does changing the graphics card mean that you can increase your ram

[Murosaki5]

I have a laptop that has 3 GB of ram, maximum of 4. By changing the graphics card, am I able to increase the amount of ram allowed?

 

[Tradesman1]

Yes if the laptop allows for installation of a dedicated GPU

 

[iam2thecrowe]

increasing ram increases ram......If you want more ram, add more ram, its going to be a lot cheaper than changing the graphics card.

Most laptops do not allow dedicated gpu's, and even then they can be very expensive and difficult to change.

 

[meat_loaf]

I have a laptop that has 3 GB of ram, maximum of 4. By changing the graphics card, am I able to increase the amount of ram allowed?

Ram and gpu is different buddy. Graphics do not impact phsycal ram the computer have and it wont increase the limit.....

 

[Tradesman1]

I have a laptop that has 3 GB of ram, maximum of 4. By changing the graphics card, am I able to increase the amount of ram allowed?

Ram and gpu is different buddy. Graphics do not impact phsycal ram the computer have and it wont increase the limit.....

_________________

Yes it does when using onboard graphics, the iGPU will use the systems DRAM, so going to a discrete or dedicated GPU with it's own DRAM will free up systems DRAM

 

[Sensei Gamer]

Well yeah it will increase if your new GPU has more DRAM of its own. btw I wanna ask. What is the make of your laptop? Is the GPU even replaceable? You know that some laptops...Or most of them have their iGPU or even the dedicated GPU soldered onto the board. You can unsolder it though, But a massive chance of failing. You know that you need a specific graphics card to replace your old one. You should consider the TDP of the GPU too, Going with a TDP that is higher than the default card could cause the system to not boot due to heat issues or power issues. Other things that you need to consider is if your other components are compatible with your card. many things could go wrong buddy... Just get more RAM or get a new laptop... too risky for me 😉

 

[meat_loaf]

I have a laptop that has 3 GB of ram, maximum of 4. By changing the graphics card, am I able to increase the amount of ram allowed?

Ram and gpu is different buddy. Graphics do not impact phsycal ram the computer have and it wont increase the limit.....

_________________

Yes it does when using onboard graphics, the iGPU will use the systems DRAM, so going to a discrete or dedicated GPU with it's own DRAM will free up systems DRAM

It doesn't change the fact the system only allows maximum of 4gb. Changing the igpu chip doesn't = immediately an increase of ram when the laptop only has slots limited for 4gb. Only dedicated gpu can free up system ram since it has its own. But no one is stupid to go and upgrade a laptop with dedicated video cards. when most laptop don't support it..... Even gaming laptops has gpu chips solder directerly onto the motherboard. He can only increase system ram if he is using 64bit OS and buying SODIMM rams that have 8gb per stick which new laptops have. Depending on how old his machine, if its DDR2 too bad (which i suspect is mostly the case if its limited to 4gb only).

Tradesman, I wonder if you've actually had any experience with your own laptop switching out parts to see if there is an increase in ram. I know my laptop did, had to place gpu from overheating. And no, no increase in physical memory, still 4gb even with my new gpu with an increase in video ram.

 

[meat_loaf]

Well yeah it will increase if your new GPU has more DRAM of its own. btw I wanna ask. What is the make of your laptop? Is the GPU even replaceable? You know that some laptops...Or most of them have their iGPU or even the dedicated GPU soldered onto the board. You can unsolder it though, But a massive chance of failing. You know that you need a specific graphics card to replace your old one. You should consider the TDP of the GPU too, Going with a TDP that is higher than the default card could cause the system to not boot due to heat issues or power issues. Other things that you need to consider is if your other components are compatible with your card. many things could go wrong buddy... Just get more RAM or get a new laptop... too risky for me 😉

There is an option of buying a new laptop or building your own computer. Trying to unsolder gpu chips in a laptop requires professional equipment. You need BGA balls, flux, solder, heating plate to remove the chip, a compatible gpu which most laptop manufacturer will list if the laptop allows for it, rigourous testing.

 

[Tradesman1]

There are laptops where you can upgrade the GPU, not cheap but can be done. And yes if the GPU has it's own dedicated vDRAM and you turn off the iGPU it will allow more DRAM to the system