16 GB of ram and only about 7GB is free

[NightHawkS1]

I recently took a look at my task manager to see my ram usage because a new game I bought was running like crap.
In the task manager it it states the I have a total of 16268 MB of physical memory. It says that 5862 is cached and that about 12521 is available (the numbers change). However only 6857 is free.
My question is whether or not the 12521 is usable or if it is only the 6857 because if that is all I am able to use then that is the source of my problem. The game I am trying to play requires 6-8 GB of ram and if that 12521 is not usable (meaning space isn't made if i need it) then I know the source of the problem.

Any help as to whether or not the 12 GB of space is actually usable when i need is is greatly appreciated.

 

[gilbadon]

Where did you get 7GB of ram free?!

 

[ak47jar3d]

You should be fine. At most games will use about 6 gb of ram in my experience. Additionally, you can see which apps are eating the most ram in the task manager. Just disable the unnecessary ones on startup and that should fix your problem.

 

[gilbadon]

Used memory is filled memory being used in programs.
Cached memory is anticipated use of ram that a program sets aside for itself.
Free RAM is non cached and non used memory as in no program has claimed that ram for its own.

However, what is wierd is it seems like your PC is using 5GB and caching another 5GB. That is a lot and does not seem normal for basic computer use.

 

[NightHawkS1]

What my question was meaning is that if i require more than the 7-8 that is free will i actually use the 12 that is available or is it actually not available at all

 

[gilbadon]

The 12GB are available for use. Cached simply implies that it is filled and not being used. Any program can take it over.

 

[NightHawkS1]

The 12GB are available for use. Cached simply implies that it is filled and not being used. Any program can take it over.

K thank you it was kinda odd for me because it says that 12 is available but only like 7 or 8 is free so i wasnt sure if i was limited to just the 7 or 8

Just answered my own question i launched a game that needed 4-8 and when the free was used the available was also being used so i thank you guys for your time.