What is VRAM? Comparison between VRAM and RAM

When you learn information about graphics cards, you will certainly come across VRAM parameters on the system. VRAM plays an extremely important role in graphics cards. So what is VRAM and how to see VRAM capacity? To better understand issues related to VRAM, please refer to TipsMake in the article below!

Content

1. What is VRAM? What is VRAM used for?
2. Difference between VRAM and RAM
3. Difference between VRAM and integrated graphics 
4. Common types of VRAM
   1. 1. Multibank Dynamic (MDRAM)
   2. 2. Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM)
   3. 3. Synchronous Graphics RAM (SGRAM)
   4. 4. Window RAM (WRAM)
5. How much VRAM does a computer need at least?
   1. In 3D modeling, animation, and CPU/GPU rendering
   2. Video editing, composite motion design
   3. Gaming
6. Instructions for finding VRAM capacity information on your computer
7. Instructions for increasing VRAM capacity
   1. Increase VRAM capacity in BIOS
   2. Increase VRAM capacity via Registry Editor
8. Popular VRAM capacity
   1. Capacity from 1 to 2 GB
   2. Capacity from 3 GB to 6 GB
   3. Capacity greater than or equal to 8 GB
9. What are frequently asked questions about VRAM? 
   1. Does increasing VRAM help play games better?
   2. How does VRAM affect graphics cards?
10. Epilogue

What is VRAM? What is VRAM used for?

VRAM or Video RAM , stands for Video Random Access Memory . VRAM is used for the purpose of storing data including: images and videos displayed on the computer screen. VRAM is known as a very special type of RAM that will work in conjunction with a graphics card or GPU. GPU is a chip on the computer's video card, responsible for the main task of displaying images on the screen. Although there is no technical precision, graphics cards and GPUs are often used interchangeably.

VRAM is the part that holds the information the GPU needs such as game textures or lighting effects. VRAM allows the GPU to quickly access information and output video to the screen. Furthermore, using VRAM will make this process faster than using RAM in the system.

The reason VRAM has this superior feature is because it is located right next to the GPU in the graphics card and is also built mainly for high intensity purposes.

Difference between VRAM and RAM

VRAM and RAM actually have a huge difference, that difference is shown through the following factors:

Comparison criteria	VRAM	RAM
Uses	Used to handle graphics-related tasks. At the same time, it is also used to store image data that the computer displays	Used to temporarily store data and operating system commands. At the same time, ensure that the programs operate stably.
Gate	Dual port	Single port
Speed	Faster than RAM	Slower than VRAM
Upgradability	Because VRAM is soldered directly to the GPU's PCB, it is not interchangeable with other VRAM models and cannot be upgraded.	Can be upgraded or replaced

Difference between VRAM and integrated graphics 

Normally, for those who assemble their own personal computer or equip a computer for gaming, a video card is installed. Some laptops specialized for gaming also have a built-in graphics card. However, a basic personal desktop or a cheap laptop will not be equipped with a graphics card. Therefore, to best meet gaming needs, it is necessary to use integrated graphics.

Integrated graphics is a solution where the GPU and CPU are clocked at the same speed and share the underlying system RAM instead of having to use separate VRAM. This solution helps save costs and also allows laptops to output basic graphics products without having to use a video card.

However, there is an issue to note: integrated graphics cannot perform gaming tasks and other graphics operations.

The level of strength of integrated graphics will be determined by the CPU. New Intel CPUs with Intel Iris Plus graphics will be much more powerful than older competitors. Of course, integrated graphics still cannot compare to dedicated graphics.

Common types of VRAM

Currently, VRAM performance is increasingly improving and there are also many different types of VRAM being introduced.

1. Multibank Dynamic (MDRAM)

Multibank Dynamic is a type of VRAM with quite high performance and was developed by MoSys. The system is divided into 32KB capacity sections that can be accessed individually. The presence of MDRAM helps to perform many different tasks simultaneously. From there, you can increase the overall performance of your computer.

In particular, MDRAM is quite cheap. Because this type can be produced according to the amount of RAM suitable for the ability to resolve images at a certain level.

2. Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM)

This type of VRAM is exclusively designed by a chip technology company in Silicon Valley in the US, Rambus. RDRAM has a design that includes a proprietary bus, which helps the data flow speed between the frame buffer and VRAM increase significantly.

3. Synchronous Graphics RAM (SGRAM)

SGRAM is a type of VRAM that is quite low-cost and clock-synchronized. This is single-port memory but can function similarly to dual-port memory. SGRAM works by opening two memory pages at the same time instead of just opening one page like other types.

4. Window RAM (WRAM)

WRAM is a type of VRAM with very high performance because it is equipped with dual ports. At the same time, the bandwidth is also designed to be up to 25%, more than other conventional VRAMs. Furthermore, the cost of WRAM is also much lower than other types. This type of VRAM also allows for more efficient reading of data during text drawing and block filling.

In addition, Window RAM also operates with extremely high resolution and very realistic colors. However, a small note is that WRAM will have no relation to Microsoft Windows.

How much VRAM does a computer need at least?

Currently, programs and software are increasingly being upgraded, so there will be higher requirements. Therefore, depending on the user's needs and work, there is an appropriate level of VRAM capacity.

