What is VRAM? How to Check and Increase VRAM in Windows 10?

What is VRAM?

VRAM stands for "Video Random Access Memory," which is a specific type of RAM (Random Access Memory) in a computer dedicated to graphics processing tasks. It is used to store and quickly access graphic data, enhancing the performance of the graphics processor.

A dedicated graphics card has its own memory, which is essential for storing the image and graphical data needed for your computer's display. The amount of VRAM (video random access memory) can vary depending on the model.

Graphics cards come with varying amounts of VRAM, which helps ensure smooth and fluid display of graphics. The ability to render complex image textures or construct polygon-based three-dimensional (3D) structures largely depends on the availability of VRAM. Video games or applications like 3D modeling software are common examples that utilize VRAM.

Types of VRAM

There are different types of VRAM, as described below:

• SGRAM
(This text appears to be part of a list item. "SGRAM" stands for "Synchronous Graphics RAM," a type of memory commonly used in graphics processing.)

SGRAM stands for Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory, a type of clock-synchronized DRAM. It functions as a dual-port memory, enabling smooth data processing.

• RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory

RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory) is named after its developer, Rambus. It includes a Rambus bus feature that allows for faster data transfer speeds.

The translation for the given Chinese text is:
• MDRAM
Note: MDRAM stands for "Multi-Dimensional RAM," which is a type of dynamic random-access memory technology.

MDRAM, short for Multi-Bank Dynamic Random Access Memory, is a high-performance RAM developed by MoSys. It is known for its cost-effectiveness. MDRAM divides memory into multiple segments, each consisting of 32KB, allowing independent access to each component.

• WRAM
WRAM stands for "Work Request Animation Manager," which refers to a system or tool for managing work requests and animations. However, in different contexts, it could also refer to "Write-RAM" (Writeable Random Access Memory), so the accurate translation would depend on the specific context in which it is used.

Window RAM offers higher bandwidth, lower cost, and greater efficiency than standard VRAM.

Is VRAM better than RAM?

RAM is the processor's memory that stores current data for use in calculations. VRAM is a type of RAM specifically used for handling graphics-related tasks. In simple terms, VRAM is the video RAM in a system where a graphics processing unit (GPU) stores its data. For example, if your computer doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, it uses the main RAM to handle graphics tasks, which can cause lag in your system.

Thus, for video-related tasks, VRAM is better than RAM. It stores all the images and graphic data while you use heavy editing apps or play games. The more VRAM you have in your computer, the smoother the processing of large graphic data will be. As video-based technologies grow more powerful, having more VRAM can boost frame rates, rendering, and physics simulations.

How do I check VRAM on Windows 10?

For Windows 10 users, checking your VRAM isn't complicated, as long as you know where to look. All you need to do is delve into the display settings of your Windows system. Here's how to check how much VRAM your computer has:

1. Click the Windows logo or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.

Step 2: Go to the Search bar, type Display, and press Enter.

Step 3: Click on Display, and then select Advanced display settings.

Step 4: Click on Display adapter properties.

Note: You can check additional monitors and video cards in the same way.

Step 5: Your GPU's VRAM will be listed next to "Dedicated Video Memory."

How do I increase VRAM in Windows?

There are usually two ways to increase VRAM in Windows – through BIOS settings and by using a registry entry. We will discuss how to increase Windows VRAM using a registry entry because tampering with BIOS settings can accidentally damage crucial Windows settings, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.

In this section, we'll assist you in modifying the VRAM value within the registry entry. Please note that this won't actually increase the VRAM but will make it appear higher. This can help you run demanding games on your Windows 10 system.

WARNING* If you don't know how to access the Registry entries, do not skip any steps. You might damage your Windows installation. It's best to back up your Registry entries. To do this, open the Registry Editor from the search bar, and go to File > Export > Create a backup file.

Follow these steps to modify the registry value.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R, type Regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2: Click on Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFWARE > Intel.

Note: If you have an AMD graphics card, replace all instances of Intel with AMD in the instructions below.

Step 3: Right-click in the right-hand pane, and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Create a new key in "Registry Editor" Windows 10.png

Step 4: Right-click New Item, and rename it to DedicatedSegmentSize.

Step 5: Right-click the key, and then click Modify.

Step 6: Two options will appear. Under "Base," select Decimal, and then type 512 under "Value."

Please enter the value in the Recovery Editor in Windows 10.

Step 7: Now, reboot the system to activate these effects.

NB: Use the methods described in earlier chapters to check the added VARMs.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped you understand everything there is to know about VRAM, including the different types and how to test and increase it. Remember, while VRAM is memory for your graphics card, it can boost your computer's overall performance. If you want to improve your system's real-time performance, consider upgrading your graphics card and GPU.