bit more than 2GB is advisable for a smoother experience.
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Standard Swap Recommendation:
- Zeiss Ikon contributes a standard guideline recommending swap space to be double the RAM size. However, a personal example is cited where an upgrade to 8 GB RAM didn't prompt a corresponding adjustment in swap space, suggesting that higher RAM configurations may require less swap.
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Ideal Swap Size Formula:
- Jay Patel provides a concise formula, stating that for a system with 2 GB RAM, the swap should ideally be at least 2 GB, with the preferred size being double the RAM (4 GB in this case).
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User Recommendations:
- Throughout the discussion, there's an emphasis on user discretion and practical considerations. Users are encouraged to monitor their system's behavior and adjust swap space accordingly.
In conclusion, the recommendations revolve around a dynamic approach to swap memory allocation, considering factors such as RAM size, system responsiveness, and individual usage patterns. The community consensus leans towards flexibility, allowing users to adapt their swap configurations based on real-world observations. This nuanced understanding reflects a comprehensive grasp of the intricacies involved in optimizing system resources for an enhanced computing experience.
FAQs
Swap space should be twice the size of RAM in case the RAM amount is below 2 GB. If RAM amounts to more than 2 GB, then swap space should be the size of RAM + 2 GB.
How much swap space for 2GB RAM? ›
Swap space should be twice the size of RAM in case the RAM amount is below 2 GB. If RAM amounts to more than 2 GB, then swap space should be the size of RAM + 2 GB.
How big should swap be compared to RAM? ›
The amount of swap space generally equals twice the RAM of the system. Moreover, the user has the option to increase or decrease it based on the requirements.
How much swap memory is good? ›
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this topic, as the ideal amount of swap memory varies. However, having at least as much swap memory as the physical RAM size is the recommended minimum. For example, with 8GB of RAM, at least 8GB of swap memory is optimal.
Is 16GB swap too much? ›
That depends, but generally the swap partition should equal your peak memory demand minus the amount of RAM. So, if you peak at 48G and have 32G of RAM, you need 16G of swap. Ideally you want to not use swap and just get more RAM - swap being a hedge against going over.
How much virtual memory should I set for 2GB RAM? ›
Note: Microsoft recommends that virtual memory be set at no less than 1.5 times and no more than 3 times the amount of RAM on the computer. For power PC owners (most UE/UC users), there is likely at least 2 GB of RAM, so the virtual memory can be set up to 6,144 MB (6 GB).
Is 2 GB RAM overkill? ›
If your usage includes internet browsing, email, lots of office programs, flash games, and multitasking – this level of memory should be sufficient.
Should swap be twice of RAM? ›
Swap should equal 2x physical RAM for up to 2 GB of physical RAM, and then an additional 1x physical RAM for any amount above 2 GB, but never less than 32 MB. Using this formula, a system with 2 GB of physical RAM would have 4 GB of swap, while one with 3 GB of physical RAM would have 5 GB of swap.
Does swap increase RAM? ›
When your RAM is filled with active programs and data, the operating system needs to free up space to accommodate new data. The swap file provides extra space by temporarily storing data that is not immediately needed, which helps prevent your system from crashing due to insufficient memory.
Does upgrading RAM make a big difference? ›
Larger memory capacity allows for better 3D rendering and sharper, more vibrant images in-game. Increasing the amount of RAM in a PC can significantly enhance its performance. This includes faster boot-up and shutdown times, as well as smoother program launches and task executions.
To clear the swap memory on your system, you simply need to cycle off the swap. This moves all data from swap memory back into RAM. It also means that you need to be sure you have the RAM to support this operation. An easy way to do this is to run free -m to see what is used in swap and in RAM.
What is the main disadvantage of memory swapping? ›
One of the main advantages of the swapping technique is that it provides proper RAM utilization and ensures memory availability for every process. One of the main disadvantages of the swapping technique is that the algorithm used for swapping must be good enough otherwise it decreases the overall performance.
Can swap memory damage SSD? ›
Generally, any amount is "safe". The concern is what sort of hit you take on performance by using swap and with SSDs, high amounts of swap could mean additional wear and tear on the SSD to the amount of writes.
What is the recommended swap size? ›
How much should be the swap size?
| RAM Size | Swap Size (Without Hibernation) | Swap size (With Hibernation) |
|---|
| 4GB | 2GB | 6GB |
| 6GB | 2GB | 8GB |
| 8GB | 3GB | 11GB |
| 12GB | 3GB | 15GB |
10 more rowsHaving an overly-large swap partition on Linux will not cause any performance problems. Swap is used as necessary and can be somewhat controlled by swappiness. The amount of swap space allocated is never considered in the algorithms for swapping (or paging) out processes.
How much virtual memory should I allocate for 16GB RAM? ›
For a system with 16GB RAM, setting the virtual memory between 24GB to 32GB is a good starting point, but adjustments might be needed based on specific use cases.
What is the actual size of 2GB RAM? ›
For the computer 1 GB is 1024MB that means 2GB is 2048MB. That is the technical specification of a GB. But the company who create storage devices started using 1GB as equivalent to 1000MB in order to simplify the calculations. So for them 2GB is 2000MB.
Will adding 2GB of RAM make a difference? ›
You'll find that you can run more applications at the same time, allowing for greater productivity. Plus, your software will run much faster in general, cutting down on frustration and making it easier to get work done.
How to increase RAM 2GB to 8GB? ›
Watch tutorial or follow steps below.
- Gather supplies. Clear off your installation space and make sure you're working in a static-safe environment. ...
- Shut down your desktop computer. ...
- Unplug the power cable. ...
- Hold the power button for 5 seconds. ...
- Open the case. ...
- Ground yourself! ...
- Remove existing memory modules. ...
- Install memory.
RAM is hardware. You cannot configure 1 GB of RAM to be 2 GB of RAM any more than you can configure a 1 gallon jug to hold 2 gallons of water. You would need to an additional RAM chip into one of the slots on the system board of the computer.
