SQL Server sucking down RAM over time?

We have a Win2K (SP4) Server for our CAD system. It seems over time, the SQL server just sucks up more and more RAM at idle and bogs itself down. The server has 512mb of RAM. When you first boot and/or restart the SQL Server service, it is only using about 200mb of RAM constantly. Over time (days), it will end up using 500-700MB's of RAM (Yes, it goes into virtual memory) constant at idle. If I stop and restart the SQL server service, it goes back to 200mb and runs smooth.

What gives?

 

SQL server will cache a lot of data and actions, ie. the logic of a stored procedure as well as connection pooling. So it does use a lot of resources. Also, what ever application you're using to interface with the SQL server should be releasing resources promptly as well.

what are you using as an interface?

Aside from that, 512MB isn't enough if you're dealing storing CAD files in the database. Put another Gig in there especially if you're doing a lot of transactions.

SQL server likes to load things into RAM because RAM is faster. It's a hog in that respect but it works well if you have the hardware for it.

also, make sure your SQL server is up to SP3.

 

Just so you know it is CAD as in Computer Aided Dispatching, not for drawing.

That would seem to fit whats happening. The longer we use it, the higher the memory usage goes. I'll have to put in for another gb of memory. That way it can use as much as it needs without getting pissed off.

 

It's also only a 450Mhz Pentium II with a 450Mhz FPU Co-Processor. Yea, we scrounged for it and I think it was free.

 

whatever gets the job done I would shoot for no less than 1gig total in the machine. It sounds like you guys are hitting that db on a pretty steady basis.

 

I did some research. The server is an HP Prolient and the maximum RAM is 1gb. I guess we will try to buy another 500mb and fill it up.

The CAD is running 24/7/365 so it is constantly in use.