Excel & RAM

[Jay]

I'm experiencing problems at work with my PC constantly 'Not Responding'
when in Excel, working with large data sets and complex formulae. The PC is
new, a
3.00 Ghz Pentium 4 HT, but with only 512MB of RAM.

I'm experiencing similar problems in Access, when working with &
queryinglarge data
sets. I'm making every effort to ensure my workbooks are designed as
efficiently as possible, so can only think it's a RAM issue.

My IT department obviously don't work with Access or Excel so are unaware of
the in-built inefficiencies.

So I need to put forward a business case for buying me more RAM. Can anyone
recommend any good reference sites/sources that detail these inefficiencies
or how RAM can be an issue when working with large data-sets in Excel.

IF anyone could help I'd really apprciate it.

Many thanks,

Jason

 

[Bill Ridgeway]

There are a number of points at which the speed at which a computer works is
constricted. The processor shouldn't be a problem and I would guess that
the hard disk drive (speed not capacity) bus speed are also OK. This leaves
the memory (speed and capacity) and how it is being used. The size (and
number) of the Excel files may be using up resource. If, for example, a
fairly average size file that is full of formulae which are periodically
being re-calculated will have an impact on the speed of operation. Another
possible issue is unnecessary applications running in the background
(including scheduled tasks). These are often installed without being
noticed. Identifying and stopping from running unnecessary applications
running in the background and scheduled tasks may improve the problem.
Using Disk Cleanup to delete unwanted files and then defragmenting
(regularly) may also make a difference. The next step would be to increase
the amount of memory. This is reasonably inexpensive. Try to get as much
as you can.

--

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions

 

[Jim Thomlinson]

Take a look at this link...

http://www.decisionmodels.com/memlimits.htm

 

[AllanB]

Jay

I have experience processing in excess of 4 million data rows in Excel by
using keyed memory access via Microsoft Collection facilities.
I will share my experience if you wish.
It may not be relevant to your application but ............

AllanB