How can I cut down on memory-related CTDs?

[chaospearl]

I've finally managed to kick my load order into behaving itself -- with close to 300 mods I can usually play the game for several hours continously without a mod-related crash. Now that I've ironed out the mod problems I'm finding that the crashes I do have are memory related. I'll be wandering along and suddenly Oblivion will just shut down and dump me back to my desktop without warning and without an error. (If it's a mod-related crash I always get the Windows error box "Oblivion has stopped working..."). A little research done and I'm positive those sudden dump crashes are the result of Oblivion hitting the ceiling on memory and throwing a hissy.

 

My problem is that I don't know if the memory in question is regular RAM or if it's my video card's fault, and I don't know what tweaks I could make to stop it from happening so often. When I'm wandering the countryside or the smaller cities I can play for hours, but moving around frequently in highly-populated areas and I start crashing all the time. I'm trying to do some Gold Horse Courier deliveries in the Imperial City right now and that means walking back and forth between the Waterfront and the Market District. I can pretty much count on a crash every 10 to 15 minutes. I get the same thing frequently when I'm wandering the Anvil harbour area. All three of those places are widely known for being huge resource hogs, I know.

 

Is there ANYTHING I can do to stop this from happening quite so often? I realize with the sheer number of mods I'm running I'm going to hit the memory ceiling from time to time, but I'd just like to be able to complete one damn delivery and make it back to the courier office without getting dumped out of the game!

 

Here are my system's specs...

 

Processor: Intel i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8 Ghz

Video Card: Sapphire HD Radeon 5870 (2GB VRAM)

MB: Asus P7P55D-E Pro

RAM: 8GB G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 SDRAM

Sound: Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1

 

And my load order...

 

 

