Using the STATUS Command to Show Available Memory

Now that seventeen shows from the Experience the Possibilities Tour are complete, I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned from it. Some of the most common questions people asked at the shows were specific to Civil 3D and its hardware requirements. For example, “How much memory (RAM) do I need to run Civil 3D?”

An old AutoCAD command allows you to see how much memory you have, and more importantly, how much memory you have left:

1. Open a DWG in Civil 3D. I suggest opening your biggest, most challenging drawing.
2. Type STATUS at the command line (if you want an accurate read make sure all other applications are closed on your PC or laptop.).
3. Press ENTER.

Voilá! Civil 3D shows how much memory you have on your computer and how much is available. Keep in mind that what you are seeing is the available memory. In the following example, my PC has 2 GB (2241.3 MB) available out of 4 GB (3326.1 MB).*

This is a great tool for convincing your boss, your CAD manager, or yourself that you need more memory.  If it says you have zero memory left, then you need to go shopping!

* Note: Not only is Civil 3D using RAM, but so is Windows and any other application you have running at the time.