Can You Use RAM As VRAM? Answered & Explained

RAM is an essential part of a computer. It helps the computer run efficiently by providing a place for programs and data to be stored. It is a type of memory used by computers to store data and programs. RAM is important because it allows the computer to quickly access the data and programs.

VRAM allows the graphics card to process images more quickly, improving your computer’s performance for gaming, video editing, and other high-demand tasks. VRAM also helps you to get higher image quality from your displays since it allows the graphics card to store and process more detailed images. 

Can You Use RAM As VRAM?

No, you can not use RAM as VRAM or increase the VRAM of your computer system. But if you are a gamer, and some games require more VRAM, you can manipulate the system to show more VRAM. In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the ways to manipulate the system to use RAM as VRAM. 

VRAM is a type of memory that is used by graphics cards or chips to store images. VRAM is important because it allows the graphics card to render images quickly. Therefore, when you manipulate the system to use RAM as VRAM, you are essentially using your computer’s RAM to store images. 

RAM Vs VRAM – What’s The Difference? 

RAM and VRAM are both types of memory used by computers to store data and programs. The main difference between them is that RAM is a type of static memory, while VRAM is a type of dynamic memory. Here are some key differences in the table below:

RAM	VRAM
Random Access Memory	Virtual Access Memory.
Store overall application and software data.	Only stores graphical data.
Helps in the overall processing.	Helps in rendering.
Essential for video games.	Not essential, but boosts the FPS in video games.

RAM Vs VRAM – What’s The Difference? 

RAM and VRAM are both types of memory used by computers to store data and programs. The main difference between them is that RAM is a type of static memory, while VRAM is a type of dynamic memory. Here are some key differences in the table below:

Benefits of Using RAM as VRAM

There are more benefits to manipulating the system to consider RAM’s segments as RAM. Some of these benefits are listed below: 

1. Improved Performance: 

Ram can be used as VRAM to improve your computer’s performance. VRAM allows the graphics card to store and quickly access large amounts of data, improving your computer’s speed and performance for gaming, video editing, and other high-demand tasks.

2. Higher Image Quality: 

VRAM also helps you to get higher image quality from your displays since it allows the graphics card to store and process more detailed images.

3. Better Compatibility: 

By using RAM as VRAM, you can take advantage of features that are only supported by some types of memory, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). It can allow your computer to work with a wider range of displays and devices.

4. Increased Efficiency: 

VRAM can be used more efficiently than RAM since it is designed to store graphics data. This can help to save power and improve your computer’s efficiency.

5. Lower Cost: 

Using ram as VRAM can be less expensive than purchasing a separate graphics card with its own VRAM. This is because you can use the existing RAM in your computer, which may be faster or have more capacity than the VRAM on a graphics card.

Drawbacks of Using RAM as VRAM

While using RAM as VRAM has many benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks. Some of these drawbacks include increased power consumption, incompatibility with some types of software, and the potential for performance issues and crashes. 

If you are concerned about any of these issues, it is best to consult with an expert before you convert your VRAM to RAM. Additionally, be sure to back up your system and data before making any major changes to your hardware. This can help you to protect your information in case any issues arise as a result of the conversion. 

Finally, it is important to remember that constantly upgrading your system hardware can be expensive and time-consuming, so it may not always be worth the benefits.

Precautions To Know Before Converting VRAM to RAM:

Configuration In BIOS Memory:

Make sure your computer’s BIOS is configured to use the correct type of memory. Otherwise, your computer may not be able to take advantage of the extra memory.

1. Compatibility: 

Be aware that using more than one type of memory can result in incompatibility issues. Make sure all memory modules are compatible with each other and with your computer’s system bus. 

2. Enough Power:

Make sure you have enough power to support the increased memory requirements. This may involve upgrading your power supply or purchasing a more powerful graphics card. Each component in a computer requires a specific amount of power. Graphic cards require a huge amount of power to work at their best.

3. Keep an Eye on Performance:

Monitor your system performance to ensure that you get the desired benefits from using RAM as VRAM. If you notice any issues such as slowdowns, crashes, or graphics glitches, try adjusting some of your system settings or just use the default settings. You can use applications like CPUZ, CoreTemp, HWMonitor, etc to monitor the performance.

4. Degrade Performance:

Be aware that using more VRAM than your computer needs can result in wasted resources and may degrade performance. Therefore, make sure you know how much VRAM your computer needs before you add more.

How to Use RAM as VRAM? 

There is a way to increase your VRAM in Windows. If you have issues like FPS drop during gameplay or rendering issues during editing, you must try to increase your VRAM. It will allow your PC to use more storage for data like images and graphics, which will boost your PC. Here’s how you can do it:

Converting RAM Into VRAM – Windows 10 

• First, you have to check how much VRAM you are currently using. To do this, go to the control panel and access system settings. 

• Now click on display and go to “Advanced settings.” Once in the Advance display, click on the “Display adapter properties.”

• Windows will pop up, showing your dedicated RAM (VRAM).
• Here’s the table for corresponding VRAMs according to your system’s RAM:
  

  RAM	VRAM
  2 GB	256 MB
  4 GB	512 MB
  6 GB	640 MB
  8 GB	1024 MB
  16 GB	2048 MB

• Now go to the start search bar, type “RUN,” and open the application. 

• Once it’s open, type “Regedit” and press enter to open the system registry. Press “yes” if it asks for admin permission. 

• After entering the system registry, navigate the HKEY_Local_Machine > Software > Intel.
• Now you have to make a new folder. To do this, right-click on “Intel” and go to “New.” Then click the “Key” option from the file to create a new folder. 
• Now name this folder as “GMM” and add a “DWORD (32-Bit) Value” or QWORD for (64-Bit) system and rename this file as “DedicatedSegmentSize.”

• Now right-click on the file and select “Modify.” After selecting the option, select “Decimal” and put the corresponding value according to your RAM (According to the above table).  

• Go back to the display settings and then to the Display adapter settings.

Note: This method will apply to dedicated VRAM (Graphic Cards). The system VRAM is not segmentable. So use it if you have a Graphic card.

Using BIOS

There is a way to set up the dedicated VRAM of your computer system through BIOS settings. It also comes in most laptops that have dedicated graphics. Here’s the step by step guide:

• Restart your system and press the BIOS key, e.g., “DEL” or “F2.” to enter into the BIOS setup. 
• Once you are in BIOS, navigate to the “Advanced Settings.”
• You will find the “Video Size” settings in the list on most computers and laptops. 
• Select the maximum amount you can see on the list, e.g., 256 MB or 512 MB. 

Upgrading The GPU

The best way to get more VRAM is to upgrade the graphics card. It will usually involve purchasing a new card that has more VRAM than the old one. Many newer cards come with 4GB or more of VRAM. However, if you are a power user or gamer, you may want to consider upgrading to a card with 8GB or more of VRAM.

Before you upgrade your GPU, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that your computer has an available PCIe slot for the new card and enough power to support it. You may also need to update your drivers or BIOS settings to ensure that the new GPU is compatible with your system.

Second, keep in mind that upgrading your GPU will likely increase your power consumption and may require you to upgrade your power supply as well. Make sure you take these factors into account when choosing a new card.

Final Words

If you are looking to improve your computer’s performance or image quality, converting your system memory into VRAM may be a good option. However, there are several things to consider before making this switch, including compatibility issues, power requirements, and system performance. Always keep an eye on the performance after upgrading your VRAM.

If you are unsure about whether this upgrade is right for you, it is always best to consult with an expert.