Open-source developer Iain Kay has created an open-source BASH script called “Ram Altman” for Linux systems designed to monitor idle RAM on personal computers and laptops. The project emerged after Sam Altman stated that OpenAI’s RAM needs are more important than consumer electronics, drawing internet criticism.
The script checks how much unused RAM is available on a system. If more than 10% of total RAM is idle, it generates sarcastic email templates poking fun at the situation. According to the source, one sample message reads: “Hi Sam, Please don’t be alarmed, but there is 8.6 GiB of RAM on my desk that isn’t in a data centre. That’s 56.2% of what’s installed here, and as far as I can tell it has no plans today. Hoarding responsibly, A concerned RAM owner.”
By default, the script does not actually send emails to Sam Altman or anyone else. The creator intentionally designed it this way to prevent the repository from being used as an automated mail-spoofing or denial-of-service tool against OpenAI’s servers. Users can configure email settings themselves if they choose to send correspondence, but this requires technical knowledge and setup.
For those wary of spam or automated emails, the repository includes a –dry-run flag and a local test suite. These features allow Linux users and system administrators to test simulated memory workloads and preview generated messages without actually sending them.
The project’s FAQ section maintains the humorous tone throughout. When asked whether the script helps with the DRAM shortage, the response is simply “No.” Regarding macOS compatibility, the FAQ notes the script reads /proc/meminfo and quips that macOS RAM is “probably soldered down, which makes you the hardest target in the global allocation programme.” The 10% threshold was chosen because “below that, your machine has suffered enough,” according to the FAQ.
Following significant backlash from the internet, Sam Altman posted on X that his earlier statement was taken out of context and that he wants everyone to have as much computing resources as they want.
Key facts
- Iain Kay created an open-source BASH script called “Ram Altman” to monitor unused RAM on Linux systems
- The script generates sarcastic emails when more than 10% of RAM is idle, but doesn’t send them by default
- The tool was created to mock Sam Altman’s statement that OpenAI’s RAM needs are more important than consumer electronics
- The script includes a –dry-run flag and local test suite for testing without sending actual emails
- Sam Altman later clarified his statement was taken out of context on X