What Mac Apps Take Alot Of Ram

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I normally use the purge command in terminal to lose some inactive memory. I don't recommend people to do it all the time though, and apps are a bad idea. OSX was only using around 5GB of ram as inactive, I just don't see how the rest ran out with just a few apps open. I don't really see why I should throw in another 8GB of RAM.

Ever since computers have been around, RAM (or Random Access Memory) has been the one defining factor associated with loading performance and your computer's ability to quickly access information or display the desired output.

Today we will talk about something related to Mac RAM upgrading. If you had lots of Mac memory, you were the 'fastest kid on the block' or something along those lines. And this still holds true today.

We will discuss 2 key ways through which you can effectively add RAM to your MacBook Pro, iMac or MacBook Air.

  • Part 2. The Cheapest and Easiest Way to Get More Mac RAM with Software

Part 1: Knowledge of RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) refers to a small, replaceable circuit board inside your computer that gives your Mac temporary workspace - that is, a place where data is temporarily stored. That is why the data can be quickly loaded and accessed. So for example, when you launch an app or do anything else that requires you to load data, your Mac brings RAM into play to store any relevant data while it continues to work with it. Modern computers often come equipped with 4, 8, 16 or more gigabytes of RAM pre-installed.

More available RAM means you can run larger and more apps and programs simultaneously, without slowing down your Mac or waiting for long disk load operations before you can actually access or start using a specific program.

Should I Do a Mac Memory Upgrade?

If your system is running low on RAM, you will experience slowdowns when launching programs, loading documents, and otherwise using your system. It makes sense to upgrade your RAM - because more RAM means faster CPU access times and as a result, your storage media also works faster. We can know the details at below:

1. Take More Multitasks

The more physical RAM you have installed, the more programs you can run at the same time, and with more efficiency as well. This can be particularly useful if you work a lot with photo editing software like Photoshop or you have too many browser windows and tabs opened at the same time, along with the usual word processor or presentation software running in the background.

2. Open Programs Faster

Naturally, adding memory to your iMac can launch your programs faster ' something which can be a frustrating ordeal otherwise when you're working with a program that's memory-intensive.

3. Get Better Gaming Performance

This may not be seen as a potential advantage by everyone. But if you also use your Mac for entertainment, then you can expect games to generally perform better, run smoother and of course, load faster between screens.

4. More productivity

3D modeling and photo editing software are just two examples of applications that suck up a lot of resources. Having more RAM means you can stay productive as you won't have to wait too long for things to load.

Part 2: The Cheapest and Easiest Way to Get More Mac RAM with Software

The easiest and most cost-effective way to increase Mac RAM is to release more internal memory space on your Mac. With longer operation times, more memory can get clogged up. Using a professional tool like iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner, you can free up unused RAM on your computer and instantly see noticeable performance gains.

Advantages of using iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner:

  • It support all Mac models and versions
  • Very straightforward operation, allowing you to free up memory in a single operation or in bulk
  • Very easy for new users and you can free up RAM yourself without any technical knowledge
  • The low-cost tool that offers amazing features for a lifetime
  • Lists out all apps and processes which are eating up RAM larger than 50MB
  • Shows real-time statistics to help you manage RAM
  • All-in-one Mac manager helps to delete large and unnecessary files, duplicate files, private data that's no longer needed, junk files, etc. It helps to manage all apps and extensions on your computer which are occupying too much memory.
  • Helps you get twice as much RAM

Here is how to download, install and use this tool to increase Mac RAM

  1. Download the tool by clicking the above button.
  2. Launch Umate Mac Cleaner and click on 'Speed Up Your Mac' on the left panel.
  3. Click on 'Start Now'.
  4. It will show you all the programs that can be closed to release more RAM. Click on 'Free Up RAM'.

Now, you have got the super easy steps to increase Mac RAM. Of course, if you don't want to adopt the simple way we mentioned above, there is another relatively hard way to add RAM to your Mac. Next, we are going to tell you something you should pay attention to when doing Mac memory upgrading.

