jk3047
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Q: RAM fills up with unknown processes

I'm running a Macbook Pro with 16 GB of RAM.  Whenever there's any available memory, its quickly taken up by what looks to be a hundred or so different processes.  This is easily noticed when I restart my computer: used memory starts around 6 GB, then goes up and up and up until it makes out at 15.99.  This keeps my from using high-overhead applications, as they quickly slow down.  Why is this happening?  Are these processes possibly malicious?  Should I restore to factory settings just to scrub whatever could be affecting my computer?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Sep 23, 2014 10:02 PM

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jk3047

Q: RAM fills up with unknown processes

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 24, 2014 9:32 AM in response to jk3047
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Sep 24, 2014 9:32 AM in response to jk3047

    It's normal in Mavericks for almost all memory to be in use, either by applications or by the file cache. That's what you should want, since unused memory is going to waste. The relevant measure of whether memory is in short supply is what Apple calls "memory pressure."

    Apple's explanation of memory pressure is here. If you want a more detailed, technical description, see here.

    It's best to describe the problem in as much relevant detail as possible, rather than what you think is causing it or how you think it should be solved.

    For example, if the computer is slow, which specific actions are slow? Is it slow all the time, or only sometimes? When did it start to be slow? Did you change anything just before it started? Have you seen any alerts or error messages? Have you done anything to try to fix it? Most importantly, do you have a current backup of all data? If the answer to the last question is "no," back up now. Ask if you need guidance. Do nothing else until you have a backup.