Chrome consumes excessive system resources.
Chrome consumes excessive system resources.
You might want to test 64-bit Chrome, as @link07 mentioned it uses significantly less RAM. I haven't tried it myself, but I know someone who can handle the 12GB requirement.
I use Chrome 64 bit as mentioned, but before that I experienced no significant RAM issues. With the 64-bit version it consumes much less memory—rather than four to five processes each using around 400MB, now it's about four processes at 150MB plus a few others. (I have 8GB of RAM) Attached are some examples inside the spoiler.
You have a 16GB ultrabook, which is more than enough. Chrome really does consume a lot of memory. Also, it's interesting you're surprised by the low usage—only 700MB for two tabs!