Mac Ram Usage

Gilbert89 · 29 Aug 2011 at 19:15

Not quite sure if this should come under Hardware or Software, now Hardware says Apple Mac discussion so.

My 13" has just 4GB Ram, just been browsing today for a couple of hours, the only programs being used 1. Safari 2. iTunes now opened various tabs etc. but over time my Ram usage increases dramatically once restarted all is refreshed. Just curious as to why internet browsing is using so much Ram been on a couple of hours now. Active 1.48, Inactive 198.4, Wired 883.7, Free 1.51.

Is this normal? What does Wired mean?

PeterNem · 29 Aug 2011 at 19:44

Wired memory is memory reserved for the OS.

Inactive memory is memory that is holding data which was previously in use... If you were to re-open a previously closed document for example, it would be quicker to recall it from inactive memory rather than from disk. If there is not enough free memory when a demand arises then inactive memory will be reclaimed.

Gilbert89 · 29 Aug 2011 at 19:47

Thanks for the quick reply.

I see, thats great cheers!

LordSplodge · 29 Aug 2011 at 20:11

OS X uses memory a lot differently than Windows because of its BSD/UNIX core. I've not checked since Lion but I should imagine that even more is assigned to inactive due to the new features focused around resuming/auto app closure.

Logsi · 29 Aug 2011 at 20:43

Pew pew!

Lower the page outs and swaps used the better!

icedbullet · 29 Aug 2011 at 20:51

If you need more RAM I have a crucial 8GB kit for sale. Follow the link in my sig.

PeterNem · 29 Aug 2011 at 20:54

Ram is so cheap now that it's rude not to stick 8 gigs in.

.

8 Gigs plus an SSD really make OS X fly.

Logsi · 29 Aug 2011 at 20:57

PeterNem said:
Ram is so cheap now that it's rude not to stick 8 gigs in.

Innit!

My MacBook Pro is supposed to only take 4GB of RAM but with a sneaky EFI update from Apple last year sometime it now accepts 8GBs perfectly. I bought 1, 4GB stick last year for £110. Got my other one last month for £20. Why didn't i wait! :eek:

Nexus · 29 Aug 2011 at 21:06

Depends entirely on what the RAM is.

Still cost £200 to put another six gigs in my Mac Pro last week.