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There are many things that could cause a computer to run slowly, but the most common is a lack of RAM (memory) caused by running too many programmes at once. You may be wondering how much RAM you have and how to Check Memory Usage on Mac, Windows and Linux.
This article will show you how to find out how much memory your Mac has, what’s using it, and how to test it thoroughly to make sure it’s working right. If you just put in a new piece of RAM and are having problems, running a Mac memory test is an important step in figuring out what’s wrong.
This note explains how to use a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command line on Windows, Linux, and macOS to check the total amount of RAM and how it is being used (terminal).
Check Memory Usage on Mac
- Go To Apple Menu (find the Apple sign in the top left corner of the screen).
- Select About This Mac.
- Here you can see how much memory is installed on your Mac.
Usage by apps on Mac
- Launch the Activity Monitor application. You can find it in the Launchpad.
- Switch to the Memory tab.
- Here you can view the detailed information about the memory usage by apps and all processes of your system. At the bottom of the window, you can see an amount of used memory, operation diagram and other information of RAM usage.
With Memory Cleaner
- Launch Memory Cleaner
- Click the application icon in the toolbar. Here you will find the next information about memory on Mac:
- the total size of available RAM
- size of used RAM
- Memory usage by apps
Check Memory Usage on Windows
RAM Usage on Windows
- Hold down Ctrl+Alt and press Delete. Doing so will open your Windows computer’s task manager menu. Checking your RAM usage is a great way to close tasks using a lot of memory and decide whether you should install more RAM.
- Click Task Manager. It’s the last option on this page.
- Click the Performance tab. You’ll see it at the top of the “Task Manager” window.
- Click the Memory tab. It’s on the top-left side of the “Task Manager” window. You’ll be able to view how much of your computer’s RAM is being used in graph format near the top of the page, or by looking at the number beneath the “In use (Compressed)” heading.
Storage Space on Windows
- Open File Explorer. It’s the folder icon with a blue rectangle at the bottom in your taskbar or on your desktop.
- Click This PC. This option is in the left navigation menu of File Explorer.
- Right-click the C: drive icon. It’s under the “Devices and drives” heading on the “This PC” page.
- Click Properties. This option is at the bottom of the right-click menu.
- Click the General tab. You’ll see this option at the top of the “Properties” window. Doing so will open the drive’s “General” page, which lists attributes such as total storage.
Check Memory Usage on Linux
The “vmstat” Command
The vmstat command will display the virtual memory statistics report. The command will give you more information than you probably need, but if you’re planning to become a Linux system admin, you should know it. The report includes the following information:
- The number of processes (procs) that way for run time.
- The amount of swapped memory, free memory, cache, and buffers.
- Blocks received and sent to a block device (IO).
- CPU times (user time, system time, idle time).
Check the “proc/meminfo” File
You might be wondering where Linux gets all these reports and data about how much RAM is being used. Well, the proc/meminfo virtual file is where almost all of the command line tools you’ve used so far come from. If you want to go straight to the source and get all the information you need about how much memory is being used, you can easily get to the file by typing the following command
Use the GUI
Some Linux purists might not like using GUI tools instead of command line tools, but it’s great to be able to see how much RAM is being used. Using the Linux System Monitor app, you can get all the information you need and see how much memory your system is using in real time. To use the app, type “System Monitor” into the search bar on the start menu and hit “Enter.” We’re interested in the Processes and Resources tabs of the System Monitor.
FAQ
How do I check my RAM usage?
Do your work as usual, and if the computer starts to slow down, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Windows Task Manager. Click on the Performance tab and then on Memory in the sidebar to see a graph of how your RAM is being used right now.
Is 16GB RAM enough?
16GB. Most games work best with 16GB of RAM, and the difference in performance between 8GB and 16GB is noticeable. You will also be able to run apps in the background without changing how the game works.
Is 32 GB RAM worth it?
If you want the fastest possible performance with no stuttering, lag, or other problems with graphics or speed, 32GB RAM might be your ideal. Add to that the fact that 32GB of RAM can make your hardware last longer, and you may save money by not buying new tech or upgrading it.