Browser comparison (memory usage)

2008-06-25 07:19:05

#1

De_Jappe: Triarii; +432|6797|Belgium

We all know that Mozilla did memory usage tests, and showed that FF3 used the least memory.
Independent tests now show the same. This is NO stresstest on memory, but more a simulation of normal browsing behaviour over 10 hours time.

Tested browsers: FF3.0, IE 8.0 beta 1, Opera 9.5, Safari 3.1, Flock 1.2

Firefox 3 is the big winner, and Safari = fail. For the graphs on memory usage, check the link at the bottom of this post

Conclusion:
* Safari 3.1
Safari on Windows shows extremely poor memory management, and I do not know whether it ever reaches a high water mark. If this is by design, it is certainly a design that looks inefficient and seems to contradict Apple's marketing.
* Firefox 3.0
This browser exhibits memory usage that is by far lower than the others. It releases memory to the system and the trend line is nearly flat.
(This is likely due to the efforts outlined here.)
* Flock (based on Firefox 2.0)
Flock did very well and this browser and Firefox 2.0 could likely be run for long periods without causing many problems. The extensions probably reduced the efficiency somewhat.
* Opera 9.5
Opera's performance was about as good as Firefox 2.0 (Flock), and it could likely be used for very lengthy sessions. However, Kestrel is certainly not a revolutionary or even notable technology in this arena.
* Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1
IE did well in the profile, although a worrying trend in the data could indicate that it would keep escalating. However, this browser could likely sustain many hours of moderate usage.

Browser name - Ending private set in MB
Safari 3.1 636.9
Firefox 3 111.8
Flock (Firefox 2) 191.9
Opera 9.5 190.6
Internet Explorer 8 B1 194.4

source: http://dotnetperls.com/Content/Browser-Memory.aspx

Last edited by De_Jappe (2008-06-25 07:20:06)

2008-06-25 07:21:26

#2

alexb: <3; +590|6209|Kentucky, USA

Link is fail.

Wait, never mind...

Last edited by alexbay13 (2008-06-25 07:21:40)

2008-06-25 07:34:46

#3

chittydog: less busy; +586|7105|Kubra, Damn it!

I expect IE8 will be a lot lower by the time it actually releases. One of Microsoft's strengths is copying the features of competing products. WebSlices look pretty cool too, btw.

2008-06-25 09:50:35

#4

DUnlimited: got any popo lolo intersting?; +1,160|6733|cuntshitlake

Opera 9.26 would have stayed in the 80k'ish..

main battle tank karthus medikopter 117 megamegapowershot gg

2008-06-25 11:23:34

#5

De_Jappe: Triarii; +432|6797|Belgium

DeathUnlimited wrote:
Opera 9.26 would have stayed in the 80k'ish..

To be honest, I like the way Firefox handles this: later version doesn't have to mean more usage of ram. A lot of brilliant improvements in the new browser and STILL being able to reduce the amount of used ram, which was in my opinion the only bad thing about FF2.

If you have an older pc/laptop (3-4 years) with XP and 512 ram you really are pushing it not to be on virtual ram aka slowdown mode these days. I put FF3 on my dads laptop cause IE7 is taking up too much space when browsing.

About opera, It's quite useless to choose versions. If I discuss with an operalover, he says: 9.5 is the sex. When I compare memory usage, they say: yeah but version 9.26 would probably use less. So what, you have to choose between memory usage, or more secure - more functionality. While FF3 does better on functionality, security and memory usage at the same time. That's how software should evolve. (although this is of course not always possible).

And I agree with chittydog, IE8 is still in beta so it will probably still improve. (at least I hope so)

So yeah, for now I would say Firefox is the ultimate browser. I used to recommend opera on old pc's cause of memory issues in FF2, but not anymore

(and of course, open source = uberwin)

2008-06-25 12:11:11

#6

DUnlimited: got any popo lolo intersting?; +1,160|6733|cuntshitlake

I use opera 9.26 on my older computer, FF3 on new one.

And Opera 9.26 is still more secure than any FF or IE.

main battle tank karthus medikopter 117 megamegapowershot gg

2008-06-25 12:58:36

#7

aimless: Member; +166|6394|Texas

I tried FF3 and Opera and Opera still used less memory than Firefox.

BF2S Forums Browser comparison (memory usage)

DeathUnlimited wrote:

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