AutoCAD Map 3D

[#1]

If anyone can help,

I have created a point cloud and surface from LiDAR data.  The point cloud data was relatively large from what I am familiar with (approximately 30 GB all told), and ESRI ASC surface file (approximately 8 GB) was generated after a laborious wait.  However, when I attempt to add the ASC file as a raster to view the surface, MAP 3D crashes and loses connection with my PC (ie window freezes, and I have to force MAP 3D to shutdown).  My computer is fairly updated with quad core processor, 3 GB RAM, etc.  Is this not enough power to process such a large image file, or have I errored?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Kevin

[#2]

3 gigs might not be enough

what does the task manager say as far as memory usage for map when you are doing this?

[#3]

The task manager window almost instantaneously shows Map as not responding, and memory usage is typically 400,000k+.  It had no issue actually generating the surface, albeit slow, it still was capable of generating.  Just the adding to map phase is a no go. 

Regards,

Kevin