Part 3: Complex and Expensive Way: Manually Add RAM to your Mac/MacBook

Unlike using the solution to increase RAM with software, adding RAM to Mac is a hard way for most of us. We can conclude this way as a high-cost, complex and technology necessary method. If you don't mind spending extra cash and arming yourself with some technical knowledge, then here's how you're going to physically do a Mac memory upgrade:

3.1 Preparations before Mac Memory Upgrading

1. To prevent damage from static electricity, shut down your Mac (without removing the Mains plug) and wait for at least 10 minutes.

2. Keep your new RAM in its packaging right up until you're about to install it.

3. Touch an unpainted metal surface in your Mac to discharge any remaining static in your body.

4. When mounting your RAM into the slot, ensure that the gap in the front-facing gold contacts matches up with the protrusion in your motherboard's RAM housing.

3.2 Check the Actual Expandable Size of Your Mac

Access the Apple menu and select 'About this Mac'. Under the Memory tab, you can access a variety of information about your RAM, including the maximum it can hold.

Alternatively, you could also visit Apple's web support.

3.3 Check if Your Mac Models Can be Upgraded

You can use the same Apple menu and pull down the 'About this Mac' option to see if your model can be upgraded. Below the current memory size, if you see slots that say 'Empty', that means your Mac is upgradeable. Also, you can check the list we have posted below.

With some Mac models, the RAM is fixed into place and not upgradeable. Check the list below to know if your Mac models can be upgraded.

Some iMacs, like all the 27' models, have an access panel specifically for adding RAM. And it takes only a few seconds to pop that panel off. Other models, like the latest 21.5' iMac models, require you to remove the screen and logic board which may take at least a few hours. As things stand now, you can upgrade the RAM yourself in the following Mac models:

  • MacBook Core 2 Duo
  • MacBook Unibody
  • MacBook Pro 13' (Mid 2009-Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro 15' (Late 2008-Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro 17' (All Models)
  • iMac 17' (All Models)
  • iMac 20' (All Models)
  • iMac 24' (All Models)
  • iMac 27' (All Models)
  • Mac Mini (Mid 2010-Late 2012)
  • Mac Pro (All Models)

Because Apple has taken to soldering the RAM to the motherboard of the computer - particularly on laptops in the last few years. You currently cannot upgrade the RAM yourself in these Mac models:

  • iMac Pro (All Models)
  • Retina MacBook (All Models)
  • MacBook Air 11' (All Models)
  • MacBook Air 13' (All Models)
  • MacBook Pro 13' with Retina Display (All Models)
  • MacBook Pro 13' with Touch Bar (All Models)
  • MacBook Pro 15' with Retina Display (All Models)
  • MacBook Pro 15' with Touch Bar (All Models)

3.4 Steps to Install More RAM

  1. Completely shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn your computer over so that the back is facing you.

  3. Remove all the screws to take the case off.

  4. Discharge any static electricity in your body by touching a painted metal surface inside your Mac.

  5. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
  6. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
  7. Use two fingers with a firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.

  8. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.

  9. The last step is to replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

That's how to upgrade Mac RAM t get more running space! If you have any question about the steps on how to install RAM on Mac, then you can check the Apple official guide for details.

Important

If you apply the manual way to upgrade RAM, there truly exist some risks. We can have an idea as follows:

1. You may damage your Mac

There's a good chance that you may damage the really expensive and fragile components inside your Mac if you don't exercise certain antistatic precautions and general care.

Even if you do take all the necessary precautionary measures, you are still undertaking the task of a MacBook pro memory upgrade on your own. If you inadvertently damage anything in the process, the repairs will not be covered under your warranty.

2. Installing the wrong RAM

Not all RAM modules are made the same. Install the wrong-spec RAM, and you may irrecoverably damage the RAM module itself as well as some of the components inside your computer. Furthermore, you may also be looking at a string of hardware and software corruption issues that can be costly to fix.

3. Some Macs Are Not Upgradeable

Whether or not you can upgrade the RAM in your Mac—and how easy it is to do so—depends entirely on the model. Some iMacs, like all the 27” models, have an access panel specifically for adding RAM. And it takes only a few seconds to pop that panel off. But for some other models, they are not supported to upgrade or install more RAM. There will be a detailed list for all supported Mac models on part 3.

