Solved How can I find out and set dedicated graphics memory?

[JaidynM]

Hi, I would like to find out how much dedicated graphics/video memory I have and how much I have in total. If I'm not using all of it, how can I dedicate the rest of the memory so all of it is in use?

Thanks in advance,
Jaidyn

 

[Mystere]

Wow, I'm not even sure where to begin in correcting your misconceptions about what video memory is.

The OS will allocate video memory for several things, among them is the actual video display (the pixels shown on your screen). This memory is typically much smaller than the total amount of memory your card has, but that extra memory is used by programs (such as Aero, or 3D Games) to create textures, do compositing, or various other tasks. This is dedicated video memory and cannot be used for anything other than video GPU memory.

Ok, I lied, that's not entirely true. Some video chipsets (notably Intel) can share video memory with the host computer, and you can change the amount of memory is allocated to video rather than system memory. That memory must still be dedicated to video memory though, once you set it in the bios.

In any event, video memory is video memory. Your system will use what you have, and any extra goes unused if it's not needed.

 

[JaidynM]

3rd paragraph is what describes my graphics card. As for the misconceptions, I'm not sure what you mean. All I wanted to know was how much memory I could allocate and how to allocate. Thanks anyway though.

 

[Lordbob75]

3rd paragraph is what describes my graphics card. As for the misconceptions, I'm not sure what you mean. All I wanted to know was how much memory I could allocate and how to allocate. Thanks anyway though.

In short, you can't.

As he said, dedicated video memory is dedicated video memory, and it's either used by the GPU or it isn't.

Some onbaord graphics will pull from system RAM, but that still cannot be (easily) changed.

The best option to get more Graphics memory would be to upgrade the card.

~Lordbob

 

[JaidynM]

^^ Right, so when my computer needs more video memory, it'll pull it out of the RAM. Okay then.... So how can I find out how much memory my video card has?

 

[yowanvista]

^^ Right, so when my computer needs more video memory, it'll pull it out of the RAM. Okay then.... So how can I find out how much memory my video card has?

Use GPU-z
Download TechPowerUp GPU-Z v0.5.3 | techPowerUp

 

[JaidynM]

Thanks but it says I have 32MB memory whereas dxdiag tells me I have 1695MB. I'm confused. :/

 

[yowanvista]

Thanks but it says I have 32MB memory whereas dxdiag tells me I have 1695MB. I'm confused. :/

32MB is the dedicated video memory
1695MB is the approx total shared memory

 

[stormy13]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/89278-video-memory-virtualization-brief-guide.html

Should help explain some of those numbers you're seeing.

 

[gazz9496]

some laptops can adjust the ram allocation from the bios, desktops using integrated graphics may also have this feature. I can't speak for every bios.

display settings advanced will show you just how much you have dedicated and the total including any shared.


If your machine doesn't have the option then it can't be changed. Sometimes your best leaving these things alone. Windows will manage the memory for what it needs and allocate more.

The reason we prefer graphics cards with more dedicated memory is because that memory is alot faster and takes less from the slower system ram leaving more for multi tasking and other apps we may be running.

 

[jangirke]

How to change the amount of shared graphics memory.

If at all you can find that setting in the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or nowadays in the UEFI or EFI ([Unified] Extensible Firmware Interface).
Most often you can enter the BIOS through holding the del(delete) button or one of the keys F1-F12 on your keyboard at startup.
Startup means after a reset or after you turnned it off.
Might work after hibernation too but is not guaranteed.

 

[RoasterMen]

Your system will allocate the video memory that it needs. Say, you're going to play games and your system will get some memory from your RAM and send it to the GPU and it'll be the Shared Video Memory