Grand Theft Auto V on PC is known for its massive open world, detailed textures, and thriving modding community. However, with all that freedom comes the occasional technical headache. One of the most frustrating errors players encounter is the notorious “ERR_MEM_POOL” or “game memory error,” often referred to simply as the Pool Size Error. If this error keeps crashing your game, don’t worry — it’s fixable.
TLDR: The Pool Size Error in GTA V happens when the game runs out of allocated memory, often due to mods or incorrect configuration settings. You can fix it by editing the gameconfig.xml file, adjusting heap and pool sizes, updating mods, or increasing virtual memory. Removing outdated mods and verifying game files also helps. With the right tweaks, you can stabilize GTA V and enjoy smooth gameplay again.
What Is the Pool Size Error in GTA V?
The Pool Size Error typically appears as one of the following messages:
- ERR_MEM_POOL
- Game Memory Error
- “Out of Memory” crash during loading
This error means GTA V has exceeded the memory pool allocated for certain in-game resources. These resources include vehicles, textures, peds, map assets, scripts, and more. While this can occasionally happen in a heavily modded game, it is especially common when:
- You install too many add-on vehicles
- You use large texture mods
- You combine multiple script-heavy mods
- Your gameconfig.xml file isn’t optimized
Why Does This Error Happen?
To understand how to fix it, it helps to know why it happens. GTA V uses predefined memory pools to manage game assets efficiently. Rockstar designed these limits for console hardware, and while the PC version scales better, those limits still exist.
When modders add content beyond those limits, the game can’t dynamically expand its memory pool — and that’s when crashes occur.
The most common causes include:
- Outdated gameconfig file
- Too many add-on vehicles
- Insufficient Heap Size allocation
- Corrupted mods
- Insufficient virtual memory in Windows
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Pool Size Error
1. Install a Properly Optimized Gameconfig.xml
The gameconfig.xml file controls memory pool limits in GTA V. A default config can’t handle large mod builds. Installing an optimized version is often the quickest fix.
How to fix:
- Download a gameconfig compatible with your GTA V version.
- Ensure it matches your current game update.
- Replace the file in:
mods > update > update.rpf > common > data
Important: Always back up your original file before replacing it.
If you’re using 100+ add-on vehicles, choose a configuration specifically adjusted for high vehicle limits.
2. Adjust Heap and Packfile Limits
Another powerful fix is increasing heap and packfile sizes using tools like:
- Heap Limit Adjuster
- Packfile Limit Adjuster
These tools extend GTA V’s memory allocations and prevent overflow.
Tool Comparison Chart
| Tool | Purpose | Best For | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heap Limit Adjuster | Increases memory heap allocation | Large mod builds | Easy |
| Packfile Limit Adjuster | Expands RPF file limits | Many add-on vehicles | Easy |
| Custom Gameconfig | Optimizes memory pool sizes | General stability | Very Easy |
Install these by placing their files into your GTA V main directory (where GTA5.exe is located).
3. Reduce the Number of Add-On Vehicles
If you’ve installed hundreds of vehicles, you may be exceeding pool limits even with adjustments.
Solution:
- Remove unused vehicles
- Merge vehicle mods into replace slots instead of add-ons
- Use optimized, low-file-size vehicles
Vehicle mods are the most common trigger of the Pool Size Error.
4. Increase Windows Virtual Memory
Sometimes the issue isn’t just GTA V — your system may not be allocating enough virtual memory.
To increase Virtual Memory:
- Press Windows + R
- Type sysdm.cpl
- Go to Advanced > Performance Settings
- Select Advanced > Virtual Memory
- Set Custom Size:
- Initial Size: 1.5x your RAM
- Maximum Size: 2x your RAM
Example: If you have 16GB RAM, set maximum to around 32000 MB.
5. Verify Game Files (Clean Install Approach)
If crashes persist, corrupted files may be the culprit.
On Steam:
- Right-click GTA V
- Click Properties
- Select Installed Files
- Click Verify Integrity
This won’t remove your mods unless they overwrite original files outside the mods folder.
6. Remove Outdated or Conflicting Mods
After every GTA V update, some mods break. Even if they don’t appear broken, they might cause memory issues.
Pay special attention to:
- ScriptHookV
- ASI plugins
- Old map expansions
- Outdated graphics mods
Tip: Temporarily remove all mods and launch the game vanilla. If the error disappears, reintroduce mods one by one to identify the culprit.
Advanced Optimization Tips
Use Replace Instead of Add-On Method
Instead of adding vehicles as new entries, replace existing ones. This keeps the vehicle count within Rockstar’s intended memory structure.
Optimize Texture Mods
4K and 8K texture packs consume huge memory pools. If you’re experiencing frequent crashes:
- Switch to 2K textures
- Remove unnecessary environmental overhauls
- Disable unused graphic enhancements
Monitor RAM Usage
Use Task Manager while launching GTA V. If RAM usage spikes near your system limit, consider:
- Upgrading RAM (16GB minimum recommended)
- Closing background applications
- Disabling overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience)
Recommended Stable Mod Setup (Balanced Build)
If stability is your priority, aim for:
- Under 80 add-on vehicles
- Optimized gameconfig
- Heap + Packfile adjusters installed
- 2K texture limit
- Updated ScriptHookV
This setup significantly reduces the chance of encountering memory-related crashes.
Common Mistakes Players Make
- Installing multiple gameconfig files at once
- Ignoring GTA V update compatibility
- Adding vehicles without limit adjustments
- Stacking multiple heavy graphics mods
- Editing memory values randomly
Remember: More mods doesn’t always mean better experience. Stability should come first.
When Nothing Works
If you’ve tried everything and still get the Pool Size Error:
- Perform a clean reinstall of GTA V
- Delete the entire mods folder
- Reinstall only essential stability mods
- Add mods gradually and test frequently
Yes, it’s time-consuming — but it guarantees the cleanest fix possible.
Final Thoughts
The Pool Size Error in GTA V can be intimidating, especially when your game crashes after hours of modding. But the good news is that it’s almost always fixable. In most cases, installing the right gameconfig.xml and adding heap and packfile adjusters will solve the issue immediately.
Modding GTA V is about balance. The game engine has limits, and learning to work within — or carefully extend — those limits is the key to long-term stability. With the right setup, you can enjoy a massive modded Los Santos without crashes ruining the experience.
Fix it smart, mod responsibly, and enjoy the chaos of Los Santos — crash-free.