Windows 10: Why is my GPU using more than half of my memory when idle?

Hi. I recently updated my software on my dell xps 9510, and the GPU is using up more than half of the total memory. 19/32G I have an I9 11th gen and a 3050 Ti, so this issue is really hindering my performance on games as the ram usage goes up to 95%. I have already tried BIOS settings, but Dell don't allow you to change the shared video memory there. Also, the GPU likes to use none of the memory that is reserved for it, and just leaves the memory unusable. RAMMap says it is "driver locked". Any help would be appreciated.

:)

 

Extremely high idle memory usage

Here is your first step:

You wrote: "... my pc idling at 80 - 90% memory ..."

1- Open Task Manager to the Processes tab and look at the Memory column.

2- What process(es) are using so much of your memory?

 

Help with high memory usage while idle and nothing open

Hello MastrKage,

High RAM usage when your PC is idle can be frustrating. Let’s explore some potential solutions to address this issue:

1. Check for Resource-Intensive Processes:
   
   • Open the Task Manager (you can do this by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager”).
     
   • Look for any processes that are consuming a significant amount of memory even when your PC is idle.
     
   • If you find any resource-intensive processes, consider investigating further or terminating them.
     
2. Disable Startup Programs:
   
   • Some applications automatically start when your PC boots up, consuming memory even when idle.
     
   • To manage startup programs:
     
     • Press Win + R, type “msconfig”, and hit Enter.
       
     • Go to the “Startup” tab and uncheck unnecessary programs.
       
     • Click “Apply” and “OK”, then restart your PC.
       
3. Check for Malware or Unwanted Software:
   
   • Malware or unwanted background processes can cause high RAM usage.
     
   • Run a full system scan using your preferred antivirus software to ensure your system is clean.
     
4. Disable Tips and Suggestions (Windows 11/10):
   
   • Windows provides tips and suggestions that can consume memory.
     
   • To disable them:
     
     • Open Settings.
       
     • Go to System > Notifications.
       
     • Turn off "Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows."
       
5. Monitor RAM Usage Over Time:
   
   • Use tools like Resource Monitor or RAMMap to track memory usage patterns.
     
   • Observe if there are any spikes or consistent high usage during idle periods.
     
6. Update Drivers and Windows:
   
   • Outdated drivers or an outdated Windows version can lead to memory issues.
     
   • Ensure your drivers (especially graphics and chipset drivers) are up to date.
     
   • Install any pending Windows updates.
     

Remember that some RAM usage during idle is normal, but if it consistently exceeds a certain threshold (e.g., more than 30% or 80-90% as reported by some users), it’s worth investigating further. Hopefully, these steps will help optimize your RAM usage and improve overall system performance! ️

Hope this helps,

Fathia A

 

Windows 10 using GPU constantly when idling

Yesterday I upgraded from Windows 8.1. Since then I see in HwiNFO that when Windows is idling the "GPU Memory Controller Load" is always going to a steady 4%. I discovered this when I saw that the average
temperature of the GPU VRM was 10C higher than the idle temperature under Windows 8.1.

In Process Explorer there are three processes that use GPU memory when Windows is idle: ShellExperienceHost.exe SearchUI.exe and explorer.exe.

Has anyone seen this behaviour also?