Could someone explain RAM please?

[spacejockey85]

Hi I know a bit about computers, not a lot though. I recently installed 8GB RAM, two 4GB slots on a 2010 MacBook Pro model. I have nothing intensive that I use running, no malwarem spyware or viruses, just Firefox and music and I've over 400GB left on a SSD. I don't understand why I haven't much RAM left there seems a lot being used for just using the computer and things run a bit sluggish.

Here is a screenshot of a memory checking app showing what is being used.

I mean what is using nearly 5GB of RAM?

 

[MagicBoy]

Ask yourself this : What's the point in having RAM that's not being used?

Don't worry about it unless the Memory Pressure graph in Activity monitor turns to a colour other than green. OS X sorts out the memory management for you. OS X doesn't work in the same way as Windows.

As for sluggish - OS X 10.9 and 10.10 work best on an SSD. If your system is sluggish, upgrade to an SSD. It'll transform the responsiveness of the system.

 

[spacejockey85]

Thanks that makes sense. The inactive RAM, I obv have more than 500MB to use so why does it show as only having that much inactive?

 

[MagicBoy]

The meanings are explained here : https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201538

 

[crjackson2134]

It's most likly file cache, and App cache. It makes the OS more responsive. The more memory you have the more it will use. Unused memory is a waste. If you launch an app that needs memory, the OS will dump as much cache as needed so that your app has plenty.

 

[spacejockey85]

Thanks that helps