Virtual Memory too big

mostly harmless · 12-10-2012, 04:21 AM

I have a 1TB harddrive. 95GB free.
OS X`s virtual memory occupies 160GB according to activity monitor.
This is relatively large.
I have also been having extremely annoying waiting times browsing the web (the connection is fast enough).

Can the vitual memory be deleted?
How?
Are there reasons not to?

benwiggy · 12-10-2012, 04:38 AM

The Virtual Memory size is not taking up space on your disk. It's "Virtual"!

For instance, I have a MacBook with a 256Gb system disk, and VM size of 280Gb.

This is not something you need to worry about or get involved with. OS X manages memory as it needs.

As for your Safari issue, it is unrelated. Try emptying the cache for starters.

mostly harmless · 12-10-2012, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benwiggy


	The Virtual Memory size is not taking up space on your disk. It's "Virtual"! For instance, I have a MacBook with a 256Gb system disk, and VM size of 280Gb. This is not something you need to worry about or get involved with. OS X manages memory as it needs.

OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by benwiggy


	As for your Safari issue, it is unrelated. Try emptying the cache for starters.

Have the same in other browsers (including Opera which is not WebKit based). Well, another topic...

acme.mail.order · 12-10-2012, 09:28 AM

320Gb drive here, VM size is 402Gb, with a whole 33Mb of swap and 256Mb of swap space on disk. It's not a problem.

Unless you have a post-grad degree in computer science you can leave virtual memory completely alone - it will take care of itself quite well.

Regarding your browser issue, try starting a new thread after emptying the cache. Not too many people will associate "slow browser" with "Virtual Memory too big"

12-10-2012, 04:21 AM	#1
mostly harmless Triple-A Player Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 97	Virtual Memory too big I have a 1TB harddrive. 95GB free. OS X`s virtual memory occupies 160GB according to activity monitor. This is relatively large. I have also been having extremely annoying waiting times browsing the web (the connection is fast enough). Can the vitual memory be deleted? How? Are there reasons not to?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

12-10-2012, 04:38 AM	#2
benwiggy League Commissioner Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,040	The Virtual Memory size is not taking up space on your disk. It's "Virtual"! For instance, I have a MacBook with a 256Gb system disk, and VM size of 280Gb. This is not something you need to worry about or get involved with. OS X manages memory as it needs. As for your Safari issue, it is unrelated. Try emptying the cache for starters.

12-10-2012, 09:28 AM	#4
acme.mail.order League Commissioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tokyo Posts: 6,048	320Gb drive here, VM size is 402Gb, with a whole 33Mb of swap and 256Mb of swap space on disk. It's not a problem. Unless you have a post-grad degree in computer science you can leave virtual memory completely alone - it will take care of itself quite well. Regarding your browser issue, try starting a new thread after emptying the cache. Not too many people will associate "slow browser" with "Virtual Memory too big"