SQL Server's default settings are for computers with the CPU power and RAM of server class machines. On developer machines, it makes sense to use less of the machine's CPU power and memory. There are no definitive values for these settings -- it is dependent on your specific computer. Below are some guidelines to use and configure SQL Server with computers that have less CPU power and memory.

1. Lower the Maximum Server Memory, i.e. Half the Default for Maximum Server Memory (2147483648/2) and Minimum Memory Per Query (1024/2).
2. Turn Off Allow Remote Connections.
3. Use the SQL Server Authentication Method.
4. Use TCP/IP to Connect to the SQL Server.
5. Lower the Maximum Number of Concurrent Connections, i.e. 500.