8 GB RAM Chromebook No RAM Available/No Apps Running on CBC516-1H-53TY)

Hi - I just bought a brand new Chromebook Plus 516 (CBC516-1H-53TY) with 8 GB RAM and 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240 16 threads 4.4 Ghz processor and 256 GB storage.

I literally only have Chrome running with 2 tabs, no apps running, or anything else. My diagnostics test is showing I only have 1 GB of 8 GM memory available. My Chromebook is extremely slow and lagging. I can't see in the diagnostics report what apps are taking up the 7 GB RAM.How can 7 GB of RAM being used with only Chrome running with 2 tabs?

How can I clear up some RAM so my Chromebook will speed up?

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

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Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/727876/8-gb-ram-chromebook-no-ram-available-no-apps-running

Hey TXPatriot10,

Thanks for sharing your experience—sounds frustrating, especially with a brand-new Chromebook Plus 516. Even with minimal usage, ChromeOS can sometimes report memory usage in ways that aren't immediately intuitive.

Here are a few things you might try:

🧪 Quick Checks

ChromeOS Task Manager: Press Search + Esc to open it. This shows which processes are using memory—sometimes background services or extensions are the culprits.
Extensions Audit: Even if you haven’t installed any, some come preloaded. Try disabling any you don’t use.
Restart: A full reboot can flush out cached memory and reset sluggish background processes.

🧼 Deeper Cleanup

Update ChromeOS: Make sure you're on the latest version—performance bugs are often patched quickly.
Powerwash (Factory Reset): If the issue persists, a Powerwash can reset the system to clean state. Just back up anything important first.

🧠 Why It Might Be Reporting 7 GB Used

ChromeOS often uses available RAM for caching and performance optimization. This can look like “used” memory, but it’s not necessarily a problem unless the system is lagging—which in your case, it is. So it’s worth digging deeper.

Let us know what you find in Task Manager—happy to help interpret it if needed.

TXPatriot10

Hi Puraw! I can't thank you enough for your thorough and prompt response of help! I did the quick check tasks you recommended. I've attached a screenshot of my task manager report. Could you please take a look at it and let me know what you think? I think you might be on to something with your extension audit recommendation. I have a lot of Chrome extensions installed for my work. See the screenshot I attached. Could this be the issue?

Another question if you wouldn't mind answering…Does my Chromebook model able to upgrade to a 16 GB RAM? Either 2 8 GB sticks or 1 16 GB sticks? I'd love to upgrade it to improve the speed.