FAQ: What are optimum memory settings for best performance in After Effects?

(For a brief video version of this frequently asked question and answer, click this link. For a more detailed video about setting up After Effects for optimum performance, click this link.)

Because compositions and computer systems vary greatly, there is no one right answer to this question.

A good start toward an answer, though, is here:

"Please try recommended memory settings for After Effects CS5 and give feedback."

Here are a couple of pages that go into detail about considerations for memory and multiprocessing settings:

"Performance tip: Don't starve your software of RAM."

"Performance tip: Don't overschedule your processors"

More performance improvement tips:

"Hardware performance white paper: tips to configure or upgrade a workstation for video software"

"FAQ: What computer and components should I buy for Premiere Pro or After Effects?"

"optimizing for performance in After Effects and Premiere Pro"

"Improve performance" (CS5 & CS5.5)

"Improve performance" (CS4)

After Effects & Premiere Pro Performance Workshop

Information about RAM usage in After Effects:

"Memory (RAM) usage in 64-bit After Effects CS5 & CS5.5"

"Memory (RAM) usage and storage in After Effects CS4"