How to Check VRAM on Windows & macOS: Quick & Easy Methods

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Video RAM (VRAM) is a vital part in providing the smooth performance of graphics, specifically in video editing, gaming, and various other graphics-intensive activities. The amount of VRAM that the computer is equipped with can decide if it’s able to run specific games or applications.

This tutorial will demonstrate how to test VRAM for Windows as well as macOS with simple steps.

What is VRAM and Why is it Important?

The VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is a particular kind of memory aimed at the storage of graphic data. It assists users of the graphics processing unit (GPU) in rendering images, videos, 3D, and other applications more quickly.

The more VRAM in your system allows it to:

  • Run high-resolution games smoothly
  • Make videos and edit them efficiently.
  • Multiple monitors can be used with no delay.
  • Increase overall graphic performance

We’ll now examine the VRAM of your computer on Windows as well as macOS in a step-by-step manner.

How to Check VRAM on Windows

Method 1: Check VRAM via Display Settings (Windows 10 & 11)

  1. Click on the screen and then select Settings for display.
  2. Scroll down, then select Advanced display settings.
  3. Under Display information, click Display adapter properties.
  4. A new window will be opened. Find dedicated video Memory–this is the VRAM.

Method 2: Check VRAM Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)

  1. Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
  2. Click on the display tab.
  3. Under the heading Display Memory (VRAM), you’ll find the entire memory for video.

Method 3: Check VRAM via GPU Settings (For NVIDIA & AMD Users)

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and start the NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Click on the System Information (bottom-left corner).
  3. Examine the value of the dedicated video memory amount.

For AMD Users:

  1. Open AMD Radeon Software.
  2. Navigate to Settings > System.
  3. Check in the VRAM section.

How to Check VRAM on macOS

Method 1: Verify VRAM using About This Mac

  1. Select the Apple menu () located in the upper-right-hand corner.
  2. Select About This Mac.
  3. On the Overview tab, you will find the graphic tab. The graph will display the GPU as well as its VRAM.

Method 2: Check VRAM Using System Report

  1. Go to the Apple Menu () > About This Mac.
  2. Select System Report.
  3. On the left side in the right panel, select Displays/Graphics.
  4. VRAM will be displayed under VRAM will be shown underneath “VRAM (Total).

How to Increase VRAM (If Needed)

If your computer is struggling with graphics performance, think about these suggestions:

  • Upgrade Your GPU (for desktops)
  • Increase allocated VRAM within BIOS (some integrated GPUs can do this).
  • Optimize system settings (lower graphic settings for apps or games).
  • Utilize an External GPU (eGPU) (for macOS and laptops with support for it).

FAQs

1. How much VRAM will I require for 1080p gaming? 4GB should be sufficient. If you are gaming at 1440p or in 4K, it is suggested to use 6GB to 12GB.

2. How can I increase the VRAM of the laptop? Most laptops come with fixed VRAM. Some laptops will allow you to increase the allocated memory in BIOS.

3. Do VRAM’s effects affect FPS during games? Yes, the low amount of VRAM may create stuttering as well as reduced FPS for high-resolution gaming.

4. What can I do to determine whether my GPU is running dedicated VRAM or shared memory? In Display adapter settings (Windows) as well as System Report (Mac), determine if the GPU you are using has “Shared Memory.”

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