Use fewer applications, close unused programs, and optimize settings to lower RAM consumption.
Use fewer applications, close unused programs, and optimize settings to lower RAM consumption.
Hey everyone, I'm planning a LAN gathering with friends and one of them doesn't have a solid machine (just a dual-core CPU, 32-bit Windows, laptop). I offered my other setup, so the LAN stays at my place instead of having two PCs. I'm curious about ways to lower how much RAM Windows uses, especially since my system is hogging 4.2GB out of 12GB (three 4GB sticks). While playing Ghosts, I noticed it was using only 4.2GB of memory while the OS had 8GB installed. I understand I can choose "Best performance" for Windows, but are there other methods to cut down RAM consumption? Thanks!
Specs: Core i5 4670K, Gigabyte Z87X-OC, Force Gigbayte R9 280X, 3x Winforce, Seagate Barracuda 1TB, Corsair Vengeance LP 2x4GB, Pentium G3220, ASRock H81 Pro, BTC Giabyte R9 280C, 3X Windforce, Toshiba 2.5", 640GB Kingston ValueRAM 4GB
Avoid running unnecessary programs in the background. Inquire if anyone has an extra RAM stick available. Does the previous setup use DDR3 memory?
I'm not suggesting it's strange, but I'm curious about ways to reduce RAM consumption. With just one laptop, it seems unlikely to use laptop RAM (SODIMM) in a standard slot. Most people have 8GB, except one friend who has 12GB and is handling heavy tasks—probably creating and uploading content. We also delayed the LAN setup again due to Father's Day. I plan to run the system with Windows set to its lightest configuration, keeping only Steam, Windows, and the game running.
Windows relies more on the pagefile when RAM is nearly full. Ensure it’s sufficiently sized. It may be slower than RAM, but it should still function properly. EDIT: Also found a helpful link: http://www.techbuyersguru.com/Ramgaming2.php. Many games perform similarly regardless of 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB RAM. Some titles may prefer more space, but performance will remain acceptable on 4GB.
Well, RAM not being used is literally RAM being wasted. So unless you're hitting 100% RAM usage and still need more then there isn't much to worry about. Some things you can do though is switch to the "Classic" Windows theme (grey styling and no animations). Also close any programs that don't need to be running. You can do more like disabling services but that's a bit much for the minimal benefit and not really worth the headache it can cause.
I'm not claiming to be wasting RAM. With 8GB available, using 4.2GB for Ghosts leaves plenty of space, but 4GB might still trigger issues and lead to crashes. I’m aware that Windows can help reduce memory usage, and I haven’t started any extra processes besides Steam, Ghosts, and MSI Afterburner. My concern was that a 4.2GB load would likely cause errors and stop the game. The pagefile behaves similarly to RAM in terms of performance. Adding another 2-4GB to the pagefile could resolve this, allowing Ghosts to run smoothly. I’ll check the details later when I’m home. Thanks.
The connection is from someone who tried it. I can't confirm its reliability, but it seems likely to be accurate. The pagefile functions like your RAM, though there are various opinions on the ideal size. If you have only 4GB of RAM, consider increasing it to 8GB just in case. When you lack a pagefile or both resources are insufficient, your system may crash.
Sure, I'll attempt to adjust the Windows settings as you described. Let me make sure I get this right.