Software To Measure Memory Usage Mac
Software To Measure Memory Usage Mac Os
What Is My Memory Usage

Mac can be conveniently purchased from the Apple store and most of configuration allows you to upgrade the memory so that you don’t need to open the case and take the risk in using an incompatible memory which would cause system lockups.

To efficiently use your available RAM, Mac OS X employs a strategy common to all modern operation systems known as Virtual Memory (VM). For a detailed technical discussion of VM management in Mac OS X, see the 'Memory Management in Mac OS X' chapter of the Apple® Developer Connection document Memory Usage Performance Guidelines. To make good use of NUMA, software applications need to be NUMA aware and coded in a way to prefer the use of local memory over remote memory. The settings in PerformanceTest allow the user to force the RAM test to run on a particular CPU while accessing the RAM connected to another CPU.

The only thing is the upgrade from Apple store cost a lot more money if compared to the one that it purchased from a computer store. For example, an additional 2GB of memory cost $50 at Apple Store while it only cost less than $10 if you search in Pricewatch. If you’re willing to take the risk in adding extra memory in your Mac either to save money or perhaps you have a few lying around, it is best to run a memory test to make sure that the RAM is fully compatible and won’t make your Mac unstable.

Here we suggest 3 different methods to easily run a memory test on your Mac OS X including the latest Mountain Lion 10.8.

1. Rember

Rember is actually a GUI for the popular command line memory testing tool called Memtest OS X. Instead of typing commands in terminal, you can run the test by clicking a button. You are able to test a selected amount or all of the memory, specify the number of times the tests should run and also viewing of the log. Rember includes Memtest OS X in the package so there is no need to manually download and install the memtest. Running Rember will show a table displaying the detected memory on your Mac. Select the amount of memory to test, number of loops and click the Test button to start checking the memory. When the tests is finished, Rember will show the test results.

Software To Measure Memory Usage Mac

Rember runs in Mac OS X which means that not all of the ram can be tested due to a portion of RAM being reserved for housekeeping.

Download Rember

2. Memtest86+

If your Mac has a SuperDrive, you can burn the pre-compiled bootable ISO image of the Memtest86+ and boot up the Mac with the disc. Just press and hold the C key when starting up Mac to boot from the disc.

The good thing about Memtest86+ is it runs by itself without relying on the operating system, giving you a more accurate memory test result.

Download Memtest86+

3. Apple Hardware Test

This is the recommended way by Apple to test your memory using their diagnostic tool. If you have an installation disc, insert the disc, restart your Mac, press and hold the C key. Select the language for the Apple Hardware Test and click the Test button to start testing. You can also tick the “Perform extended testing” option which would perform a more thorough test that takes considerably more time to complete. On the latest Mac OS X Mountain Lion, the Apple Hardware Test is already pre-installed and it doesn’t come with an installation disc. Simply boot up, press and hold the D key to start the Apple Hardware Test.

You can also see the amount of memory installed on your Mac at the Hardware Profile tab to confirm that the memory is correctly installed and detected. There are some Apple Hardware Test images that can be downloaded for older models. Do note that the Apple Hardware Test images are machine specific meaning that you cannot use the iBook version on a Mac Mini.

Download Apple Hardware Test

Alternative solution

The Code42 app only uses the maximum memory allotted if it is needed. However, if the maximum memory supported by your device does not accommodate the size of your backup file selection, there are several alternative ways to reduce memory usage.

Remove system and application files from your backup selection

The Code42 app is designed to back up user files (photos, documents, etc.). It is not designed to back up your operating system or application files. When system and application files are included in your backup file selection, the Code42 app uses more resources, like memory, backing up these files. Review our guidelines for choosing what to back up for more information.

Reduce backup frequency

The Code42 app monitors changes to files in real time based on your backup frequency and versions settings. More frequent backups or large numbers of files require the Code42 app to use more system resources to process your backup. You can reduce the frequency of the New Versions scan to conserve memory.

Reduce CPU allocated to the Code42 app

You can control the amount of CPU processing time the Code42 app is allowed to use both when you are present (working on your device) and away. Most modern devices can support allowing the Code42 app to use a high percentage of CPU time without experiencing any performance issues, but you may want to adjust these settings for older devices. You can adjust these settings from the Code42 app.

CPU settings apply to the amount of CPU processing time dedicated to Code42 app work, not to total CPU processing capacity. Therefore, while % CPU may be set at 20, for example, a system monitor may show that 70% of CPU capacity is used for the Code42 app at a particular point in time. For more information, see Configure CPU usage for backup in the Code42 console.

Sign in to the Code42 app.
Navigate to Device Preferences:

Code42 app version 6.8.3 and later: Select Settings.
Code42 app version 6.8.2 and earlier:
1. Click Details.
2. Select the arrow next to your device name.
3. Choose Device preferences.

Click Usage.
Reduce the percent of time CPU is allowed to use when the user is both away and present.

Schedule backup

Finally, if you are still experiencing performance issues related to memory, you can configure the Code42 app to back up only at specified times. However, be careful to set a schedule that allows the Code42 app to run while your device is on and not in standby mode. You can adjust your backup schedule from the Code42 app.

Sign in to the Code42 app.
Navigate to Backup Set Settings.

Code42 app version 6.8.3 and later:
1. Select .
2. Select Backup Sets.
Code42 app version 6.8.2 and earlier:
1. Select Details.
2. Select the action menu.

Next to Backup Schedule, click Change.
Select Only run between specified times.
Select the days and hours when the Code42 app is allowed to back up.
Click Save.

Reduce your file selection

Software To Measure Memory Usage Mac Os

If you experience issues related to the Code42 app's memory usage after adjusting the settings described above, you may need to remove files from your selection to reduce the amount of memory needed to run the Code42 app.

What Is My Memory Usage

Removing files
Deselecting files from your backup file selection permanently deletes them from your backup archive. You cannot download files that have been removed from your backup file selection.