Your computer is consuming over 85% of your available memory.
Your computer is consuming over 85% of your available memory.
Hello, forum. I’m facing a challenge with my new PC setup. It’s equipped with a single 16 GB RAM stick, while the other one seemed faulty. (See below for a detailed explanation) The system currently has 16 GB at around 90% usage, which is quite high. Despite this, it seems to consume a lot of memory. I can’t pinpoint the exact reason, but I noticed Windows uses between 30-40% of my RAM in its view, which translates to roughly 800-1500 MB. That’s puzzling because I expect that level of usage to be manageable. The PC functions normally, but games have been notably affected by heavy memory consumption. I really need some help. I’m hoping a replacement will resolve the issue. Here’s the full story: recently, I purchased and assembled my own new PC. I’ve built a few before without major problems. However, the one I built last Friday was problematic from the start.
Components:
- Motherboard: ASRock PRO
- Motherboard chipset: Wi-Fi RS Z790 (originally) → New model: ASUS Prime Z790
- CPU: i5-13600KF
- RAM: 32 GB, 5600 MHz (CL36)
- Graphics: Corsair Dominator Platinum
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- Power supply: 850 W, EVGA Supernova Platinum
- Case: Hyte Y60
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home
- CPU cooler: ICUE i115 280 mm fans... many of them
The build went smoothly without issues and started running well. I booted in without problems and successfully installed Windows. I then attempted a BIOS flash to ensure optimal driver performance. However, when I encountered numerous bluescreens, it became clear something was wrong. I suspected the motherboard might be faulty after the BIOS update. I tried reinstalling Windows multiple times, changing installation methods, even removing the SSD and performing a clean install. Still, nothing resolved the issue.
Later, I decided to test with only one RAM stick to rule out the possibility that the problem was with the motherboard or RAM. The result was surprising—switching to the Asus stick didn’t fix it either. Eventually, I tried running just a single stick of RAM, which worked. But now, with the current configuration, my PC is consuming an enormous amount of memory, and it’s becoming increasingly unstable. This has been frustrating and time-consuming. I spent a lot of effort troubleshooting, but I’m left wondering if I made a mistake somewhere.
I saw someone with a comparable issue recently using the same mainboard. It might be a driver or software problem, especially related to the LAN/WiFi module. Did you download the driver directly from Asus or allow Windows to handle updates automatically?
Task Manager in Windows 10 or 11 only displays the resources used by the current user. It doesn't show all applications consuming memory or disk space. After restarting and keeping Chrome and Edge open, Microsoft Teams and Outlook appear, but Task Manager still lists your usage at 12.7GB and 31.8GB. When viewing the 'Users' section, it shows a different percentage and size.
Don't worry about it. Empty memory space is just wasted space. When a program needs more available RAM than you have, Windows will clear old caches and reduce less-used data to the disk. You're welcome to add more RAM if you wish. (Using dual-channel performance is already faster.) Just remember your PC isn't being limited because it's using most of what you have.
I'd be in agreement if this were acting as a cache, as indicated by the screenshot showing minimal usage.
It seems like the issue is related to a kneecap problem. As you use it more, it unlocks additional features, but then it begins to stutter.
Install fresh... only Windows was present. Almost everything else wouldn't launch. That's why I'd say yes
I haven't set up any ASUS drivers yet, though I did allow Windows to update.