This program is running low on memory

Question

So, my computer's been having problems running Warframe. I run Warframe at the max possible low settings, and intermittently between games my computer would tell me I was running low on memory.

Some basic specs, I have an i5 that runs at 1.8Ghz, and 6gb of RAM, 2gb of dedicated VRam on a Nvidia 720M. Now, I thought that the problem must have been not having enough memory, so I bought a new memory module, so that I now have 12gb of RAM, 2gb of dedicated VRam.

I'm still getting the same problem. My computer is running hot all the time, even with additional RAM, RAM that I thought would help alleviate the problem of running the game.

I'm not sure if it's just me, but how would I get "more memory" for the game itself? I've noticed in Task Manager that even when running Warframe, it only takes up 4-5gb of memory, still leaving me with plenty of leftover memory, yet my computer insists it is running low on memory. I have tried setting priority, and that does nothing as well.

Answer 1

The message you're getting is about the video card memory. How much system RAM you have doesn't matter.

It's caused by two factors - Warframe uses a lot of video RAM and Windows is acting like a spoiled child.

For reference - I, too, have a video card with 2GBs of RAM (and a whopping 16GB of RAM as I also run virtual machines when I'm not gaming), and I get the same screen in Warframe and some other games. This is despite the fact that the system works well during games. In other words - Windows is throwing a fit.

There's a workaround, however. You can set Warframe (or Steam, if you're running the game through Steam) to disable Windows Visual Styles when running the game (right-click on the Warframe / Steam shortcut, go to the Compatibility tab and check the appropriate box). This should prevent the nagging Windows warning from appearing.