How can I constantly monitor my computer's RAM usage?

I have to monitor my computer physical memory (RAM) usage constantly when I'm working, because sometimes I will work with multiple applications (e.g Sublime Text, Photoshop, MS Visual Studio and Chrome with 10+ tabs open) - and I want to know what's the current RAM usage so I won't push it too far.

Currently, in order to monitor my computer's RAM usage, that's what I do:
Open Windows Task Manager → Go to Performance tab → Watch Memory box / Physical Memory: (Usage Percentage) at the bottom:

However it's not convenient. Sometimes I will open 5 new tabs in Chrome and forget to monitor my RAM because the Windows Task Manager is minimized - only to find that something is going to crash because I'm using too much RAM, followed by my PC shutting down Chrome to free some memory.

What I want is to constantly view and monitor my computer's RAM usage in all of my application, including my browser.

Solution 1:

There are multiple software written for such a solution. Just a few after a quick google search:

• Taskbar Meters (Download)

  

• RAM CPU Taskbar for Windows 7 (Download)

  

And one that is quite light weight (but doesn't support any Windows version newer than XP):

• RAMpage

  

Either way there are scores of these programmed for all kinds of specifics. So go ahead and choose any one of them. Also I don't think it would be a bad idea to go ahead and upgrade your RAM, 4GB is quite little.

Solution 2:

You can use any number of dock/bar/gadget/widget type of tools and programs. Some stay on top, some cut out their own chunk of the screen, some are transparent, some are pegged to the desktop, most are configurable.

• WinBar has a module to display the RAM usage (I personally like this and use the 1.2.95 version)

• The Windows gadgetbar/sidebar has built-in (CPU Meter) and third-party gadgets that can display the RAM usage.

  

  

• Samurize has a RAM widget

  

• RocketDock has a RAM gadget

  

• StarDock’s Object Desktop / Desktop X have RAM widgets

  

• Konfabulator / Yahoo! Widgets have them too

  

  

• Google Desktop may be discontinued, but it is still available and can do it