How to limit Memory Utilization By Mysql Instance

[Rajan Iyer]

Hi,

I have once of the Production Server in which Mysql 5.0.1 is running.

In the same ref. I am facing a problem in which my Mysql instance use to consume all Physical Memory slowly, and after restarting the Mysql only it will free up the Memory. In the same ref. I have below queries.

1. How to limit Memory Utilization by Mysql Instance; i.e. in case of 4 GB system Memory, I would like to restrict the Mysql Memory utilization upto 1.5 GB.

Note: Same like SGA concept in Oracle.

Please suggest

Thanks
Rajan