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3GB RAM Limit for Windows–Decklink Extreme–Why?
Luke/Andrew et al:
My projects (SD,PremPro 2) are large in terms of number of clips in the bins (thousands)and length and complexity of timelines–video and audio effects. I’ve had 4 gb of RAM installed for about 6 months with no problems other than certain functions in prem pro not performing correctly. This occurs after editing for sometime. To regain those functions, I have to close (if it hasn’t already crashed) the app and restart the computer.
Another problem is trying to make a movie over about 10 minutes. Often (not always) I’ll get an “Error Compiling Movie” if I don’t first close the app, and restart. Now, this may have something to do with the effect every clip contains (Magic Bullet/Look Suite). Apparently doing some editing/processing tangles up the system/memory that restarting cleans up.
Also, I have the “/3gb switch” enabled, which as many know provides the app with 3gb of memory and 1gb to the OS. Recently I entered the “userva=xxxx” feature into the boot.ini string, which gave back some memory to the OS. Unfortunately, that didn’t resolve the problem.
Question: Is this problem(s) the result of having more than 3 gb of RAM installed? What other problems are caused by exceeding the 3 gb limit? How soon will BMD release the driver that allows use of more than 3 gb of RAM?
Thanks,
Bill Buchanan
Buchanan Film Co. -
7 Replies
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Hi Bill,
I believe that the next update to our DeckLink drivers for Windows x64 should include the firmware to allow more than 3 GB of RAM with x64 editions of Windows. It is currently in testing so I’m hopeful we’ll see it releaesed within a week and you can then test if this makes your various problems go away. Are you using an x64 edition of Windows?
Regards,
Luke Maslen
Blackmagic Design -
Luke:
No, I’m not using x64. I’m using XP sp2. 6 or so months ago, I considered going to x64, but thought better of it, since there was nothing to be gained and a lot to be lost using Prem Pro, etc. Plus I was in the middle of cutting a 90 minute show.
I hope you are releasing driver/firmware for the 32-bit systems that would allow use of 4gb+ of RAM.
Best,
Bill Buchanan
Buchanan Film Co. -
Hi Bill,
My understanding is that Windows XP (32-bit) does not allow for more than 3 GB of RAM. The switch to which you have referred seems to provide access up to 3 GB of RAM of which some would be used by the system and some to Premiere Pro. One of the selling points of the 64-bit editions of Windows is provide access to more than 3 GB of RAM. Premiere Pro 2.0 is a 32-bt application and would not benefit from being run on an x64 edition of Windows.
I do not believe there is any harm in your having 4 GB of RAM in your PC but I also believe that at least 1 GB of the RAM is being ignored by Windows XP (32-bit).
That means that we need to look at your Premiere Pro problems as a more normal problem rather than anything to do with 3 GB limitations. Our drivers cannot remove a 3 GB limitation imposed by the operating system.
Regards,
Luke Maslen
Blackmagic Design -
Luke:
I suspect you’re right. I’ve spent hours on microsoft’s pages trying to wrap my mind around the /3gb switch issue and how it I believe permits xp 32-bit to recognize and use 4gb of ram. As I understand it, the /3gb switch assigns 3gb of ram to the app and 1gb to the OS. Whatever it does, it doesn’t seem to help PremPro handle large, long form projects very well. I hope like hell adobe’s prem pro next release is 64-bit so we can all have better lives. Thanks for your response.
Bill Buchanan
Buchanan Film Co. -
Hi Bill
Just a side note….Ive noticed that premiere pro2 started to give us a few error messages for the first time, only once we put titles into the project….up till then it has been smooth sailing with prmiere pro2. We are leaving any titling work till the end to try and keep things stable as possible. Have you guys noticed this title instability? -
The instances of instability, slowdowns, functions not working are apparently in direct proportion to the size and complexity of the project. I didn’t need to break up a 90 minute timeline into 4 projects until I started adding visual and audio sfx/EQing,etc AND subtitling. Sounds as if what you’re experiencing comes with the territory.
Bill Buchanan
Buchanan Film Co. -
Hi,
I’ll like to confirm the problems stated by Bill Buchanan. I also used to get same problems. but i just had 1.5 gb ram then. the problem is not with 3gb ram. The problem starts coming as soon as we start applying effects on the time line. the title generally does not give any problems. It’s some particular effects only on which this problem comes. (error compiling movie etc.)
i could reproduce same problem in a 3 min time line with just a spark fx applied. As soon as i removed the spark, i could export the time line.
The thing required to identify is wether this is a decklink problem or premiere.thanks
and best luck
sameer
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