Active Mod Files:
00  Oblivion.esm
01  Jog_X_Mod.esm
02  All Natural Base.esm  [Version 1.0]
03  Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod.esm  [Version 4.5bSI]
04  Francesco's Optional New Items Add-On.esm  [Version 4.5bSI]
05  Francesco's Optional New Creatures Add-On.esm  [Version 4.5bSI]
06  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 1.72]
07  Qarls_Harvest.esm
08  Mart's Monster Mod.esm  [Version 3.7b3p3]
09  CyrodiilUpgradeResourcePack.esm
0A  TamrielTravellers.esm  [Version 1.39c]
0B  Kvatch Rebuilt.esm
0C  Better Cities Resources.esm  [Version 4.9.0]
0D  BetterMusicSystem.esm
0E  bookplacing.esm  [Version 1]
0F  CURP_Controller.esm
10  CM Partners.esm
11  StarX Vampire Deaths.esm
12  Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp  [Version 3.3.3]
13  Merged Tweeks.esp
14  DLCShiveringIsles.esp
15  Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp  [Version 1.4.0]
16  Better Cities .esp
17  LoadingScreens.esp
18  Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp
19  All Natural.esp  [Version 1.1]
1A  All Natural - SI.esp  [Version 1.0]
1B  Enhanced Water v2.0 HDMI.esp
++  Enhanced Water v2.0 HD - SI Addon.esp  [Version 0.1]
1C  MIS Low Wind.esp
1D  MIS New Sounds Optional Part.esp
1E  Atmospheric Oblivion.esp
1F  Storms & Sound.esp
20  Rainbows.esp
21  All Natural - Real Lights.esp  [Version 1.1]
22  WindowLightingSystem.esp
23  36Sermons-Miltiades.esp
24  AliveWaters.esp
25  Book Jackets Oblivion - BP.esp
26  bnmDLTIC-1-6.esp  [Version 1.6]
27  ClocksOfCyrodiil.esp
28  ClocksOfCyrodiil_BC_OBC_OC_OCLR_Vanilla.esp
29  DID3_DoubleTrouble.esp
2A  Inebriation.esp
++  Item interchange - Extraction.esp  [Version 0.76]
2B  BetterMusicSystem(SI).esp  [Version 1.0]
2C  Oblivion Collectible Cards.esp
2D  P1DseeYouSleep.esp
2E  Portable Campsite - Quickstart.esp
2F  Qarls_Harvest.esp
30  RAEVWD New Sheoth.esp  [Version 1.5]
31  SoT_Holiday.esp
32  Crowded Roads Revisited.esp  [Version 1.1]
33  FF_Real_Thirst.esp
34  kuerteeSittableRocks.esp
35  Streamline 3.1.esp
36  Map Marker Overhaul.esp  [Version 3.8]
37  Map Marker Overhaul - SI additions.esp  [Version 3.5]
38  Expanded Hotkeys and Spell Delete V2a.esp
39  DLCHorseArmor.esp
3A  DLCHorseArmor - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.6]
3B  DLCOrrery.esp
3C  DLCOrrery - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.4]
3D  DLCVileLair.esp
3E  DLCVileLair - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.6]
3F  DLCMehrunesRazor.esp
40  DLCMehrunesRazor - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
41  DLCSpellTomes.esp
++  DLCSpellTomes - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
++  MaleBodyReplacerV4.esp
42  Adonnays Elven Weaponry.esp
43  Classic Books.esp
++  CM_Better Wine.esp
44  Chess Set Complete.esp
45  Dollparts_CorsetsoftheRose.esp
46  FemaleSweaterMod.esp
47  JQ-Amulets.esp
48  Kafei's Circlets Reforged.esp
49  ORM -Travelers' Cloaks.esp
++  RustyItems.esp
4A  Scarves!.esp
4B  StockClothingArmor-forExnems.esp
++  Ride_Wild_Horses_2.0.esp
4C  DLCThievesDen.esp
4D  DLCThievesDen - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.7]
++  Francesco's Optional Vendor Tweaks.esp
4E  Francesco's Optional Leveled Quests.esp
4F  Cobl Glue.esp  [Version 1.72]
50  Cobl Si.esp  [Version 1.63]
51  FF_Real_Thirst, Cobl.esp
++  Cobl Tweaks.esp  [Version 1.44]
52  Harvest[Containers].esp
53  Harvest[Containers] - Player Home Add-on.esp
54  Harvest[Containers] - Flat-Top Barrels Add-on.esp
55  Mart's Monster Mod for Fran.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Shivering Isles.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse Imperial Armor.esp  [Version 3.7b3p]
56  Mart's Monster Mod - Gems & Gem Dust.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Less Bone Loot.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - No Spiders.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - No Slimes.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Spawn Rates - Reduced Reduced.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
