Firefox using too much RAM
Hello,
I've just downloaded firefox, making the switch from chrome. Doing so I've migrated a couple of tabs and extensions I had. Totally it was 50 tabs, with 6 extensions, I've downgraded now with the switch and it's only 37 tabs and 2 extensions, even so firefox is using more ram than google by a large amount. With 50 tabs open, chrome was using 1.5gigabytes of memory. With the same 37 tabs and extensions, firefox is currently using 6 gigabytes of memory.
The tabs used are from reputable sources, so firefox shouldn't be breaking on these websites. The extensions I am using at the moment on firefox is, Ublock origin, Dark Reader.
As far as reputation goes, firefox should be using less Ram than chrome. Is there a setting I should know about to lower such performance issues? Firefox acceleration is ON.
Thank you for any answers.
Chosen solution
The links are sites explaining the Firefox's Project Fission. Users are complaining about ram usage, this is the reason for the processes you see in task manager. You can turn fission off by setting it to false on the about:config page. see screenshot Here is more info. https://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/15/change-how-many-processes-multi-process-firefox-uses/
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Here is some info on what you're seeing.
Introducing Firefox’s new Site Isolation Security Architecture https://hacks.mozilla.org/2021/05/introducing-firefox-new-site-isolation-security-architecture/
You can try Firefox's Site Isolation feature Fission in Nightly now https://www.ghacks.net/2020/09/20/you-can-try-firefoxs-site-isolation-feature-fission-in-nightly-now/
Firefox's Project Fission: better security and more processes https://www.ghacks.net/2019/02/07/firefoxs-project-fission-better-security-and-more-processes/
Are you on a desktop or laptop? What make and model? Can you post a pic of the Performance tab from Task Manager?
Thanks for the reply.
Desktop.
CPU Ryzen 7 5800X
CPU Cooler Corsair Hydro H100x 240mm
Cores
8 st
Threads
16 st
Speed
3.8 GHz, 4.7 GHz Turbo
GPU
AMD
Radeon RX 6700 XT Memory 12 GB
Memory
RAM
16 GB
Memory type
DDR4, (Corsair VENGEANCE LPX 3600MHz)
SSD
1 000 GB, (Samsung 980 Pro)
The RAM on the picture is 3.3Gigs, but it spikes to previous stated amounts when actually doing something, especially when streaming, which is understandable when it comes to streaming. But since in chrome even while streaming did not use up to this much RAM, it stayed at a comfortable 1.6~ gigs.
You sent me a couple of links, I assume this is an extension or program on how to isolate tabs when not used, can you make a step to step guide on how to correctly install it if that's the case. Otherwise I run the risk of messing it up.
Thank you in advance.
Chosen Solution
The links are sites explaining the Firefox's Project Fission. Users are complaining about ram usage, this is the reason for the processes you see in task manager. You can turn fission off by setting it to false on the about:config page. see screenshot Here is more info. https://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/15/change-how-many-processes-multi-process-firefox-uses/
Superbly explained, this seems to have solved it.
Thank you!
Your cpu has 16 threads The gpu has 12gb of ram Looks like it's time to visit ebay for more ram. ;-)
Yes, absolutely. In fact I've got 32gb package lying down on my couch. I've been procrastinating for too long I reckon.
Alas it was mostly the increased noise from the ram usage that set me off.
I'll hopefully find the time and motivation to actually open the package and install it in the computer in the coming days.
Thanks again for your help.
Modified by VectorVictor