Best Free Memory Optimizer [1]
Introduction
Windows has excellent memory management and for the most part you don't need a third party memory management product. I've tried a few free memory managers but none has impressed me enough to allow recommendation. Until now that is.
Most people believe that Memory Optimizers are nothing but "Snake Oil". And, that is mostly true. Most memory optimizers simply fill up memory in windows, and force everything to the page file. However, there a couple that seem to actually work.
Rated Products
[3]
CleanMem [3] [4]
Keep memory use in check on the system and in turn keep the system running smoother.
Platforms/Download: Windows (Desktop) [5] | [6]
Version reviewed: 2.4.0
Gizmos Freeware [7]
| Our Rating: 5/5 |
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Read more... [4]
[8]
FreeRAM XP Pro [8] [9]
Free and optimize your computer's memory resulting in an increase in system performance and productivity.
Platforms/Download: Windows (Desktop) [10] | [6]
Version reviewed: n/a
Gizmos Freeware [7]
| Our Rating: 3/5 |
Read more... [9]
Special Note
I recently upgraded to Windows 10 (64-bit). To be quite honest with you, I now don't see a need to install a third-party memory optimizer. I'm sure that some might disagree, but I won't be using them nor will I be testing them on my Windows 10 system. My recommendation, if you have Windows 10, is to leave well enough alone. So far, I am quite impressed with all the tools within Windows 10 including disk defragmenter, backup, search, and even memory management. I'm finding myself using less and less third-party tools with Windows 10.
Related Products and Links
- Mz Ram Booster [11] - Please be advised that MZ Ram Booster requires .Net Framework 2.0 or higher. The most recent version 4.1.0. This program has not been updated since 2010. Reportedly works in all versions of Windows, except Windows 10.
- RAMBooster [12] - There are actually 2 videos on CNET TV (http://www.cnettv.com/ [13]) featuring RAMBooster 2 that speak highly of the program. If you are interested, just follow the link and do a search for RAMBooster Version 2.0. Please note that the most recent version was released in 2005. It appears to be no longer in development.
- MiniMem [14] is a memory optimization tools that allows you running modern applications on not-so-modern computers that are RAM-limited. You just choose which programs to optimize and how to do so, and Minimem takes care of the rest, running silently in your tray bar. "Initially developed for Firefox only, Minimem now can reduce the memory footprint of any application. It runs in the background and can be set up to optimize as many processes as you'd like, using a very intuitive graphical interface. Unlike other memory optimization tools, it gives you full control over what applications you want to optimize, when and how often, as well as the possibility to only optimize memory when required and relevant." (Minimem appears to be closely related to or similar to CleanMem.) The most recent version is version 2.1.1 and that version is from 2012.
Have Your Say
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Editor
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Kendall Alexander.
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