RAM problems

[Mr.Bison]

Hi. I have been trying to sort out my RAM usage in Windows 10. Whenever I run a game or use Chrome my RAM is pegged at usually 7gb out 16gb. I can't seem to access my full allotment of RAM available. This problem has persisted for quite some time now. I have done fresh installs on Windows 10 with the same problem persisting. No errors typically unless I run a game with Chrome open then I'll see the error message saying my system is low on memory but I can see I am only using 7gb or so. A side note to this problem, my system on occasion will just randomly freeze or turn off when it is at idle. Never happens when the system is stressed. Thanks for any help

 

[Wraith]

Are you running a page file? and what size is it?

 

[Mr.Bison]

Yes I am running a page file. It is 4000 MB

 

[Wraith]

Yes I am running a page file. It is 4000 MB

Let windows dictate the size of the pagefile, or set it manually which is usually 2.5x the amount of physical memory available, in your case (40,960MB).

 

[Mr.Bison]

After letting Windows dictate the page file and then changing the page file to what you suggested Chrome and games are unresponsive.

 

[Thelosouvlakia]

Can you give us a spec list?

 

[Mr.Bison]

spec list is as follows
Intel i7 2600k running at 4.0ghz
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth p67
memory corsair vengeance 16gb 1600mhz ddr3
video card- 2 x MSI GTX 970
OS- Windows 10 64 bit installed on Samsung 840evo

 

[Wraith]

spec list is as follows
Intel i7 2600k running at 4.0ghz
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth p67
memory corsair vengeance 16gb 1600mhz ddr3
video card- 2 x MSI GTX 970
OS- Windows 10 64 bit installed on Samsung 840evo

Was not aware you were running from an SSD, in which case you don't need a page file (at all)

 

[Mr.Bison]

Sorry for not mentioning that earlier. Does leaving the page file enabled have any negative side effect? Typically Windows should be using the memory available first then using the page file as secondary correct? but in my case when my system is "low" on memory it still has 7-8gb still available and just flat lines at just above half of what is available.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Yes turn OFF page file. You do not want it on with a SSD. Creates a lot of writes to it, which kills SSDs faster.

Can you upload a screenshot of what the task manager for your memory looks like?

 

[Mr.Bison]

I added an attachment for my memory. I loaded up 1000 tabs and Overwatch running in the background. System became very slow to respond and use. Still had ample memory left.

 

[Wraith]

Strange behaviour indeed, to rule out the obvious grab Malwarebytes and run a full system scan.

If nothing is found by that then run Memtest.

 

[Mr.Bison]

Malwarebytes didnt find anything. I ran a Memtest a month ago for 12 hours and everything came back positive. I ran it again for the same time and nothing came up either. Maybe I just have to concede the hardware is starting to age.

 

[Mr.Bison]

Any suggestions as to why a system would just randomly turn off at idle or when you lock the system?

 

[Wraith]

Does Windows Event viewer explain why it closed down?

It could be one of a number of things causing the shut down tbh, event veiwer should tell you more.

 

[Mr.Bison]

In event viewer I have looked through each log the past 2 days. The system has turned off twice unexpectedly when I am away. There is no mention of any error reported.