SQL 2000 Enterprise looks like it is only using 2.7GB memory

[SQLWilts]

I have SQL 2000 Enterprise SP4 running under Windows 2003 Enterprise with 8GB RAM.
The /3GB /PAE switchs are on in the boot.ini. The memory settings in SQL Server are no min no max.
The problem I have is that when I look at task manager, the SQLServer.exe process looks like it is only using 2.7GB. Logically, the settings are telling me that it should be taking up to the full 8GB (which, to be honest, if it did I would wind it back a fraction) during high load (> 1200 user connections).
SQL server performance is poor during high load periods which back up my theory further.
question: Is there any way to tell categorically whether SQL is using the full 8GB? Also, using sp_configure I can tell that AWE is not enabled - should I anable it?

I have tried using perfmon but am having trouble reading the information it is giving me <embarassed grin>

Any help or direction would be appreciated.

 

[mrdenny]

If AWE is not enabled SQL Server will NOT use all the memory which is available. You will need to enable it, and possibly restart the SQL Services. Then SQL will being to use all available memory.

After AWE is enabled task manager will only show that a few megs (up to a hundred or two) are in use. This is normal. You have to use perfmon to see how much memory is actually in use.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

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