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

Just like there is a System RAM that helps in optimizing programs, there is a Video RAM that acts as a graphics buffer. VRAM helps process image data created by the graphics card and stores it for display. It is best for software that run complex image data such as video gaming and graphic design software. Similar to increasing System RAM to improve data processing, you can also increase VRAM size. It will help to handle complex image data and improve the output speed. Here is how to Increase VRAM size in Windows 10 from your device.

Related: How to secure your Windows 10 PC?

How to Increase VRAM Size in Windows 10?

If you are working on complex applications or playing graphics rich games, you should know how to optimize your PC’s performance. It creates a smooth gaming experience. The best option is to change the GPU, but you can as well maximize the use existing one. Establishing the VRAM size of your device’s graphics card is the first step you can try.

Checking Current Size of VRAM

Follow these quick instructions to increase VRAM on your PC:

Step 1: In Windows 10 Cortana Search box, input “Display Settings” and select the first option.

Step 2: Scroll down to select the “Advanced Display Settings”.

Step 3: Under the section “Display Information” in the new window, select “Display adapter properties for Display 1”.

Step 4: Your device’s VRAM is the “Dedicated Video Memory” in the pop-up window.

Increase VRAM Size in Windows 10

Increasing your PC’s VRAM size is the smart option you can opt for in case you do not want to change your old GPU. They work best for AMD Ryzen APUs and Intel HD Graphics Card.

1. Using Registry Editor

Increasing VRAM size using regedit means creating a dummy value that gaming can refer to when starting up. It is termed as a dummy because graphic solutions adjust automatically in respect to the amount of VRAM they need. It creates a VRAM value that software requiring a high VRAM value can reflect to in case they fail to run.

Follow these steps carefully and take care not to mess up your system.

Step 1: Open the Run dialogue box by pressing “Windows + R” keys. Then enter “regedit” and click “OK”. The Registry Editor window will open.

Step 2: In the left-hand pane, select “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Intel” keys in that order. On the Intel option, right-click and choose the option “New > Key” and name the key “GMM”.

Step 3: Select the GMM key and on the right pane, right-click on the empty part. Choose “New” then “Dword (32-bit)”. Name the key, “DedicatedSegmentSize”.

Step 4: Open DedicatedSegmentSize by double-clicking on it. Select the option “Decimal” under Base and input a value between 0 and 512 under the option “Value data”. The value range may vary depending on your PC’s RAM. Save and restart your computer. You can check the adapter properties to verify the changes.

2. Using Computer BIOS

Using BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System) option will require you to get information from your PC manufacturer on the commands to expect. Also, most manufacturers have not included this hack in their devices. However, it’s the easiest of all to use. We recommend you verify BIOS command prompts for your device motherboard. Here is a simple procedure on how to increase VRAM size in Windows 10 using BIOS.  

• Restart your computer. During the restart process press either the F2, F5, F8, F10 or Del keys repeatedly to enter BIOS. The keys vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
• Under the Advanced menu, select either the Video settings, Graphics settings or VGA share memory size depending on the motherboard. Use the arrow keys to navigate.
• A list of memory options will appear. Select the best option that will suit your PC.
• Save the preference and proceed to restart your device.

3. Upgrading the System RAM

Upgrading your computer’s system RAM helps improve the Intel Graphic Card memory. This option is only applicable for AMD Ryzen APUs and the integrated Intel HD Graphics chipset.

In case your device is running on 4GB RAM, increasing the RAM size to 8GB will increase the VRAM size. You can either add the RAM in an empty slot or replace with a higher RAM if there’s no additional RAM slot. Be sure to use a RAM that will cushion you in all your PC’s future tasks.

How Important Is VRAM?

If you are not a gamer or a video files editor, you may not realize how important VRAM is. The loading time and quality of images displayed by your device depend on the VRAM level. For certain games and editing software to run in your PC’s resolution, you will need a higher VRAM. For instance, a 4K resolution game will require more VRAM than a 1080p resolution game.

If your device VRAM is overwhelmed, it will cause an overload of the GPU to the system RAM, therefore, lowering your computer’s performance. Here are the VRAM recommendations for your gaming and editing Windows 10 PC with the corresponding resolution.

• For video editing purposes, use a 64 GB VRAM  for an 8K resolution file (commercial use). 8GB VRAM is good for smaller files between 720p to 1080p resolution. 16K resolution files work best with a 16GB VRAM.
• Gaming devices have varying VRAM requirements. Use a 8GB to 12GB VRAM for 4K resolution games, 6GB for VRAM for 1440p resolution and a 4GB VRAM for a 1080p resolution.