Using lots of memory (I think)

I am using FF version 6 on a Windows 10 computer with 8GB RAM. I can't exactly pinpoint a date when it started doing it, but when I try to use FF now it makes my computer "huff and puff" and sound like it is ready for takeoff.

I used to use FF on a little old Windows Vista laptop with no memory problems (it may have been version 4 or 5 back then). I don't remember having problems when I first started using FF6 on this computer.

I'm having some problems with other programs (such as Paintstorm Studio and Dynamic Auto Painter 5) also making the computer make noise. I think I have a dual solid-state and non-solid drives, or something like that.

Any guesses as to what is making FF use so many resources? Did one of the updates to Windows 10 cause problems with artwork programs?

Thank you. I switched the rendering mode and that seems to help.

Does the current version of FF use about the same amount of resources as version 6? There are certain programs that I regretfully haven't dared buy or upgrade to because it sounds like I need to get a 16GB or 32GB machine to run them, and that isn't in the works right now. (The new version of Dynamic Auto Painter and Topaz Studio's programs and a bunch of 3D rendering programs . . . sigh.)

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Iron4Plankton wrote: Does the current version of FF use about the same amount of resources as version 6?

Version 6 came in two varieties: 32-bit and 64-bit. It would be incorrect to compare different architectures. But yes, FF 6 (64-bit) and FF 8 (64-bit only) consume the same amount of resources.

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64bit allowed users to use too much RAM

Oh, I completely forgot you can actually limit the amount of RAM consumed. It's another setting in the Tools > Options > Rendering window.
Still, it's not RAM that makes the noise, it's your CPU. emme is right: new cooler would probably solve your issue.