SSME is a free tool for Skyrim that lets you increase Skyrim's memory allocation, making the game run smoother. You can prevent crashes by allocating more memory at the beginning of the game. So that there’s more memory for the game to use when that first allocation runs out and a second one needs to be allocated. 

This patch is a simple way to increase the memory allocation in Skyrim. If you’re looking for alternatives to SSME, you can try Skyrim Memory Optimizer,  Skyrim Script Extender, and Merge Plugins.

No more crashes

Skyrim Startup Memory Editor prevents crashes by increasing the stability of the game. Since Windows uses a paged virtual memory system, the amount of RAM you have available isn't a factor. No matter how much RAM you have, SSME fixes startup crashes. 

It's important to note, however, that SSME only addressed Skyrim crashes due to memory issues. This plugin merely increases Skyrim's first large memory allocation and converts an aligned MOV instruction to an unaligned one. 

Usage notes 

As long as you are using modified, unofficial versions of SKSE DLL files, SSME won't work if you’re using them. In the new build of SKSE, which supports modifying the memory allocation values, you don’t need SSME. This plugin won't work with DirectX 10 or DirectX 11. You’ll need to have the latest version of DirectX 9 installed in order for SSME to work correctly. 

Error log

You may encounter the following errors while implementing SSME:

• Address 00687E89 unexpectedly 00000300, aborting - Sheson's memory patch is being applied by someone other than Skyrim Startup Memory Editor, so SSME responds by aborting active processes. Please note that 00000300 may be another number.
• Address 004BD832 unexpectedly 50246C3B, aborting - You have run Skyrim's Creation Kit recently, more than Skyrim itself. Though the Creation Kit loads with d3dx9_42.dll, SSME returns an error as an invalid application. Check the ssme.log after running Skyrim.

Prevent crashes in your game

As long as you use the correct version of DirectX 9, SSME will run perfectly and stop your game from crashing. SSME also tackles other memory-related issues such as infinite load screens and extensive lag in world generation or gameplay.