Not Enough Memory
Commodore Amiga
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Not enough memory means the Amiga has run out of Chip RAM or Fast RAM for the operation you requested. Close other programs, remove unnecessary fonts or libraries from memory, or add a RAM expansion.
Affected Models
- Commodore Amiga 500
- Commodore Amiga 500+
- Commodore Amiga 600
- Commodore Amiga 1200
- WinUAE emulator
- Amiga Mini
Common Causes
- Too many programs open simultaneously consuming Chip RAM
- Large graphics or audio files loaded into RAM
- Chip RAM exhausted — especially on stock A500 with only 512KB
- Memory fragmentation — enough total free RAM but no contiguous block large enough
- System fonts, libraries, or device drivers loaded but not needed taking up RAM
How to Fix It
-
Close all programs you are not currently using.
On Workbench, close windows and quit programs via their menus. Each open program consumes Chip RAM and Fast RAM continuously.
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Check available memory: type AVAIL in a Shell window.
AVAIL shows total and free Chip RAM and Fast RAM separately. Chip RAM is the critical one — most Amiga programs and all graphics require Chip RAM specifically.
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Reboot the Amiga to consolidate fragmented memory.
Memory fragmentation means many small free blocks that cannot satisfy a large allocation request. A fresh boot clears all allocations and starts clean.
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On WinUAE: increase the Chip RAM and Fast RAM in hardware settings.
In WinUAE go to Hardware > RAM. Set Chip to 2MB (the maximum for most Amiga chipsets) and add Fast RAM if the software supports it.
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On original hardware: consider a RAM expansion.
The stock Amiga 500 has 512KB Chip RAM. A trapdoor expansion adds 512KB Slow RAM (Chip-compatible) for 1MB total, which resolves most memory errors with games and demos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Chip RAM and Fast RAM on the Amiga?
Chip RAM is shared between the CPU and the custom chips (graphics, sound, DMA). All graphics and sound data must be in Chip RAM. Fast RAM is only accessible by the CPU — programs run faster from Fast RAM, but graphics cannot live there.
How much RAM does a stock Amiga 500 have?
A stock A500 has 512KB Chip RAM. With the trapdoor expansion it has 512KB Chip + 512KB Slow RAM = 1MB total. The A1200 has 2MB Chip RAM built in.