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this post was submitted on 12 Apr 2024
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Windows and Linux both heavily use RAM caching, that is, using Unused RAM as a massive disk cache to improve performance - a lot of Windows processes that are "running" are really idling in RAM and not doing anything unless called on. In a way, they're "cached". Because it is a read cache, it can be dismissed immediately to make room when needed.
Almost every problem with Windows running slow out of the box are one of three things:
1: Not enough RAM (stupid super cheap 4-8GB laptops)
2: Not enough storage (stupid super cheap 32-128GB laptops)
3: Installed on a hard drive (install Windows to an SSD, spinny bois are too slow for 2024)
It is true Windows 11 asks for about 5GB RAM, but what else does? Your web browser. The solution is to not be cheap and have at least 16GB RAM, regardless of your OS. You want to have no more than half your RAM used when you're using your PC. This gives you enough for programs, the disk cache, and room to grow.
Its an old laptop that only has 4 gigs of ram. I think performance is clearly visible when the fan in windows is spinning like crazy playing a YouTube video.
If you don't play game,I see no reason to need more than 8GB of RAM. My computer is running very quickly with 8GB, even if I am photo editing on one screen while watching videos on the second, with a few softwares and even a VM opened in the background.
But I don't use Windows.
I have a tablet with 8GB RAM... it feels constrained even though I'm running Mint Xfce with an idle memory usage of ~550MB. You may have grown used to the performance limitations.
Things open instantly when I click, it can't get snappier. And I use GNOME, which isn't the lighter solution.