If you are running 64 bit OS or 32 bit OS also makes a major difference in CTD fequency. 64 bit OS is less likely to CTD because how is uses available memory.
Preventing CTD:
Applying the 4GIG patch to SH4.EXE on 32 bit OS really helps.
To complete the 4 gig patch enabling > 3072 Memory Usage. You need to also run the following command as Administrator and restart system.
"
BCDEDIT /set IncreaseUserVA 3072"
The patch tells the EXE it can use more then 3072 memory.
The BCDEDIT command tells the 32 bit OS to allow Executibles to use the new value. I do not think 64 bit OS needs to run this command.
For more information please read
Post #717 by TheDarkWraith of the
[WIP] Mega-Mod for SH5 thread.
There is a Menu Driven Script that comes with the tool referenced in the above mentioned post that can be used to simplify applying the patch to the SH4.EXE file.
(
Simple, install the tool, find and run script, and browse to the SH4.EXE and select it. Then click the button to make the change.)
Or you can download the 4GIGPatch made by Privateer and use it to patch SH4.exe