Using RAM as VRAM

[aadilsidat9]

So i have 32GB of RAM more than ill ever need is it possible to use one of my 8gb sticks as more VRAM for my 1060 3gb GPU? Is it even worth it?

 

[sizzling]

Not possible

 

[10tacle]

The above is correct. System memory only works with video memory when it's on board CPU/APU graphics and that's only up to the computer/laptop manufacturer to decide in BIOS. You have no control over it. Just to be clear, a dedicated GPU disables any interaction with system memory if it's even set up as such with taking system memory with on board graphics from the factory.

 

[Pinhedd]

So i have 32GB of RAM more than ill ever need is it possible to use one of my 8gb sticks as more VRAM for my 1060 3gb GPU? Is it even worth it?

Contrary to the stupid posts above, some newer graphics architectures use virtual memory in the same way that CPU's use virtual memory. When supported, memory will be swapped between the GPU's dedicated memory and the system's memory as needed. This is handled entirely by the GPU driver and there's nothing that you need to do.

 

[10tacle]

Just to clarify, your question is can you specifically dedicate one of your 8GB sticks of system memory to effectively increase the 3GB of VRAM on your GPU. I assume you mean for running higher quality and anti-alias settings or a higher resolution in games. The fact is no, you can't turn your 3GB VRAM GPU into a 6GB one with shared motherboard memory.

Your best bet, as correctly stated above, is to leave that alone and let the GPU driver manage video memory allocation automatically if VRAM is maxed out under load and system memory needs to kick in. But again, it's NOT the same thing as just adding VRAM to the GPU. You can read more detailed info from this three year old thread on the subject:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2475250/share-system-ram-gpu-vram.html