Memory Use when Idle

[NorahCharles]

So I just purchased a new computer and am already experiencing issues with memory. Since purchase the only software I've added is the Microsoft Office suite and Chrome. I know that Chrome can cause memory issues when running but even when idle it is running at 58% memory. Is this typical? Of the 6 GB of RAM that came installed I still have 5.89 GB remaining. I'm at a loss. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[aznricepuff]

What OS are you running? Do you have a lot of background processes running? If the computer came with a bunch of bloatware and unnecessary programs that run on start-up that could explain your high memory usage.

For reference I am running Windows 8.1 and when idle my memory usage sits at around 2 GB actively in use with another 2.5 GB cached. Windows 7/8 alone will typically use around 1.5 GB RAM (not counting caching).

 

[Moonsfang]

No that's not normal. Please post the name and model of the pc you bought as well as the OS. Did you buy this used or new?

 

[johnbl]

Depends on what process is using your memory.
The system will try to prefetch and load programs into memory before you might need them. (normal operation)
also, it might be doing its system cleanup tasks.
You can start task manager, go to the second tab and run resource monitor. If it is a system process give it some time. Windows 8.x on a new system, will do a lot of idle time checks on your hard drive (data integrity checks, virus scans, drive optimizations) these can take some time the first time they are run
to completion. You can speed up the process by turning off sleep and letting these routines finish.

Also, you could have other issues, it is hard to say without knowing what process is using your memory.