Windows 7: How to change amount of VRAM???

After installing windows 7, I noticed a decreased in performance, especially in gaming. At first I was not sure what is wrong, but when I install PES 2010, it says that my GPU VRAM does not meet the minimum requirement.

I have a 256MB RAM, but windows show me that I only have 64MB dedicated GPU VRAM.

I am well aware that we can change this setting in BIOS, but I have a different BIOS setup menu. I cannot change the amount of dedicated VRAM.



I'm using Compaq CQ40... Is there any other way to change/override the setting other than using BIOS?

Nope. Dedicated memory (the memory on the chipset) cant be changed. Shared memory can be, but even 256MB is the absolute minimum for win 7 and the various graphic effect will run slowly or not at all

The drivers for your graphics, are you using the ones from the manufactures site (nVidia, ATI, Intel) or from Compaq's/HP's site?

HP/Compaq's (one in the same) drivers tend to have different settings such as how much system RAM to use and whatnot. I suggest you use those if you are not already.

Isn't dedicated VRAM technically shared ram from the system?

You (should) have the option to change the amount of shared VRAM in BIOS -- but if your chipset limitation is 256MB, then you can't do anything over that. If the application you mention is stating that you have 64MB, then your BIOS setting for VRAM is set too low and you should be able to increase the setting to its max, 256MB. That setting, I'm sure you're aware of, is not dependant upon what driver version of the display adapter, but rather the version of the BIOS itself. It should give you settings similar to: 32, 64, 128, 256, etc for your VRAM.

Most OEM's do not allow extensive BIOS options. That is an option I've not seen in HP/Compaq BIOS's.

I understand that... I had an HP many moons ago, although I know not BIOS's are created equal. And, as far as I know, the ability to change VRAM settings is not an extensive change...

I have a Compaq SR1200NX that I'm actually using right now -- within its BIOS I have the option to change the shared video memory. Its max is 128MBm -- so I can never share more than that, but I can go down -- down to 8MB! -- but not off altogether. That is the point I was trying to make.

Most, of course not all, OEM machines with IGP give you the option to set the amount of shared video memory. If the OP has a chipset that supports 256MB yet Windows only shows 64, something is set too low -- and in my experience, it is not with the Windows drivers, but the BIOS itself. Maybe the OP needs to download a BIOS update from HP's site.

I'm using the driver from Intel's. It is automatically updated in windows update. I've already go to Compaq's site, and they only have the Nvidia and Intel's driver for graphics.

I have a friend using acer. His BIOS setting allow him to change the amount of VRAM. I was quite frustrated with my BIOS menu. I was wondering if there is any other way to tweak or change the amount of VRAM without using BIOS.. I have already updated my BIOS from Compaq's website.

i have lenovo z370 notebook, with 4gb ram and an intel hd graphic 1gb sharing. but my video ram is 64mb .ive search in bios but i cannnot find the setting to the Vram. could someone help me?