For those running a system with integrated graphics, you must have seenShared Video Memoryinside theGraphics controls.
But do you really have all that memory that you see displayed there?
Thats just the maximum shared memory taken from RAM, available for your graphics controller.
Windows uses a part of the main memory as a buffer when the need arises.
So, is shared memory worth looking at?
To answer that and more such queries, that lets start.
What is Shared GPU Memory?
Most CPUs come with built-in graphics.
Normally they do not have a separate memory allocated to them.
That means they have to use a portion of the RAM to store their data.
Windows is responsible for allocating this amount.
It is not fixed but dynamic it changes with your systems memory capacity.
But mostly,50%of the RAM can be allocated to the GPU controller if needed.
That does not mean half of the RAM is permanently reserved.
you’re free to continue using any applications and utilize the full memory.
Its just when needed the Graphics adapter can use its allocated space too.
But is shared GPU memory as fast as a dedicated one you would normally find on Graphics cards?
Check our latest post onwhat to do with old Graphics Card.
Shared vs Dedicated GPU Memory Compared
Shared GPU memory is basically RAM.
It can be DDR4 or DDR5 depending on the punch in of memory on your system.
Its memory clock speed can range from2400 6400 MHz.
Whereas on GPUs, the throw in of memory used are GDDR5, GDDR6, and HBM.
These are soldered directly to the GPU for faster access.
And they are much faster than your main memory.
GDDR6 implements aquad data ratedesign while GDDR5 uses adouble data ratesimilar to DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
The other differences are the amount of memory used in each case.
As for shared memory, Windows allocates that automatically.
We explored all theintegrated GPUsthat are available in a separate article.
Do check it out.
For most systems using integrated graphics, 16 GB of memory is sufficient.
Try using it in adual-channel arrangementto maximize the graphical performance.
But remember to have sufficient memory beforehand to avoid running into low memory warnings.
Now openTask Managerand go to theGPUsection.
You should see the dedicated memory changed to the value that you just set.
Read more onhow to tell if a game is CPU or GPU intensive?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shared GPU memory useful?
Windows then stores those files on the RAM temporarily and prevents any apps that use the iGPU from crashing.
Does a shared GPU memory affect performance?
If your apps are crashing due to a low VRAM, shared memory can alleviate this.
But remember, it will not provide you with increased frame rates.
But this requires you to have adequate free memory on your PC.
Is shared graphics memory good for gaming?
Shared memory is quite slow compared to the onboard VRAM found in your GPUs.
The time to offload data between these two memory introduces latency, which sacrifices a lot of performance.
Thats all for today.
Do comment if you have any related queries.
Until then, it is goodbye from us.