4. It's complex, technical and expensive

By not knowing which RAM module to use in your computer or not understanding whether your computer allows RAM upgrades, you are taking a colossal risk. Besides, buying genuine mac memory upgrades from an authorized dealer can be very expensive.

For these potential risks of upgrading Mac RAM in a manual way, we recommend increasing Mac RAM with software solution - Umate Mac Cleaner.

In Closing

Freeing up RAM on your MacBook Pro, iMac, or MacBook Air is as simple as knowing what RAM module to use and how to install it. However, for the easiest, cheapest and most hassle-free way to free up Mac memory, we'd still recommend iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner.

Sep 03, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

The capacity to multitask is one of the advantages computers have had over you and me. That and their speed in execution of tasks. With brands such as Mac, they can completely revolutionize your lifestyle in every aspect. From work to leisure, computers have been seen to make a difference.

However, technology should not be fully trusted. Systems fail, and the Mac is no exception. One sign of failure is when your system runs out of application memory and you have to make more free space. But why? Well, when you have a tone of apps installed with many of them running simultaneously, your Mac is likely to get worked up.

When you are done reading the article, you’ll have great insight into what happens to your MacBook’s memory. Here we go!

Part 1. What is Mac Application Memory

Mac Application Memory is the part of your system that is designed to handle running applications. Usually, when you download and install a software, it gets placed on your internal Hard Drive. It is what is commonly called the disk space. It is also where you keep your other files for storage.

However, a time comes when you need to launch the application. When it’s up and running, all its operations take place in the RAM (Random Access Memory), also known as the application memory in Mac.

So, how do these applications work with the application Memory?

When an application is running, its files with code (in various languages), are constantly availed to your CPU for processing. That is why it is termed as ‘random.’

Therefore, when your RAM is working optimally, there are no delays. Applications launch faster, and games play seamlessly without constant freezing. Yes, freezing. If you are a gamer, you must have at one point witnessed this.

Also, the application memory works hand in hand with your CPU. As mentioned above, the CPU does all the logical processing, but if slow, you can’t feel the power of your application memory. Your system will still seem slow even though you may not have run out of application memory.

But what does it mean to ‘run out of application memory’? Is it just because of the many apps you have open or is there more to it?

You will get all the answers in the next part.

Part 2. What 'Mac Run Out of Application Memory' Means

what happens when it runs out? Well, just like we get frustrated and confused when we think about too many issues or try to solve multiple problems with our minds, so does the Mac system.

What Mac Apps Take Alot Of Ram 1500

Some of the causes include:

  1. Excess multitasking of the system: Your Mac application memory can run out because of excess multitasking imposed on it beyond its capacity. In today’s technological advancements, it doesn’t take heavy apps such as Adobe premiere or graphically intense games to clog your application memory. Even browsers can tremendously impact your RAM.
  2. The current demanding browsers: Take a look at the Chrome browser. How does it work? Every free browser is equivalent to a running process in the application memory. Thus, multiple open browsers behave or are like separate apps.
  3. Running other apps: Furthermore, we all work on our Macs while listening to music in the background. So, when you put all this together, you realize that your system loads page slower even though you have high-speed internet. And it gets worse.
  4. Browser enhancements: Websites now have ads and pop-up videos. Since you also need a seamless browsing experience, you install extensions on your browsers and allow plugins flash and scripts from websites. You also want instant access to your work, so applications once opened are left running in the background.
  5. A full Hard Drive: As if all this is not enough, more and more content gets downloaded until your hard drive gets full. But what does that have to do with the application memory running out? Well, while running, your Mac OS regularly makes use of a ‘virtual memory’ created on your hard drive. The virtual memory works as RAM if the application memory gets overwhelmed. When full, there is no room for expansion, and thus your Mac runs out of application memory.

Also, applications can crash as a result of your Mac running out of application memory. It is because the CPU can no longer access their files. It can be dangerous for you if you are doing sensitive work as your progress can easily get lost. In extreme cases, your Mac OS can malfunction.

When it comes to turning on the camera on your Mac, there is no on and off switch. Neither is there a software dedicated to operating the camera.

Therefore, how can you check on your application memory?

