Understanding VRAM and Integrated Graphics with 16GB of RAM

When upgrading to 16GB of RAM, it's natural to wonder if you'll also benefit from additional VRAM, especially if you're using integrated graphics. This guide will help you understand the relationship between RAM and VRAM in integrated graphics systems, and how to optimize your settings for improved performance.

What is VRAM and How it Relates to RAM

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is the dedicated memory that’s used specifically for graphics rendering. Unlike dedicated graphics cards with their own VRAM, integrated graphics like those from Intel and AMD share system RAM for their VRAM needs. This means that the amount of VRAM your integrated GPU can use is dependent on the amount of system RAM available and how much of that RAM is allocated to the graphics processor.

Impact of Increasing RAM on Integrated Graphics

Increasing the amount of RAM in your system does not automatically add additional VRAM. Instead, the amount of VRAM that can be used is determined by the BIOS settings and the operating system's virtual memory settings. Newer computers tend to allocate a smaller amount of RAM to VRAM, with adjustments required to take from the remaining system RAM.

For example, if your computer has 16GB of RAM and the BIOS or operating system is set to allocate a reasonable amount of RAM to VRAM, you might end up with anywhere from a handful of megabytes (MB) to close to 16GB of VRAM, depending on what the programs are using. Practically, the VRAM allocation won't increase until all the RAM is used up.

How to Allocate RAM to VRAM

On a laptop, 8GB of your RAM may be allocated to graphics. On a desktop, the allocation depends on the motherboard. Not all motherboards allow this allocation, but some do. Research your motherboard to find one that allows you to allocate half of your RAM to integrated graphics. This can help improve performance for tasks that rely heavily on both CPU and graphics processing.

Optimizing VRAM Usage with Process Lasso

For those looking to optimize their VRAM usage, especially on Intel and AMD CPUs, the Process Lasso tool can be very beneficial. Follow these steps to optimize your VRAM usage and improve overall performance:

Download Process Lasso: Obtain the latest version of Process Lasso. Access Process Watchdog: During the trial period or after purchasing, go to the Process Watchdog module. Optimize Around Meltdown Inefficiencies: Instead of trying to optimize around the inefficiencies of the Meltdown patch, accept the inefficiencies and allow the computer to use its processing power most efficiently. Set IO Priority for Intel CPUs: For Intel CPUs, if CPU usage exceeds 10-15%, set the IO priority of your game to low. If any memory metric is below 2MB, set the IO priority to high. Set IO Priority for AMD CPUs: For AMD CPUs, if CPU usage exceeds 62%, set the IO priority to low. If any memory metric is below 3MB, set the IO priority to high.

These settings were optimized with Process Lasso to avoid slowing down the AMD processor. Test these settings and see if they work for your system. The idea is to cause the game to briefly freeze during inefficient operations, allowing the system to dramatically improve performance.

Conclusion

While adding more RAM does not directly add VRAM, optimizing the system's VRAM usage can greatly enhance performance for both integrated and dedicated graphics. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using tools like Process Lasso, you can make the most of your 16GB of RAM and improve your system's overall efficiency.