Can I use external memory with my MacBook Pro 2019?

RAM memory of only 8GB is not really enough to run MacOS versions MacOS 13 Ventura or later in an appropriately-responsive way.

You may have to train yourself to close Browser windows and use Bookmarks and Favorites to retrieve those web sites, QUIT Teams when not actively in use, and Restart your Mac at least DAILY to clear RAM.

In the long run, you need a computer with more RAM memory.

Lucky for you, ANY apple-silicon Mac (even MacBook Air) with more than 8GB of RAM memory will run rings around your current computer. (except if using more than one External display -- in which case be sure to choose VERY carefully).

Hairbrushgate wrote:

Hi. Sorry I’m not too technical. I keep getting messages saying that my RAM is nearly full and need to close some stuff.

i only really use safari and teams But have loads of web pages open at one time for work.

Is there anyway I can increase the space. I’ve got memory 8gb but storage says 17.38gb available of 121.02gb.

Messages like that are more likely if:

— You have installed useless anti-virus and/or so-called "cleaning apps."

— You have client-side VPNs not issued you by your employer.

See: Check if your Mac needs more RAM in Activity Monitor - Apple Support

The new metrics for Mac RAM are Memory Pressure and Swap. Free RAM and Used RAM are no longer important metrics for macOS.

...storage says 17.38gb available of 121.02gb.

"Storage" is not RAM but "drive space," and you are very short of drive space.

I'm all about data. If you want a data-driven evaluation in this setting where we can neither see nor touch your computer, please post an EtreCheck report. We can quickly and within the limitations of these forums help you determine what issues are at play without our playing a protracted game of "20 Questions" with you that could go on for days. 

EtreCheck Pro is available here:

https://etrecheck.com/index

The free version will do nicely for this purpose, although the app is worthy of our financial support.

We can see hard data about drive performance, software issues and interferences, and RAM usage. Etrecheck is the development of a long-serving and trusted ASC contributor. It is a reporting app, not a "fix-it” app, expressly for displaying information in these forums to help us help you remotely. It will not reveal any personal or secure information.

Please see this excellent user tip on how to post long text reports like EtreCheck's into a forum response:

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

If you're referring to drive space, yes.

If you're referring to RAM, no.

(258723)

here:

Mac - Which Mac is best for me? - Apple

that Wizard does not try to steer you to most expensive, and Apple has a 14-day return-for-any-reason policy, so its hard to go wrong.