57  Mart's Monster Mod - Farm Animals.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Slof Horses Complete.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
58  TamrielTravellers4MMM.esp  [Version 1.39c]
59  TamrielTravellersItemsCobl.esp  [Version 1.39c]
5A  ShiveringIsleTravellers.esp  [Version 1.39c]
++  ShiveringIsleTravellersFriendlyFactions4MMM.esp  [Version 1.39c]
++  MMM-Cobl.esp  [Version 1.69]
5B  EVE_StockEquipmentReplacer4MMM.esp
5C  Castle Ravenpride.esp  [Version 1.01]
5D  Adult_BookStore.esp
5E  Anduril Reforged.esp
5F  BHC_Expanded.esp  [Version 1.2]
60  HackdirtTheDeepOnes.esp
61  DexwoodsHideout.esp
62  JolardHome.esp  [Version 4.7.0]
63  JSRandomTasks.esp  [Version 1.1a]
64  Kragenir's Death Quest.esp
65  KDQ - Rural Line Additions.esp
66  Kvatch Rebuilt.esp
67  Kvatch Rebuilt Weather Patch.esp
68  EiAmod.esp  [Version 1.1]
++  EiAmod_ShiveringIsles.esp
69  OldCrowInn.esp  [Version 1.5]
6A  LetThePeopleDrink.esp  [Version 2.5]
6B  KragenirsDeathQuest-LetThePeopleDrink patch.esp
6C  Mimics!.esp
6D  Pinevale.esp
6E  Scribe Supplies.esp
6F  The Ayleid Steps.esp  [Version 3.3]
70  eyja.esp
71  TheElderCouncil.esp
72  thievery.esp
73  VaultsofCyrodiilBC.esp
74  VHBloodlines 1.2.esp  [Version 1.5.1]
75  WaterFallCave.esp
76  WOTFH_1.3.esp
77  DLCBattlehornCastle.esp
78  DLCBattlehornCastle - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
79  DLCFrostcrag.esp
7A  DLCFrostcrag - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
7B  Knights.esp
7C  Knights - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.1]
7D  SM Plugin Refurbish(Merged).esp  [Version 1.30]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Knights.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
7E  TOTF.esp
7F  TOTF-EiAE Patch.esp
++  TOTF Delayer.esp
80  The Lost Spires.esp
81  Blood&Mud.esp
82  Origin of the Mages Guild.esp  [Version 7.1]
83  AFK_Weye.esp  [Version 2.2.COBL]
84  road+bridges.esp  [Version 4.6]
85  Feldscar.esp  [Version 1.0.6]
86  Vergayun.esp  [Version 1.0.6]
87  Faregyl.esp  [Version 2.0]
88  Molapi.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
89  PTMudwater.esp
8A  HeartOftheDead.esp  [Version 6.5]
8B  xuldarkforest.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
8C  LostSpires-DarkForest patch.esp
8D  xulStendarrValley.esp  [Version 1.2.2]
8E  xulTheHeath.esp
8F  XulEntiusGorge.esp
90  xulFallenleafEverglade.esp  [Version 1.3.1]
91  LostSpires-Everglade patch.esp  [Version 1.2]
92  TheElderCouncil-FallenleafEverglade patch.esp  [Version 1.2]
93  xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp  [Version 1.2.1]
94  xulChorrolHinterland.esp  [Version 1.2.2]
95  mythsandlegends.esp
96  xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp  [Version 1.6.4]
97  KragenirsDeathQuest-LostCoast patch.esp
98  xulBravilBarrowfields.esp  [Version 1.3.2]
99  xulLushWoodlands.esp  [Version 1.3.1]
9A  xulAncientYews.esp  [Version 1.4.3]
9B  xulAncientRedwoods.esp  [Version 1.6]
9C  xulCloudtopMountains.esp  [Version 1.0.3]
9D  KragenirsDeathQuest-CloudtopMountains patch.esp
9E  Mimics-CloudtopMountains patch.esp
9F  xulArriusCreek.esp  [Version 1.1.3]
A0  xulPatch_AY_AC.esp  [Version 1.1]
A1  HeartoftheDead-ArriusCreek patch.esp
A2  xulRollingHills_EV.esp  [Version 1.3.3]
A3  KragenirsDeathQuest-RollingHills patch.esp
A4  xulPantherRiver.esp
A5  Blood&Mud-PantherRiver patch.esp
A6  xulRiverEthe.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
A7  xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp  [Version 1.1]
A8  xulImperialIsle.esp  [Version 1.6.6]
A9  Fuses Snail Racing Unique Landscapes Imperial Isle patch.esp
----> Delinquent MASTER: FuseSnailRacing.esp
AA  xulBlackwoodForest.esp  [Version 1.1.0]
AB  xulCheydinhalFalls.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
AC  Blood&Mud-CheydinhalFalls patch.esp
AD  TearsOfTheFiend-CheydinhalFalls patch.esp
AE  KvatchRebuilt-CheydinhalFalls patch.esp
AF  CastleRavenpride-CheydinhalFalls patch.esp
B0  xulAspenWood.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
B1  xulSkingradOutskirts.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
B2  xulSnowdale.esp  [Version 1.0.2]
B3  Feldscar+Snowdale Patch.esp  [Version 1.0]
