Does this usage pattern warrant getting more memory?

Question

So this is about an old MacBook Pro - just old enough to have user replaceable memory.

The memory usage usually stays in the green, but the size of the Cached Files + Memory Used usually adds up to the total memory. My guess is the computer tries to keep some RAM free for working.

I notice some lag in switching apps when many are open - even though memory usage is in the green.

Does this warrant increasing the RAM to 16GB from 8?

Attached are pics - one from htop and another from the activity monitor, and another from top, to show the usage.

Answer 1

In general, operating systems tend to work towards having "cache + memory used" equal the actual amount of physical memory. The more that is cached, the greater the likelihood that certain operations can be sped up.

In general having more RAM means that the operating system with the same work load is able to cache more things, which could potentially speed some operations up. It is not however an indicator that you "need" more RAM as such.

However, your screenshots does indicate that you're using 1.8 GB of swap. That could be an indicator that more RAM is necessary. Coupled with the fact that you experience a lag when switching apps - it does sound likely that more RAM could be helpful.

I would try using the Terminal and running the command top. It will show a list of processes running on your Mac, and at the top it will list the number of "swapins" and "swapouts". If you have top running in a visible window, and then try switching between the apps that you use - then check if the those two numbers start rising when you experience the lag. If that's the case, I think a RAM upgrade would most probably improve the situation.

Answer 2

I would definitely recommend getting 16 GB for your Mac. It's a relatively cheap investment to increase the performance of your Mac by removing a possible bottleneck.

You don't say what OS you're on or what apps/tasks you do, but certainly my own experience is that 8 GB is somewhat limiting.

If you haven't already, you should also fit an SSD instead of the hard drive.