Video random-access memory explained

Video random-access memory (VRAM) is dedicated computer memory used to store the pixels and other graphics data as a framebuffer to be rendered on a computer monitor.^[1] It often uses a different technology than other computer memory, in order to be read quickly for display on a screen.

Relation to GPUs

Many modern GPUs rely on VRAM. In contrast, a GPU that does not use VRAM, and relies instead on system RAM, is said to have a unified memory architecture, or shared graphics memory.

System RAM and VRAM have been segregated due to the bandwidth requirements of GPUs,^{[2] [3]} and to achieve lower latency, since VRAM is physically closer to the GPU die.^[4]

Modern VRAM is typically found in a BGA package^[5] soldered onto a graphics card.^[6] The VRAM is cooled along with the GPU by the GPU heatsink.^[7]

Technologies

• Dual-ported video RAM, used in the 1990s and at the time often called "VRAM"
• SGRAM
• GDDR SDRAM
• High Bandwidth Memory (HBM)^[8]

See also

• Graphics processing unit
• Tiled rendering, a method to reduce VRAM bandwidth requirements^[9]

Notes and References

1. Book: Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice. Foley. James D. . van Dam. Andries. Feiner. Steven K.. Hughes. John F.. Addison-Wesley. 1997. 0-201-84840-6. 859.
2. Web site: What is VRAM: The Memory Power Behind Real-time Ray-Tracing.
3. Web site: Relationship Between RAM and VRAM Bandwidth and Their Latency. 17 May 2021 .
4. Web site: RAM vs. VRAM: What's the Difference?. makeuseof.com. 16 July 2021 .
5. Web site: Encapsulated in CPUs, GPUs, RAM and Flash: Types and Uses. 23 March 2021 .
6. Web site: Graphics Card Components & Connectors Explained. 29 March 2017 .
7. Web site: Different Types of Graphics Card Cooling Solutions for GPU, VRAM & VRM. 17 January 2017 .
8. Web site: VRAM vs RAM Differences & Applications. TechDim. 3 April 2024 .
9. Web site: GPU Framebuffer Memory: Understanding Tiling.