Low on Memory (RAM)

hi guys, i have a problem, i'm not completely sure that its related to RAM, but here it goes..

my computer keeps getting slow, stops responding for 1-2 seconds even while im surfing, there are some high memory using programs open, but when i launch the task manager i see not even half of the memory on usage.

my configuration is AMD X6 1090t, ASUS M4A88TDM-EVO, 8GB Kingston DDR3 1600Mhz CL9 (2 modules), ATI Radeon X1550
open programs: 3ds max 2010, bs player, vlc player, a few tab on Firefox and a few light background programs like fan control etc.

RAM usage goes up to 3.6GB while these are open. oh besides its taking like forever this junk to start and respond. i had a far lower configuration that opens up Win7 a lot faster than this PC

So any of you guys can help me to sort this problem out,coz im about to go nuts

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Motherboards- ASUS M4A88TD-M EVO/USB3

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When your system gets low on physical resources (RAM), it actually will prompt you with a warning to close some programs, and that you're running out of memory. Assuming you're not seeing these warnings, the slowdowns are more likely drivers or hardware-related, and should be approached as such. The previous post mentioning to make sure all of your drivers are updated is a very good place to start.

Its probably I/O, the hard drive...everyone forgets about the slowest component. Too much conflicting I/O can really bring a system to its knees.