Adding RAM to google Chromecast with Google TV

[MacNerd]

I'm about to cut the cord. I'm tired of paying Verizon $187/month.

Of course, If I have enough subscriptions, I can easily go over $187/month.

I can't decide which device to get - Google, Apple or Roku. There are features of each one that I like & dislike.

Is there a maximum amount of RAM that can be added to the Google Chromecast with Google TV? I wonder which is better, a USB stick or a SSD.

I get the OTG USB cable confused with a USB hub. I guess that the hub is sort of a souped-up OTG cable.

[Byteguy · Accepted solution]

You can't add processing memory to any Chromecast device.

But, you can use a USB Hub to add storage space for some (but not all) apps.

https://www.androidpolice.com/best-usb-c-hubs-for-google-chromecast-with-google-tv/

Keep in mind this is still not something that Google officially supports.   There are posts here about some apps not working with them or apps that you try to store there coming back to main memory.

It's most useful for storing files (like your own video files) and playing them from that storage.

If you're going to be using streaming services, you can do most of them directly from Chromecast with Google TV and, unless you're going to try and load 20 different ones, you're probably fine with the out-of-the-box hardware.

Personally, I load all the main ones that I use and then just cast from my phone when I want to use some random one-of service (to save space on my Chromecast and keep the list of apps manageable).

[Byteguy · Accepted solution]

You can't add processing memory to any Chromecast device.

But, you can use a USB Hub to add storage space for some (but not all) apps.

https://www.androidpolice.com/best-usb-c-hubs-for-google-chromecast-with-google-tv/

Keep in mind this is still not something that Google officially supports.   There are posts here about some apps not working with them or apps that you try to store there coming back to main memory.

It's most useful for storing files (like your own video files) and playing them from that storage.

If you're going to be using streaming services, you can do most of them directly from Chromecast with Google TV and, unless you're going to try and load 20 different ones, you're probably fine with the out-of-the-box hardware.

Personally, I load all the main ones that I use and then just cast from my phone when I want to use some random one-of service (to save space on my Chromecast and keep the list of apps manageable).

[MacNerd]

I wasn't aware that Google doesn't officially support adding memory.

I know that additional memory can be set up as removable or non-removable. I guess that the removable memory is for video & picture files.

I wasn't aware that some apps may move back to main memory or not work with flash drives.

I read online that Google limited the memory to 8 GB to keep the price down to $50. Still, the OS uses about half of the 8 GB. That leaves 4 GB for cache, apps & OS & app updates.

HMMM...

[Jeran]

Thank you for helping out on this thread, Byteguy!

Hey there MacNerd,

I'm just checking up on this thread, do you have any more questions or need any additional help? 

Best regards,
Jeran

[MacNerd]

What happens when the 8 GB of memory is full? Does a window pop up on the TV screen & say that the memory is full & please delete some apps?

[Jeran]

Hey there MacNerd, 

I apologize for the late response on this and thank you for your patience! If you fill up your Chromecast storage, you'll get an "Insufficient storage" error, prompting you to delete apps or content from your Chromecast device.

Best regards,

Jeran

[MacNerd · Accepted solution]

Well, I reckon that y'all have answered my questions on this subject.

For now!

Thank you for your help.

[Jeran]

Hiya MacNerd,

No problem at all! In that case, I'll go ahead and lock this thread in 24 hours. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to create a new thread.

Have a good weekend!

Best regards,
Jeran