/3GB switch Dell E5500 video issue

I am running AutoDesk 2010 on a Latitude E5500 with 4GB RAM. AutoDesk recommends using the /3GB Switch in the boot.ini file to alow the program access to more of the RAM. When I do that the video driver seems to not load so I get extremely low resolution and I can't change it. I have tried using the /userva switch to leave more RAM available for the operating system and hardware, but that did not help. I tried /userva=2800 and 2500 and 2100 with no luck. The adapter is a Mobile Intel GMA X4500 HD.

I have also done the latest BIOS update and Video driver.

I have used the /3GB switch on some Desktops and that works fine.

I have been told in another forum that the on-board video wants to use 1GB of the RAM and that can not be changed . I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue .

 

I am not sure I follow you.
But, you have an Intel GPU. If you wanted to do CAD work (more then just touring in the software) you need a dedicated GPU with it's own memory, to make be able to have any small project run smoothly. If you can return your laptop, I would do so, and get one with a dedicated GPU, like the Latitude E6400 with the Quadro NVS 160M option with 256MB of memory... for a start (small/medium size project.. might need to overclock the GPU on demand (See my GPU OC guide) for larger projects). If you need even more power (or skip the overclock GPU part), than perhaps the Dell Precision series might suit your needs as it seams to offer more powerful GPU's.

Also, having a 64-bit OS helps greatly. If Autodesk is available in 64-bit, it won't have any RAM limit per application.

 

Was it you or someone else who posted this in the SZ forum.
I suggest using the "3G switch" as people call it alone.

It isn't directly related to RAM but to address space.

Edit:
If you have a 32Bit OS 3GB of address space is possibly all that's left for RAM after other hardware.

 

Thanks for the replies.
As "goodbytes" suggests I am leaning towards a new Laptop that would have a video card with it's own memory.

 

Even that's not straightforward - or was... apparently my NVidia 8400M GS has its own memory and uses RAM too... ??? (on my SZ - but I hardly ever use it...)

 

Nvidia GPU's has a technology that Nvidia calls Turbo Memory. This technology allows the GPU to use your RAM if you run out of video memory, so that your game doesn't go down to a slide show in the middle of your game. The memory that the GPU takes on your RAM is not reserved, it takes what it needs on your RAM to a certain point which varies between models, and frees it as soon as it can.