W7 RAM Usage

This is called Superfetch. It is Windows 7 pre-loading your most commonly used applications in the background (among some other factors). It's designed so that it will leave you with a specific percentage of RAM remaining so that it doesn't cause performance issues. If more RAM is needed, it releases some.

The idea behind it is to allow programs to launch much faster and keep your hard drive from fragmenting as quickly since the apps are used (at least by the OS) in a more ordered manner.

Also, if you have less than 2 GB of RAM, you might be better off turning off Superfetch. I have 4 GB's and Win 7 is holding onto 44% of it. Granted I have a lot going on right now too.

Indeed. I've turned off Superfetch in the past with Vista and the RC, but once you have over 4GB depending on what you use your computer for, you're good to go. With it on right now, I'm using 1.4GB out of 8GB, so I'm happy ($300+ bought that happiness). Then again, if my MOBO could hold more RAM, I'd probably bankrupt myself trying to fill it up; no reason to, but I would. Evidently Pro can handle up to 192GB...any MOBO's out there that hold that?

There is a performance gain for having it on, being accessing some frequently used files (usually the essentials) from RAM rather then HDD. I would NOT recommend the turning off this feature as it WILL release all RAM held for frequently used files if needed, therefore it will not hog or halt the use of ram.

You can check this when you play a game, check the memory before and after.

My Windows 7 uses around 700 mbs when all programs are closed leaving only:
CCC, Avira, Windows updates, and my Logitech webcam software (under minimized).
Windows 7 uses around 800~ when using Chrome in resolution of 1920x1020 (screen is 1920x1080 but about 60 pixels are taken by taskbar).
Windows 7 Can use up to 1-1.1gbs of ram when running multiple chrome windows, Zune, and sometimes Powerpoint (Office Ultimate 2007)

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit (programs use a bit more ram)
Superfetch: On
UAC: Off
Aero: On
Performance vs Quality for Aero: Quality
Default Features of Windows 7 are all on or off depending on default:
Antivirus: Avira Personal Antivirus
Firewall: On (Private/Public)
Adware/Spyware: Avira Personal Antivirus (Somewhat)

Ill give you the results of Windows 7 after disabling Superfetch. Brb

Ram: 785 mbs as the same setup as before, nothing but CCC Avira antivirus, windows updates, and logitech webcam.

Superfetch: Off
UAC: Off
Aero: On
Performance vs Quality for Aero: Quality
Default Features of Windows 7 are all on or off depending on default:
Antivirus: Avira Personal Antivirus
Firewall: On (Private/Public)
Adware/Spyware: Avira Personal Antivirus (Somewhat)

Ram with chrome open: 836


Seems that there is little difference which can be negated due to performance variables in the use of RAM. Best keep Superfetch On.

Like I stated in my post, if you have 2 GB or less, turn it off. If you have more, keep it on...it's more beneficial that way.


It's not like on XP where if you had 40% of your RAM in "use" you may experience performance issues. With Superfetch, if you have 4 GB and 40% is in "use" you'll actually get faster experience between programs and applications.

12GB here and my usage is about 20%. I have a few extra apps running in the background though.

Thanks for the info Viper.