Windows requires 26.9 GB of memory if it's accessible!
Windows requires 26.9 GB of memory if it's accessible!
On a typical machine with ample memory, Windows uses about 1 GB to 3 GB of RAM, varying based on optimization and installed resources. However, Linus demonstrated on systems with 2 TB of RAM that Windows actually required only 26.9 GB. When Chrome opened, memory usage rose slightly to 27.0 GB, indicating efficient caching. It seems Windows may release unused cache when memory is plentiful, allowing Chrome to use minimal space. On a 512 GB system, it still operates within expected limits. What are your ideas about this behavior?
The typical RAM quantity isn't fixed. From what I understand, Windows appears to prioritize keeping certain memory accessible quickly. This concept aligns with explanations on https://www.linuxatemyram.com/, where "free memory" usually means unused space that's ready for use. For computers, it makes more sense to think of free memory as idle RAM waiting to be utilized rather than actively in use. Just like you can temporarily use a coworker’s desk until they return, an OS can take over unused RAM when needed. It’s hard to foresee exactly when Windows will reclaim 26.9 GB of memory. Likewise, it might have chosen to release the memory Chrome requested from that same 26.9 GB rather than reserving more. Having extra RAM allows for more caching, which is useful for tasks needing large amounts—like 6 TB. In reality, the real question is whether it’s better to have 2 TB or 6 TB available instead of wasting unused space. Seeing a lot of free RAM is appealing, but unused memory still represents wasted resources.