Constant 30% Memory Used

whs · 05 Apr 2010

Follow the advice of logicearth. That's a good check to see whether you have a problem.

CarlTR6 · 05 Apr 2010

SJMX said:

So basically I am worried about nothing?

I run lots of apps that are memory dependant such as After Effects and I also use 3D applications like Maya. I just want to know that I am not loosing any performance from my PC, thats all.

Windows 7 does a really good job in managing memory - much, much better than XP and better than Vista. Look at it this way, unused RAM is wasted RAM.

Part of that memory management is a greatly improved management of services. For the most part, Windows 7 runs services when needed and closes them when not needed. There are a few services you could probably disable; but most of those aren't running anyway.

I have 2.5 GB of RAM and mine sits there between 28% and 32% when I am doing nothing. Right know I have three windows of Firefox open with eleven tabs open. I have OUtlook 2007 running as well as my AV, firewall, home group and wi-fi running. My RAM usage is 52%.

Your RAM usage is perfectly normal unless, as logicearth said, you are having problems with hard faults.

Scotteq · 06 Apr 2010

From my own usage, I'd say 1/3rd is about normal for an idle system. I'm running 6GB, BTW.

Start Orb - Type: Resource Monitor
Run it, and check the memory tab.

Among other things, there is a bar graph there. On the bar graph:

- Grey is being used by system (hardware) and is not available
- Green is in use
- Orange has been modified, and would have to be written to disc before being freed for other purposes
- Blue represents RAM used for caching - this is available to programs that need it, and would be free'd on demand
- Light Blue is not being used for anything.

not so gray matter · 06 Apr 2010

I wouldn't worry so much about it, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the usage.

1. As mentioned, turn off Aero through configuring your computer for Best Performance
2. Turn off any unnecessary Windows components. I.E. Windows Media Player, etc
Control Panel > Programs & Features > Turn Windows Features On/Off
3. Install a flash drive as a Windows Readyboost device
4. Reduce the amount of startup items.

pparks1 · 06 Apr 2010

My box at my office running Win7 Enterprise 64-bit on 4GB RAM is running exactly at 30%. However, a look at Task manager shows 1782 cached, 1135 free and 2828 available. So, I'm not really worried about the 30% used, as I still have nearly 3GB available if it's needed.

neo101 · 06 Apr 2010

SJMX said:

I completely understand the OS has to load someplace, but taking 30% of 4gb RAM constantly does seem like too much and if I can do something about that I would like too.

64 bit also demands more ram than 32bit - hence 1GB-32bit/2GB-64bit rec. minimum requirements for 7 install.

Thorsen · 06 Apr 2010

My system runs at about 1.2G of 4G....64x ..... I use Autoruns to stop most things from running at startup and Process Explorer to delve deeper into what is currently running.

Process Explorer

Autoruns for Windows

Another good Idea is to look at the Task Scheduler as a lot of stuff is put in there by default. dont disable anything that is important like system checks and stuff, but there is some stuff you can stop from running or reschedule.