Are you struggling to play that new video game you just got? Maybe you're having some trouble running your video editor, Photoshop, or AUTOCAD.

You may need to increase dedicated video RAM on your computer to run those intense and high-quality applications and software!

Thankfully, there are three easy methods to increase the VRAM of your GPU by using:

  • BIOS
  • Registry Editor
  • Upgrading to a Dedicated GPU

Aside from learning how to increase VRAM (Windows 10), we'll discuss how to check your VRAM and how much VRAM you'll actually need.

Let's get started!

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is Dedicated Video RAM?
    • 1.1 How does VRAM work?
  • 2 How to Check VRAM (Windows 10)
  • 3 How to increase VRAM (Windows 10)
    • 3.1 Method 1: How to Increase VRAM via BIOS
    • 3.2 Method 2: How to Increase VRAM via Registry Editor
    • 3.3 Method 3: Upgrade to a Dedicated GPU
  • 4 Conclusion

What is Dedicated Video RAM?

If errors pop up because of your graphics card, it most likely concerns your video RAM (VRAM).

Video RAM is a special type of RAM that holds onto information that your graphics processing unit (GPU) needs. The GPU chip is found on your computer's graphics card, responsible for displaying the images on your screen.

How does VRAM work?

While the GPU fetches information, VRAM enhances performance that allows images to be displayed quickly and more efficiently.

When an image is displayed on the computer screen, data is first read by your CPU. VRAM stores image data then convert it to Analog signal via Analog-to-Digital converters (HDMI or VGA cables). The signal is then transmitted to the display, where you'll see the enhanced image on your monitor.

From this, you'll understand why VRAM is also called the frame buffer. It acts as the "middle man" that stores, conditions, and outputs video signals to your display device.

VRAM does a better job when performing GPU-related tasks because it's specifically built for high-intensity functions. Its location is also physically nearer to the GPU.

Sure, integrated graphics cards are a budget-friendly option. But let's face it–– their graphics output doesn't come close to that of a dedicated solution. But remember, increasing VRAM doesn't necessarily enhance computer performance.

Insufficient video RAM means that your computer is relying on your standard RAM. This produces lower frame rates, performance degradation, texture pop-ins, and many other issues.

If you're having a hard time running demanding programs like 4k video games and video editors, the next step is to check how much video RAM you have. From there, you can move forward and figure out the best way to increase your VRAM.

How to Check VRAM (Windows 10)

You can easily find the amount of video RAM your computer has by following these steps:

  1. Open the Run box by pressing the Win + R . Then, type ​​"ms-settings:easeofaccess-display." Hit Enter to open the Display window under Settings.

Alternatively, you can open Settings by pressing Win + I . Select System , then click Display.

  1. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings .
  2. Click Display Adapter Properties for Display 1.
  3. Check your VRAM count under Adapter Information listed under D edicated Video Memory.
  4. Under Adapter Type, you will see the name of your dedicated GPU utility: AMD or NVIDIA graphics card, depending on what device you have. If you see Intel HD Graphics or AMD Accelerated Processing Unit, your computer is using integrated graphics.

How to increase VRAM (Windows 10)

Method 1: How to Increase VRAM via BIOS

The first way to increase your VRAM is to enter your BIOS. This method isn't applicable on all motherboards, but most manufacturers will allow you to tweak your VRAM allocation.

Here's how to increase dedicated VRAM with BIOS settings:

  1. Restart your system and enter your BIOS settings. You can enter your BIOS key by repeatedly entering it during bootup. Try pressing the F2, F5, F8, or Del keys repeatedly. If those methods don't work, do a quick Google search on entering your BIOS settings based on your motherboard manufacturer.
  2. Once you get to the BIOS menu, look for the secondary menu under Video Settings , Graphics Settings, or VGA Memory Size . You should find it under the Advanced menu.
  3. From there, you can adjust the DVMT Pre-Allocated VRAM to the size that suits your system.
  4. Save the configuration and restart your computer. You should see your new VRAM count at your next start-up.

Method 2: How to Increase VRAM via Registry Editor

You can also use Regedit or Registry editor to fake an increase in your VRAM. What happens is you're actually allocating unused memory to your graphics card.

Unfortunately, this method only works for Intel HD Graphics Card and AMD Ryzen APUs. Dedicated AMD Radeon and NVIDIA graphics cards won't be able to use Regedit.

Here are the steps to increase VRAM using Registry Editor:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run menu. Type in "regedit" and click OK.
  2. Once the Registry Editor menu opens, click the dropdown arrow beside HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
  3. Click the dropdown menu under SOFTWARE.
  4. Select the Intel folder, then right-click on the white space. Hover over New , then select Key . A new folder, "New Key +1," will be created under the Intel Folder.
  5. Rename New Key #1 to GMM.
  6. Right-click on the white space in the GMM folder. Hover over New , then click DWORD (32-bit) Value. This creates New Value #1.
  7. Rename New Value #1 to DedicatedSegmentSize. IMPORTANT: Capitalize the first letter of each word and type them without any spaces in between.
  8. Right-click on DedicaredSegmentSize then click Modify .
  9. A new Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value window will open. Select Base as Hexadecimal. Enter the recommended value data based on your System RAM information.

System RAM

Recommended VRAM Value

1 GB

128 MB

2 GB

256 MB

4 GB

512 MB

6 GB

1024 MB

8 GB

2048 MB

16 GB

4096 MB

10. Restart your computer, then check your VRAM count.

Method 3: Upgrade to a Dedicated GPU

Sure, increasing your Windows 10 VRAM through BIOS or Regedit is a quick and cheap solution. However, if you're looking for real horsepower, the best method is to buy a dedicated graphics card.

Trust us; even an older dedicated GPU performs better than a brand new integrated GPU! Dedicated graphics cards have more VRAM and overall computing power for heavy-duty applications and software.

We've tested the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Founders Editionand the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G with Radeon Graphics We'll tell you. They'll certainly bring you into a new dimension when it comes to gaming and productivity!

Conclusion

There you have it!

We hope you figured out the best way to increase your VRAM via BIOS, Regedit, and dedicated VRAM.

For a quick, cheap, and no-frills solution, go for the first two methods. For rendering higher resolution videos, games, and design software, we recommend getting a dedicated GPU.

Which method will you try? Let us know!