About SQL Memory Allocation

This Dashboard indicator shows whether the memory allocated to SQL Server is sufficient to handle the load efficiently. The status light reflects the lowest status determined for the following measurements:

• The amount of the server’s memory that is dedicated to SQL Server.

• The average number of seconds the allocated memory can hold SQL data before it needs to be dumped in order to handle new processes. Called "page life expectancy" (PLE), this value is measured for each database during nightly maintenance or a manual tune-up.

For example, if either the memory allocation or the PLE of any database is red, the Dashboard status light is red.

Status	Condition of your system
	The computer's memory allocation is at least 4 GB (or 25% of total memory, if less than 4 GB), and the PLE for all databases is at least 36,000 seconds.
	The computer's memory allocation is between 1 GB and 4 GB (and less than 25% of total memory), or the PLE for any database is between 3,600 and 36,000. Click the adjacent view details link on the Dashboard for more information about your computer's settings.
	The computer's memory allocation is below 1 GB, or the PLE for any database is below 3,600. Performance will be impaired unless you adjust the settings. Click the adjacent view details link on the Dashboard for more information about your computer's settings.