Memory Usage in 2012 Retina 15" MacBook Pro

[teerexx52]

I recently bought a 13" 8gb 256GB MacBook Pro newest model. I noticed that it was using appreciably less memory than my 15" 2.6, 8gb, 512GB 2012 version. Same software installed. Same programs open. In looking at the activity monitor for all processes the most I am using is 512MB for kernel task. The programs open don't come close to the total amount of ram being used according to the activity monitor. At times the activity monitor says I am using 7.8gb of my total of 8GB. I have nothing open but safari, dropbox, mail. No iPhoto, iTunes, nothing else. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

[AlecMyrddyn]

Are both systems running Mavericks? Or do you have an older OS on the 2012 system?

Mavericks handles memory usage very differently.

If you can upload screenshots from each systems' Activity Monitor, someone might be able to help interpret what you are seeing.

 

[teerexx52]

Are both systems running Mavericks? Or do you have an older OS on the 2012 system?

Mavericks handles memory usage very differently.

If you can upload screenshots from each systems' Activity Monitor, someone might be able to help interpret what you are seeing.

Both are running Mavericks. I will try and get a screen shot up when I get back home. Thanks