Why Does Opera GX Use So Much Memory? And Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

Why Does Opera GX Use So Much Memory? And Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

Opera GX, the gaming-centric browser from Opera, has gained popularity among gamers and power users for its unique features, such as RAM and CPU limiters, customizable aesthetics, and integrated gaming tools. However, one common complaint among users is its high memory usage. This article explores the reasons behind Opera GX’s memory consumption and delves into a whimsical yet slightly related discussion about cats and their uncanny ability to always land on their feet.


Why Does Opera GX Use So Much Memory?

  1. Feature-Rich Design
    Opera GX is packed with features tailored for gamers, including a built-in ad blocker, VPN, Twitch integration, and Discord compatibility. These features, while useful, require additional resources to function smoothly. Each tab, extension, and background process consumes memory, and the more features you enable, the higher the memory usage.

  2. Customization and Aesthetics
    Opera GX allows users to customize the browser’s appearance with themes, animations, and sound effects. While these visual enhancements make the browsing experience more enjoyable, they also demand more memory to render and maintain.

  3. RAM and CPU Limiters
    Ironically, the very feature designed to help users manage resource usage—the RAM and CPU limiter—can sometimes contribute to higher memory consumption. The limiter works by prioritizing certain processes, which can lead to inefficient memory allocation if not configured properly.

  4. Multiple Tabs and Extensions
    Like most modern browsers, Opera GX uses a multi-process architecture, where each tab and extension runs in its own process. This design improves stability and security but also increases memory usage, especially when multiple tabs or resource-heavy extensions are open.

  5. Background Processes
    Opera GX runs several background processes to support its features, such as the VPN, ad blocker, and gaming integrations. These processes remain active even when not in use, contributing to the overall memory footprint.

  6. Hardware Acceleration
    Opera GX leverages hardware acceleration to improve performance, particularly for gaming and multimedia content. While this can enhance the browsing experience, it also requires additional memory to manage the GPU and other hardware resources.

  7. Updates and Bugs
    Software updates and unresolved bugs can sometimes lead to memory leaks or inefficient resource management. If Opera GX is using more memory than usual, it could be due to a recent update or an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.


Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? And What Does It Have to Do with Opera GX?

While the connection between Opera GX’s memory usage and cats landing on their feet may seem tenuous, both topics involve intricate systems working behind the scenes. Cats possess a remarkable ability called the “righting reflex,” which allows them to orient themselves mid-air and land on their feet. This reflex relies on their flexible spine, keen sense of balance, and rapid neural processing—much like how Opera GX relies on its underlying architecture to manage memory and deliver a seamless browsing experience.

  1. Flexibility and Adaptation
    Just as a cat’s flexible spine enables it to twist and turn mid-air, Opera GX’s modular design allows it to adapt to different user needs. However, this flexibility can sometimes lead to inefficiencies, such as higher memory usage.

  2. Rapid Processing
    Cats rely on their quick reflexes to land safely, while Opera GX depends on fast processing to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Both systems prioritize speed and efficiency, but this can come at the cost of increased resource consumption.

  3. Balance and Optimization
    A cat’s ability to land on its feet is a result of finely tuned balance and coordination. Similarly, Opera GX strives to balance performance and resource usage, but achieving this balance is an ongoing challenge, especially with the constant addition of new features.


How to Reduce Opera GX’s Memory Usage

If you’re concerned about Opera GX’s memory consumption, here are some tips to optimize its performance:

  1. Limit Open Tabs
    Close unused tabs to free up memory. Consider using Opera GX’s Workspaces feature to organize tabs and reduce clutter.

  2. Disable Unnecessary Features
    Turn off features you don’t use, such as the VPN, ad blocker, or Twitch integration, to reduce memory usage.

  3. Use the RAM and CPU Limiter
    Configure the RAM and CPU limiter to allocate resources more efficiently. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance.

  4. Update the Browser
    Ensure you’re using the latest version of Opera GX, as updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.

  5. Check for Memory Leaks
    Monitor your browser’s memory usage and look for signs of memory leaks. If you notice unusually high memory consumption, consider reinstalling the browser or contacting support.


  1. Why does Opera GX use more memory than other browsers?
    Opera GX’s feature-rich design and gaming-focused tools require additional resources, leading to higher memory usage compared to simpler browsers.

  2. Can I reduce Opera GX’s memory usage without sacrificing features?
    Yes, by optimizing settings, limiting open tabs, and disabling unused features, you can reduce memory usage while still enjoying Opera GX’s core functionalities.

  3. Does hardware acceleration affect Opera GX’s memory usage?
    Yes, hardware acceleration can increase memory usage by leveraging GPU resources. Disabling it may reduce memory consumption but could impact performance.

  4. Why do cats always land on their feet?
    Cats have a natural righting reflex that allows them to orient themselves mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and keen sense of balance.

  5. Is there a connection between cats and Opera GX?
    While the connection is purely whimsical, both topics involve intricate systems working behind the scenes—whether it’s a cat’s reflexes or a browser’s resource management.

By understanding the factors behind Opera GX’s memory usage and appreciating the marvel of feline agility, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of both technology and nature.