the full version 4.1?

one of the WIP versions?

or some alpha version that's less readily available?

Most recent WIP, I believe.

Yes, use the most recent WIP. It's stable (more stable than 4.1 in my experience) and is has some nice new features including new heap replace algorithms.

Thanks guys!

is changing OSR heapsize to 1024 for those wih 4 gigs of ram and LAA patch still a good idea? I remember Arthmoor and others recommended it a while ago, but this might have changed with newer versions? that suggestion was for heapmode 5, but default is now 6 I see.

I dunno - I always just stuck with whatever heap mod was working until it didn't then just changed it to one that worked.

Heapsize I could never see that much of a noticeable difference between default and the 1024. and I have 8 gigs of ram.

My understanding is it depends on your algorithm. Some dynamically resize the heap, and then the number is ignored anyway, or somesuch.

I happily admit to not really understanding the nuts and bolts. It's all documented in the readme though.

true, but the default heap ( nr 6 ) is one of those with a static heap size

I use heap no.1, as I found 5 and 6 left me with stuttering.

Mine is currently set to mode 6, size 1024. That size 1024 thing was literally the difference between 20 minute lag sessions ending in CTDs vs hours long sessions of smooth play with no CTDs. Mode 5 also works and was what I had it set to before trying out 6.

You do need more than 4GB though to take proper advantage of a 1024 heap size. Less than 4 and you're just running yourself into a memory wall the game won't play nice with.

I believe SkyCaptain said at some point that mileage will vary depending on your specific setup (not just hardware, but mods you're running as well), so it's a matter of trial and error. What works for one person may not be the best for someone else.

I've personally found heap 6 with 1024 size also works best for me out of all the alternatives. Performance is a bit better than with heap algorithm 5. I spent quite a bit of time watching performance both via in game diagnostics and external diagnostics like monitoring memory usage before deciding which was the best setup.

how much RAM do you guys using heapsize 1024 have? 4 gigs here, should be fine or you need MOAR?

I guess basically if you're using the 4gb patch you should try 1024..

I've got 8GB myself. Trying to carve out 1024 (that's in MB btw, so 1GB) for the heap on a 4GB setup is counterproductive. It won't help. You'd be better off leaving the size alone in that case and fiddling with other stuff to find what works best.

4GB on a 32bit OS here, I found heap 1 (which dynamically resizes) gives me reliably 30 minutes at least in the wilderness, and I generally don't worry about crashes anywhere else except the Imperial city. I have fought my way from the Imperial city to Chorrol, delivered the amulet to Jauffre and then it finally sputtered and died outside the Chorrol gates.

In other words, It did crash but I got plenty of actual playing in, and using Streamsave I only lost the bit where I walked from Weynon Priory to the gate.

I've got 12 Gbytes personally, but Oblivion can't address more than 4 even with the LAA patch.

thanx guys, I'm keeping it on 450 for the moment and my full FCOM setup seems to be running just fine

well since RAM is so cheap nowadays I'm going to get an additional 4GB to get to my 8gb max so I can set my heapsize to 1024 AND fully benefit from the LAA patch.

does 1066 mhz vs 1333 mhz make a big difference?

also is there any recommended programs to keep temperatures in check? this is a laptop although a pretty good one so I'd like to avoid frying it

1. Make sure your OS is 64 bit and not 32. If it's 32, more ram will not help.
2. You won't really see a big difference in those two choices. But, you also should match the new ram to your old ram in the computer.
3. Not sure there. But I don't think increasing the ram is something to worry about in terms of heat.

Also, please increase the size of your post font.

this font better?

anyway:

1. 64 bit here
2. I'm getting 2x4gb anyway to be absolutely sure that I have two identical sets... probably kind of a waste but RAM is dirt cheap these days anyway...
3. it has nothing to do with the ram indeed, it was a separate question. since Oblivion bottleneck is the CPU I'd probably have to keep an eye on that.