Background Programs' Hit on Gaming Performance

[Techstorm970]

I've heard a lot about how web browsers (specifically Chrome and Firefox) use a LOT of memory.  However, when sitting idle, how much to web browsers use the CPU?  In other words, does having a web browser open in the background while playing a game affect gaming performance in ways other than eating through RAM?

[Electronics Wizardy]

Very small performance change, less than 2% normally. Cpu usage is very low, normally under 2%

[AlwaysFSX]

Your CPU has to be pretty much worthless for a web browser to effect your game's performance.

[NinJake]

How dare you say Firefox uses as much memory as Chrome! (Unless something has changed in the past year with Chrome's memory usage...)

[Techstorm970]

6 minutes ago, NinJake said:

How dare you say Firefox uses as much memory as Chrome! (Unless something has changed in the past year with Chrome's memory usage...)

I've heard a few people say that Firefox used a lot of memory.  Based on your comment, I wonder if they're doing something wrong...  

[Techstorm970]

Wait, that question was my 100th post.  Woohoo! 

[NinJake]

7 minutes ago, techstorm970 said:

I've heard a few people say that Firefox used a lot of memory.  Based on your comment, I wonder if they're doing something wrong...  

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[Techstorm970]

2 minutes ago, NinJake said:

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Makes sense that Safari would use the least amount of RAM.  Apple has always done an excellent job with their software.