In 3D modeling, animation, and CPU/GPU rendering

1. Modeling and animation: It is best to use VRAM with a capacity of 8-10 GB.
2. Render GPU configuration (active): You should use VRAM with a capacity of 8-16 GB or 24 GB or more.
3. Render GPU configuration (passive): It is best to use VRAM with a capacity of 6-8 GB.

Video editing, composite motion design

1. Normal video editing: It is best to use VRAM with a capacity of 6-8 GB.
2. Video editing with heavy GPU support: It is best to use VRAM with a capacity of 8-16 GB for stable performance and 16-24 GB to achieve high performance levels.
3. Motion design and analysis: It is best to use VRAM with a capacity of 8-10 GB for good performance and 10-24 GB for high performance.
4. Normal graphic design: For this need, you only need to use VRAM with a capacity of 4-6 GB.

Gaming

Improving image quality and optimizing loading times are the superior performance that VRAM brings when playing games. For high-resolution images, more VRAM is required for easier rendering.

Without corresponding VRAM, the images being loaded will cause overload and cause the GPU to overflow data into RAM. This will reduce the machine's performance.

1. For games with 720p resolution: You should use 2GB VRAM. 
2. For games with 1080p resolution: VRAM should be 4-6 GB. 

1. For games with 1440p resolution: VRAM should be from 6-8 GB. 
2. For games with 4K resolution: VRAM should be above 10 GB. 

Instructions for finding VRAM capacity information on your computer

To find information about VRAM capacity on a Windows computer, you can follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Press the Windows + I key combination to open the Settings section .
2. Step 2: Select System and click Display in the left bar.
3. Step 3: Click on Display adapter properties .
4. Step 4: Then a panel will appear on the screen. Now, select the Adapter tab and search in the Information Adapter section .
5. Step 5: Here, you will be able to see the VRAM capacity next to Dedicated Video Memory.

Instructions for increasing VRAM capacity

If you want tasks and images to be displayed better but cannot replace the GPU, increasing the VRAM capacity is the best solution for you. You can increase VRAM capacity in the following 2 ways:

Increase VRAM capacity in BIOS

BIOS is software that has been integrated with the hardware by the manufacturer. This is considered the first program launched when your computer starts up. You can use BIOS to increase VRAM capacity by following these steps:

1. Step 1: First, restart your computer.
2. Step 2: While the computer is booting, press the F2 , F5 , F8 or Del keys continuously, until the BIOS interface is displayed on the screen. 
3. Step 3: Next, look for the Graphics Settings , Video Settings or VGA Capacity menu , depending on the model you are using, there will be different displays. Usually, you can find it in the Advanced Configuration menu ( Advanced Displays ).
4. Step 4: Finally, you just need to choose the VRAM level you want to increase. Then, click save and reboot the computer.

Increase VRAM capacity via Registry Editor

Registry Editor is a database commonly used to store Windows specifications and configuration changes. You can absolutely use Registry Editor to increase VRAM capacity with the following steps:

1. Step 1: Press the Start + R button combination to open the Run dialog box . Next, enter the word ' regedit ' into the Run dialog box and press the OK button .

Step 2: After the Registry Editor dialog box appears on the screen, find the SOFTWARE subfolder in the large folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE .

Step 3: Next, find the Intel subfolder in the SOFTWARE folder and right-click on the Intel folder > Select New > Select Key . Then, name the newly created folder GMM .

Step 4: Right click on the GMM folder > Select New > Select DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the format ' DedicatedSegmentSize '.

Step 5: Double click on the newly named format. Here, enter the VRAM level you want to increase, between 0 and 512 in the Value data section. Finally, click OK to complete.

Popular VRAM capacity

Current VRAM capacity levels are also very diverse, popular VRAM capacities include:

Capacity from 1 to 2 GB

With this capacity, it will bring extremely good performance. However, it cannot handle modern games. Therefore, this VRAM is often used for computers that only need to use old games without the need for graphic design, video editing, etc.

Capacity from 3 GB to 6 GB

This type of card is a mid-range card, and comes with functions such as: Editing games and videos. However, the biggest drawback of this card is that it cannot be used for Fallout 4. 

Capacity greater than or equal to 8 GB

This type of card has a resolution level of up to 4K. Therefore, it will be suitable for those who want to play professional games.

What are frequently asked questions about VRAM? 

Here are some frequently asked questions related to what VRAM is:

Does increasing VRAM help play games better?

When playing games, if the amount of VRAM is not met, it will cause the game to stutter, lag, and be very difficult to play. The images and objects in the game will not load in time, leading to broken images, which look very uncomfortable. At this time, increasing VRAM will make gaming more comfortable, smooth, lag-free, and at the same time protect your computer.

How does VRAM affect graphics cards?

VRAM is the buffer between the video card and the computer's CPU. A high amount of computer VRAM means it can process more graphics at a faster speed. At the same time can provide better frame rates, rendering. Graphics cards can be equipped with many different VRAM capacities.

Epilogue

VRAM plays a very important role in activities such as playing games, graphic design, etc. on computers. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the VRAM capacity that suits your needs. Hopefully the above information can help you know what VRAM is and the popular types of VRAM today.