boolean memory rewuirements

How can I find out the memory requirements for using the boolean difference option?
With my 16gb iMac I have had to scale back drastically the mesh size in order for a successful run.
I may have a way of going to expanded memory, but I need a way of knowing (or estimating) how much.

Does all 16GB memory deplete when you apply Boolean-Difference modifier?
Could you share the .blend file where the problem occurs?
I would check if the same happens on my computer.