Just like computer RAM, how much VRAM is at your disposal can be crucial information to know before attempting to do graphically intensive works or buying new games for your pc. In this article, we’re going to show you some easy steps on how to check VRAM on Windows 10 systems.
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What is VRAM
We know that RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of memory that stores temporary information while running an operating system. VRAM (Video RAM) on the other hand, is a special type of memory that stores display information to show them at your monitor as an output.
VRAM is responsible for outputting the graphical details commanded by the OS or other programs, like the textures of objects, lighting and reflection details, ambient occlusions, etc. We know that having more RAM means the ability to multitask and load heavier applications. Similarly, a computer with more VRAM can handle more graphically intensive applications and output better details. The process of checking VRAM is very similar to the other versions of Windows. So, you can check which version of Windows is installed on your PC before proceeding.
VRAM of Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics
An integrated graphics processor (IGP) is a type of GPU that comes pre-loaded with the processor, like the Intel HD Graphics. IGPs use part of the system RAM as its VRAM and can handle normal computing and multimedia needs. But these fall short in more intensive requirements like gaming, 3D modeling, graphics design, etc.
Dedicated graphics, on the other hand, come with standalone GPUs, like the Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics cards. These GPUs have their own VRAM which is much faster than the standard RAM of a computer, and they can handle heavier graphics needs like gaming. You can easily check your graphics card info through built-in Windows features.
How to Check VRAM
There are different ways to check VRAM of a Windows 10 computer. Apart from VRAM, you can check the different properties of your GPU. Here are some easy steps to check VRAM:
From the Display Settings
The Display Settings is a useful feature to check VRAM and other information about the integrated graphics. But it may not show information about dedicated graphics cards. To launch the Display Settings, go to your Settings. Choose System. A list of system settings appears. From the left side panel, choose Display to launch it.
Alternatively, you can also right-click on an empty space of your desktop, and select Display Settings to launch it too.
Inside the display settings, scroll down and choose Advanced Display Settings. Hereunder Display Information, choose Display adapter properties for Display 1. The display properties window appears, from which you can see the VRAM of your computer, along with other information, under Adapter information.
From the Task Manager
If you have an external or dedicated graphics card, the task manager can show VRAMs of both your IGP and graphics card. To launch the task manager, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl+ Shift+ Esc at the same time. You can also search for it in the Windows search bar.
After launching, go to the Performance tab on the upper-left side. In this tab, you can see your CPU info, memory and disk usage, and your VRAM usage too. The VRAM information of integrated graphics is located at GPU 0 tab.
If you have a graphics card, its info is shown in the GPU 1 tab. This is because there’s a difference between graphics card and video card. From the task manager, you can also see the driver version and date, shared memory, and how much VRAM is being used too. It is also a great tool to visualize the amount of VRAM usage for tasks like 3D rendering, video processing, etc.
From the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool can show various information like processor info, installed RAM, page file info, BIOS, and many others, especially the VRAM info. To launch it, type the Windows button+ R. The Run menu appears. Here, type Dxdiag and hit enter. The diagnostic tool launches.
To show the integrated graphics information, go to the Display tab on top-left of the menu. For dedicated graphics info, go to the Render tab. The VRAM information is located at the Display Memory (VRAM) section. You can also see the device type (full display or render-only display device) display resolution, shared memory, and HDR information.
From 3rd Party Software
If you want to learn more in-depth information about your video memory and other device feeds, you can opt to check your computer with 3rd party software like CPU-Z, which is a good tool to see your RAM info, clock speed lists, processor info, and the VRAM. Get it here.
Install the CPU-Z app and launch it, then go to the Graphics tab. Hereunder Display Device Selection, you can choose your IGP or graphics card to show info. Under the Memory section, the VRAM can be seen. You can also see the clock speed of your GPU.
Why Checking VRAM Is Important
VRAM of a graphics card is an indicator of how much graphics information it can handle. For integrated graphics, a portion of the main memory acts as VRAM. So, doing graphics-intensive works can put a load on the RAM itself, making pc run slower.
On the other hand, graphics card VRAM information is important to know because, modern-day apps and games that rely on graphics, come with VRAM requirements. A pc that fulfills the system requirements, can run the app or game smoothly without any lags or damage. So, knowing the VRAM info is a must before buying heavy games and software for graphics design, 3D modeling, rendering and so.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve shown some easy steps on how to check VRAM on a Windows 10 computer. With these methods, you can also check VRAM consumption and other info like shared memory, total memory, etc. Unlike RAM, VRAM of a graphics card is fixed, and if you need more, you have to buy a new graphics card with higher configurations.