Part 3. How to Check the Application Memory on Mac

You need to continually keep tabs on your Mac application memory to keep it from running out. It ensures you don’t launch unnecessary apps. Also, it prevents you from downloading and installing more apps that you may not need.

Thus, checking your application memory goes hand in hand with monitoring of disk usage. As explained in the previous part, it is also a culprit in leading to your Mac running out of application memory.

So, how do you check your application memory on Mac?

  1. Go to the Apple logo at the top left and click on it.
  2. Select ‘About This Mac.’
  3. On the window that opens, go to the ‘Overview’ tab. Here various details of your Mac are shown, including Memory usage.
  4. For more information, click on the ‘System Report’ button.
  5. Under hardware, find the Memory tab. On the right pane, you will see the slot details.

You can also make use of the Activity monitor that shows real-time memory usage. It is also considered as Apple’s Task manager. Its location is in the /Applications/Utilities/folder.

To launch it using the Spotlight search field:

  1. Simultaneously press Command + Spacebar.
  2. On the search window type ‘Activity Monitor.’
  3. Select it when it comes up to launch the app.

You can also use another way if your spotlight doesn’t work.

  1. Go to the finder icon on the application dock. It is the icon with two different face colors.
  2. On the windows, select Applications from the side menu.
  3. In the applications, open the Utilities folder.
  4. Double click the ‘Activity Monitor’ to launch it.

For continuous monitoring, you can keep the Activity monitor pinned on your applications dock. That way, accessing it is made easy.

Part 4. Solve 'Your System Has Run out of Application Memory'

You have seen how, for various reasons, your system can efficiently run out of memory and wreak havoc on your Mac. Symptoms of your Mac running out of memory include apps taking long to launch and files taking longer to open.

Now you can check out how to solve the error ‘your system has run out of memory’ by making use of the following solutions:

1. Using an activity monitor.

Launch the Activity monitor as illustrated above and even pin it as explained to keep you up to date with what is happening on your system. From the Activity Monitor, you can check on quite many parameters of your system’s operations, including CPU usage, memory usage, disk, amongst others, as shown in the image below.

2. Uninstall irrelevant applications.

You can do so manually through the applications folder:

  1. Open the applications folder through the Finder icon.
  2. Find the icon of the program to uninstall and right-click on it.
  3. On the drop-down menu, select Move to Trash.
  4. Empty your Trash.

3. Create space on your Hard Drive

To create space on your Hard drive means some of your files need deletion which can be either by deleting or backing up to your computer or an external Hard Disk.

To check on your storage:

  1. On the Apple icon, select About this Mac.
  2. On the window that opens, click on the storage tab.

A bar showing usage of your internal drive appears. You can then begin deleting files.

4. Remove unnecessary browser extensions

Whether on Chrome or Safari, find their extensions menu and remove unnecessary ones. These extensions contribute significantly to your Mac memory running out as they mostly work in the background.

5. Open fewer windows.

Whatever it is you are working on, ensure your screen is clear of windows you don’t check on. Closing unnecessary apps speed up your system. For apps such as browsers, sites can easily be bookmarked so as not to lose them. Other applications can have their work saved.

Part 5. Use Recoverit to Recover Disk Data

During the process of clearing your system, it is possible to accidentally delete applications that were otherwise useful but mostly worked in the background, e.g., screen brightness controllers. You can also end up deleting system files amongst other essential data in your system.

In such a situation, how do you get back the files, mainly when you already emptied the Trashcan?

Well, there’s a savior! It is called Recoverit Data Recovery Mac with the capacity to safely recover deleted files of all formats.

You must realize that you are the keeper of your Mac computer. Despite the usage, it is your responsibility to ensure it doesn’t encounter issues such as running out of memory.

The monitoring of your Mac system is a day to day activity. Checking the disk usage and memory consumption should keep you informed of its status.

What Mac Apps Take Alot Of Ram Memory

Employing techniques of frequently freeing up space on your Hard Disk can go a long way in saving you time when applications run. Where the memory has been deficient, and you also need all the apps, you can upgrade.

So, the help you have found from this article, don’t forget to share it widely with the rest of the world around you.

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