# Just under 200 MB free RAM? **URL:** \ **Category:** Self-hosting\ **Created:** [January 16, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/just-under-200-mb-free-ram/291812 "2024-01-16T16:48:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 1
**Author:** ![Jagster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/jagster/32/192154_2.png) [@Jagster](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Jagster)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/just-under-200-mb-free-ram/291812/1 "2024-01-16T16:48:21Z")
I know, I know — this is more like basics of \*nix, but because VPS has only Discourse and amount on RAM dictates if everything goes smoothly that’s the reason for such newu-class question. 8 GB RAM, no swap. Why `free -m` tells I have only 160 - 180 MB (it lives) free memory? ![IMG_2750](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/meta/original/4X/f/c/0/fc0dbd82a6f351c9baceae654abc255ed53a37fc.jpeg) Is this just another example of _unused RAM is the most expensive part of memory_ and if there is demand to get more it will taken from cache? Why I’m asking? I see way too often tips to use swap, and now I’m not sure if I need it. Do I have memory related issus? No, AFAIK and rebuilding takes its time, but it never dies --- _[View the full topic](https://meta.discourse.org/t/just-under-200-mb-free-ram/291812)._