2012

Quick Reference
Commands
3DCONFIG
Sets options that affect 3D display performance.
GRAPHICSCONFIG
Sets options for 3D display performance.
System Variables
VSSHADOWS
Controls whether a visual style displays shadows.
Memory Tuning
Performance can also be improved by adding memory to your system. This is
especially true when working on larger models.
The system requirements for AutoCAD require at least 512 MB of physical
memory (RAM) for working in 2D. For creating and working with 3D models,
at least 2 GB of RAM is required.
The size and complexity of a model often defines how efficiently an application
runs. If you notice increased hard drive activity, it means that physical memory
has been exceeded and data is being passed to a swap file (virtual memory).
A swap file is an area on the hard drive that Windows uses as if it were physical
memory (RAM). The swap file size is basically a limit which restricts the total
virtual size of the AutoCAD process. A good rule of thumb for configuring
your swap file is three times the amount of physical memory on your system.
This usually sets the limit high enough that AutoCAD doesn't run out of swap
space.
Typically, systems are limited to a maximum of 2 GB of virtual memory. On
some systems, you can set the /3GB switch that allows applications to use up
to 3 GB of virtual memory. Before attempting to set the switch, you need to
find out the following:
■ If your system supports the switch.
■ If other device drivers (video card, plotter drivers, etc.) may be affected if
the switch is set.
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