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    Difference between PF usage and RAM usage?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by I♥RAM, Oct 12, 2008.

  1. I♥RAM

    I♥RAM Notebook Deity

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    I know for the longest time I've looked at my PF usage in task manager as the amount of memory my computer is using when I know it's the page file. What does it really mean and is PF usage a bad way to determine how much RAM is being spent?

    Thanks!
     
    I♥RAM, Oct 12, 2008
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  2. BetterWriting

    BetterWriting Notebook Enthusiast

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    PF Usage is, indeed, a bad way to see how much memory is being used. The PF usage stat in Task Manager shows the total commit charge for all processes in the system. A program might tell the OS that it could potentially use some memory, and never actually use it, but that memory is still added to the PF usage stat. Similarly, memory that's not backed by the page file is probably in use, but is not added to the stat.

    If you want to understand Windows memory usage, your best bet is to get a copy of Windows Internals and read the memory management chapter.
     
    BetterWriting, Oct 12, 2008
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