How do I limit SQL Server memory usage?

Question

Setting a Maximum Memory Limit for a SQL Server Instance. In Enterprise Manager, right-click on the desired SQL Server instance and click Properties. In the properties dialog box, click the Memory tab. Under the Maximum (MB) slider option, move the slider to the desired maximum value. Click OK to save your changes.

Should I limit SQL Server memory?

You should not assign all your server memory for max SQL memory configuration. The configuration should leave sufficient free space for OS processes and other applications, if any, running on the server. As general guidelines, for a single instance, the memory configuration should be as specified below.

How do I reduce my server memory usage?

In order to reduce the memory usage you can reduce the number of servers by editing your httpd. conf file. There are three settings you are going to want to look at: StartServers, MinSpareServers, and MaxSpareServers. Each can be reduced to a value of 1 or 2 and your server should still respond promptly.

Why is my SQL Server memory usage high?

SQL Server will use as much memory as you let it. Check your maximum memory setting and lower it to make sure you have enough room for the OS to function. A good rule of thumb is 4GB or 10% of total memory, whichever is higher.

What should SQL Server memory be set to?

By default it is set to 2147483647 MB, which allows SQL Server to use approximately all of the server's memory. We can change this setting to a lower value, according to our requirements. It could be done either by SQL Server Management Studio or a T-SQL script.

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