Guides/Windows
Standby memory and ISLC: when clearing RAM actually helps
Task Manager can show most of your RAM as “in use” or “cached” even when little is running. Tools like ISLC (Intelligent Standby List Cleaner) empty that cache and are popular for fixing stutter. Sometimes that helps; usually it isn't needed.
What the standby list is#
When Windows reads a file, it keeps the data in otherwise unused RAM, the standby list. If you open the same game again, it loads faster. As soon as a program needs that memory, Windows hands it over. Unused memory does nothing, so a full cache is normal and good.
When it causes stutter#
Handing memory over is fast, but not free. When free memory is almost gone and a game asks for more in the middle of a match, Windows has to free standby pages at that moment, and that can show up as a short hitch. Some Windows 10 versions were known for releasing it too slowly. That's the situation ISLC was made for: it empties the standby list when free memory drops below a mark.
How to check whether you need it#
- Open Resource Monitor (Win + R,
resmon) → Memory. - Play until the stutter happens and look at Free (light blue) and Standby (dark blue).
- If Free drops close to zero when the stutter happens, clearing the standby list can help. If there are gigabytes free, it won't.
The real fix for constantly low free memory is more RAM or fewer programs open while gaming. How much RAM games need.
Questions#
Does ISLC increase FPS?
Is it bad that my RAM is full of standby memory?
Frametide shows your memory on its home screen and, with Premium, clears the standby list automatically while you play, like ISLC: only when the standby list is large and free memory drops below a mark you can set.