Constant 30% Memory Used

[SJMX]

Hey All

I have had W7 since day of release and I am happy to say that I have had only minor issues, yet I have found something that confuses me.

After a PC restart, my Physical Memory Usage is 30%, constantly. If I run any applications it goes above 30%, for example as I type this its between 31-32%.

Now this might not be an issue, and it might just be W7 needing a constant 30% memory for whatever reason but what reason would that be? And if there is no reason for it, how can I explore what might be using it?

Regards

 

[not so gray matter]

If you open task manager, you can sort processes by memory. You'll find which processes are using the most memory and you can remove them from start up if you wish.

 

[SJMX]

Have tried this and didnt really get anywhere.

Apart from firefox which is top when im using it, next is explorer.exe @ 25,084k memory.

I have the normal things like CCC.exe for my GFX and Pen_Tablet.exe for my Wacom when I use it. On XP I used to really know what to turn off and keep on, is there any site or anything that is trusted to tell me what to turn on and off?

 

[neo101]

It's normal mine sits @ 31% with 2GB

In addition to process switching

switch off Win 7 AERO etc
+
Go to Windows 7 "Performance Options" click "Adjust for best performance" button!

 

[whs]

You can disable ALL startups except the AV and those that you put yourself or need (e.g. sidebar). Disabled startups does not mean that those programs will not run when needed. It may just take a few more milliseconds to get them started.
If you are not sure, post a list of your startups. For that, this program (startup button) is useful because you can resize the window to show all startups (unlike the msconfig window). The program has other nifty features too and helps with system security.

 

[CommonTater]

Hey All

I have had W7 since day of release and I am happy to say that I have had only minor issues, yet I have found something that confuses me.

After a PC restart, my Physical Memory Usage is 30%, constantly. If I run any applications it goes above 30%, for example as I type this its between 31-32%.

Now this might not be an issue, and it might just be W7 needing a constant 30% memory for whatever reason but what reason would that be? And if there is no reason for it, how can I explore what might be using it?

Regards

Ummmm... the operating system has to load *someplace*....

My system runs about 20 to 25% of 2gigs and I have a LOT of stuff turned off.

 

[SJMX]

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.

 

[whs]

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.

What do you plan to do with the saved RAM - save it for a rainy day. My 4GB system also runs at 30% and this system (3GB of RAM) runs at 36% with 2 IE's and 1 Opera open.

 

[logicearth]

Until you are getting a large amount of hard faults do not concern yourself with memory usage.

 

[SJMX]

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.

 

[whs]

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

 

[CarlTR6]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.