How to Increase Dedicated VRAM in Windows

VRAM, or virtual random access memory, is crucial for running graphics-intensive applications on your computer. Inadequate VRAM can lead to lagging or poor visual quality. This article will guide you through two methods to enhance VRAM on your Windows PC.

What is VRAM:

VRAM is a type of memory used by your computer’s graphics card to temporarily store data, especially when running demanding programs like games or image editing tools.

Steps to Increase VRAM:

Adjusting Bios settings:

1. Start by accessing your computer’s UEFI or BIOS settings.
2. Look for options like Advanced Features, Advanced Chipset Features, or similar labels.
3. Within these, find a subcategory named Graphics Settings, Video Settings, VGA Share Memory Size, or alike.
4. Here, you can increase the memory allocated to the GPU. The default is usually 128MB, but you can raise it to 256MB or 512MB if you have extra memory available. Keep in mind that not all systems support this feature.

Increasing it in Windows (Artificial Increase):

1. For integrated graphics, the Dedicated Video Memory value in the Adapter Properties window is fabricated and doesn’t affect system performance.
2. However, you can modify a Registry value to adjust the perceived VRAM for games. This doesn’t actually increase VRAM but might help games run better.
3. To do this, access the Registry Editor by searching for “regedit” in the Start Menu. Be cautious, as incorrect changes can harm your system.
4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Intel.
5. Right-click on the Intel folder in the left panel, select New > Key, and name it GMM.
6. Click on the new GMM folder, right-click inside the right panel, and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name it “DedicatedSegmentSize,” and input a value (in MB) using the Decimal option. The range is 0 to 512 MB.
8. After setting the value, restart your computer and test if the game runs more smoothly. If not, try increasing the value and repeat.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this article provided two methods to enhance VRAM on your Windows PC: adjusting BIOS settings and modifying the registry editor. However, it’s important to note that these methods may not work on all types of motherboards. For significant performance improvements, consider investing in a dedicated graphics card. Even an affordable one can greatly enhance your video output.