So I've run into an issue that needs resolving ASAP. Since last night, my RAM mysteriously maxes out. The RAM usage does not match how much my computers processes are actually using, by about 5GB in fact. I cant even run my anti-virus because my computer doesnt have enough RAM available. I cant do anything.

Have you already tried restarting the PC? Not to make either of us sound dumb.

Tried that. Multiple times.

I'd just google it. See if you can find another forum on the topic.

Try to use a rescue cd (you can burn it with another computer), to search for viruses.

I would recommend buying some new ram sticks and replacing the bad ones. You need a small screwdriver to take it apart.

I'm confused how do you "max out" your ram and none is available.

Post specs and problem if possible.

How long have you had this problem? Have you installed something recently? 5gb is low for RAM these days, so it could be that you have a bunch of background applications going on. My idle uses about 4gb of RAM.

Windows OS's generally use about 2-3gb of RAM regardless.

If you are using Windows bring up the task manager (ctrl+alt+del). In the processes tab it will show all the applications running and then determine what is using all the RAM. From there you can end the application(s) that are using a great deal and uninstall, or delete, them from your computer.

>>7 You probably already know, but it depends on how many applications are running and the type of apps. When I run newer games in 4k my RAM usually maxes out, since I don't have enough VRAM. I also have 16gb of RAM and 8gb of VRAM, for a reference.

Thats the thing. My processes tab shows that the currently running programs are not using the entirety of the RAM. But the RAM usage shows that it is in fact maxed out. Granted ive since solved the problem after installing a backlog of updates. But just to be safe I ordered 8 gigs of RAM to bump it up to 16 total. Also my rig consists of an i5-3750k, GTX 980 4GB, and the aforementioned RAM. My monitor maxes out at 1080p60.

What it the difference in the RAM, between the usage and amount? I say mine maxes out around 14-15gb when I have 16gb installed. Otherwise the computer crashes, or the app itself does.

But in the processes tab did you click on show processes from all users. Also where did you get the RAM usage? Is it from the performance tab, or a third party monitoring software?

I'm just trying to figure out what it is that you experienced, even though you already fixed the problem.

Depending on the OS you are running there is some applications that don't work too well. One of the apps I have, desktop destroyer, uses a bunch of my CPU when it shouldn't. It bogs down due to being made for a way older OS.

>>10 The performance tab is where I saw the usage. I used the processes tab to determine how much it should actually be using. The processes tab showed that it was using somewhere between 3GB and 4.5GB out of 8, though it maxes at 7GB due to the OS using the last gig. Though since it mysteriously got fixed, my RAM usage has remained accurate to what the processes tab is showing me.

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