B4  xulCliffsOfAnvil.esp
B5  NRB4+UL-II+LtPD Patch.esp  [Version 3.0.1]
B6  EtInArkay-UniqueLandscapes Merged patch.esp
B7  West Roads.esp
B8  Lily of the Valley Nectar.esp
B9  Harvest [Flora].esp  [Version 3.0.0]
++  Harvest [Flora] - Shivering Isles.esp  [Version 3.0.0]
++  Harvest [Flora] - DLCVileLair.esp  [Version 3.0.0]
BA  Harvest [Flora] - DLCFrostcrag.esp  [Version 3.0.0]
BB  Bag of Holding.esp  [Version 1.5.0]
BC  Happyhannah's Time Wasting.esp  [Version 1.0]
BD  Cliff_BetterLetters.esp  [Version 1.2]
BE  DS Storage Sacks.esp  [Version 1.21]
BF  Dungeon Actors Have Torches 1.6 CT.esp
C0  Exterior Actors Have Torches 1.3 CT.esp
C1  gardening.esp
C2  NirnrootPermPotions.esp
C3  Salmo the Baker, Cobl.esp  [Version 3.08]
C4  Enhanced Vegetation [125%].esp
C5  Storms & Sound - Blood&Mud.esp
C6  Storms & Sound - The Lost Spires.esp
C7  Storms & Sound - Better Cities.esp
C8  StarX Vampire Deaths.esp
C9  Alternative Start by Robert Evrae.esp
CA  Natural Hunger v2_1 by QF.esp
CB  RealSleepExtended.esp  [Version 2.5]
CC  RefScope.esp  [Version 2.1.2]
CD  SupremeMagicka.esp  [Version 0.88]
CE  SM_ShiveringIsles.esp  [Version 0.86]
++  SM_DLCSpellTome.esp  [Version 0.80]
++  SM_MMM.esp  [Version 0.82]
++  SM_COBL.esp  [Version 0.86]
++  SM_AbsorbRestoration.esp  [Version 0.80]
++  SM_EnableCharmChameleon.esp  [Version 0.80]
++  SM_EnableRestoreEnchanting.esp  [Version 0.80]
CF  SM_EnchantStaff.esp  [Version 0.80]
++  SM_Scrolls.esp  [Version 0.84]
++  SM_SigilStone.esp  [Version 0.83]
D0  AudaciousMagery.esp
D1  Poison Arrows.esp
D2  Kobu's Character Advancement System.esp
D3  Kobu's 2x Slower Skills Mod.esp
D4  immersive_caves_manual.esp
**  Dark Dungeons -  SI.esp  [Version 1.0]
++  Item interchange - Placement.esp  [Version 0.76]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Resized Races.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
D5  CM Partners.esp
D6  Cobl Races.esp  [Version 1.52]
++  Cobl Races - Balanced.esp  [Version 1.52]
D7  hrOscarWiener.esp
D8  Cyrodiil Inns.esp
D9  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition.esp  [Version 4.9.0]
DA  Better Cities - Unique Landscape Barrowfields.esp  [Version 4.7.0]
DB  Better Cities - Unique Landscape Chorrol Hinterland.esp  [Version 4.8.4]
DC  Better Cities - Tears of the Fiend.esp  [Version 4.7.0]
DD  Better Cities - Unique Landscape Cheydinhal Falls.esp  [Version 4.8.1]
DE  Better Cities - Unique Landscape Skingrad Outskirts.esp  [Version 4.8.1]
DF  Better Cities - Thievery.esp  [Version 4.8.0]
E0  Better Cities - VHBloodlines.esp  [Version 4.8.4]
E1  Better Cities Full - B&M Edition FPS Patch.esp  [Version 4.9.0]
E2  Better Imperial City.esp  [Version 4.9.0]
E3  Better Imperial City FPS Patch.esp  [Version 4.8.1]
E4  Better Imperial City - OMG.esp  [Version 4.7.0]
E5  Better Cities - The Lost Spires.esp  [Version 4.9.0]
E6  Better Cities - Old Crow Inn.esp  [Version 4.7.0]
E7  Better Cities - COBL.esp  [Version 2.1]
E8  Better Cities - Unique Landscape Imperial Isle.esp  [Version 4.8.1]
E9  Better Cities - Oblivion Collectible Cards.esp  [Version 4.8.4]
EA  FuseSnailRacing.esp
**  NRB4 Standard Road Record.esp
++  Cobl Filter Late MERGE ONLY.esp  [Version 1.53]
EB  Cobl Silent Equip Misc.esp  [Version 01]
**  All Natural - Indoor Weather Filter For Mods.esp  [Version 1.1]
EC  Jewelry Names.esp
ED  Ayelid Wells.esp
EE  Rune Stones!.esp
EF  Bashed Patch, 0.esp

 

 

I'm trying to think of what other info I can offer that might help... I'm running Win 7 x64 and using the LAA 4GB patch. The only tweaks I've made to the Oblivion ini are to allow screenshots, disable borders, halve the zoom-in distance on dialogue, and change iShadowMapResolution from the default 256 to the recommended 1024.

 

I'm running the game on maxed video settings, HDR lighting, self shadows turned off. AutoSaves turned off. Streamline's Streampurge feature is at the default; I didn't really know what the settings meant so I didn't touch it.

 

Anyone out there able to offer some advice?

[bben46]

Here is a link to Bben's Crash Help

http://www.tesnexus.com/articles/article.php?id=298.