VRAM Dropped from 2GB to 1GB After Installing NVMe SSD – HP Locked BIOS

[Joeavrg]

Device: HP Desktop Pro A Microtower Business Pc.

Specs:

Ryzen 5 2400G 

16GB RAM

VEGA 11

NVME M.2 512GB

After installing a new NVMe SSD on my HP desktop (Ryzen 5 2400G, 16GB RAM, Vega 11 iGPU), my dedicated VRAM, which was previously 2GB, suddenly dropped to 1GB. This has resulted in noticeable performance drops in several games. My BIOS is locked (HP firmware) with no hidden settings to adjust VRAM allocation. I have already tried resetting the CMOS, reseating the RAM, updating all drivers, and ensuring that everything is properly configured, but the issue persists. Since the problem started immediately after installing the NVMe SSD, I suspect it may be affecting resource allocation, but I have no way to modify settings in the BIOS. Are there any known solutions or workarounds for this issue?

[NonSequitur777]

@Joeavrg,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

OK, it sounds to me that the installation of your new NVMe SSD might be influencing the VRAM allocation in the system, possibly due to resource sharing between the SSD and the integrated GPU (Vega 11). This could be happening due to the BIOS default settings or the way the system is managing memory resources.

Here are a few potential solutions or workarounds to address this issue:

1. Check for BIOS Update: Although the BIOS is locked, there could be a newer firmware update that addresses memory allocation or NVMe compatibility. Check HP’s official support page for any available BIOS updates for the HP Desktop Pro A Microtower: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-desktop-pro-a-microtower-business-pc/22219149.

2. Revert BIOS Defaults (if possible): Even though the BIOS is locked, you can try to reset it to the factory default settings.* Sometimes, this can help reassign resources more effectively, even if no specific VRAM setting is accessible.

3. Ensure NVMe SSD is Properly Configured: Sometimes, adding an NVMe SSD might cause the system to adjust resource allocation. If the NVMe SSD has any power or compatibility settings, ensure they are properly configured. This may involve checking the operating system's device manager or Disk Management to verify the SSD is functioning properly and not interfering with other system resources.

4. Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File): Whilst this is a workaround, increasing your system’s virtual memory (paging file) can help alleviate the performance loss caused by reduced VRAM allocation. You can do this via:

   • Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Settings (under Performance) > Virtual Memory.

   • Set it to a custom size and increase it to give more 'virtual' VRAM to applications.

5. Disable Integrated GPU (if using a dedicated GPU): If you're using a discrete GPU (even though it's not explicitly mentioned in your spec), consider disabling the integrated Vega 11 GPU in the Device Manager or BIOS settings (if available). This will stop sVRAM allocation to the iGPU, allowing the system to focus on the discrete GPU's VRAM.

6. Check Device Manager: Sometimes, after hardware changes like installing an SSD, certain resources may be reallocated or misconfigured. In Device Manager, you can check if there are any issues with the display adapter or other devices that could be consuming memory and resolve those conflicts.

7. Reinstall Graphics Drivers: Even though drivers are updated, it might help to uninstall the existing graphics drivers completely using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) and then reinstall the latest version of the AMD drivers for the Ryzen 5 2400G’s integrated Vega 11 GPU.

If none of these steps work, you may want to consider contacting HP support, as there could be a deeper issue related to how HP firmware allocates system resources when additional storage is added.

* To reset the BIOS to its factory default settings on an HP desktop, follow these steps:

Method 1: Reset BIOS using the BIOS Menu:

1. Turn off the PC completely.

2. Turn it back on and immediately start pressing the F10 key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup.

3. Once you're in the BIOS, navigate to the Exit tab (this can vary slightly depending on the BIOS version).

4. Look for an option called Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.

5. Select it, then confirm the action to restore the default settings.

6. Save and Exit the BIOS (usually by pressing F10 again or following the on-screen instructions).

7. Your system will reboot with the BIOS settings reset to the factory defaults.

 

Method 2: Reset BIOS using the CMOS Battery (for a more complete reset):

If the first method doesn’t fully reset the BIOS, you can try the following:

1. Turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source.

2. Open the case to access the motherboard (you may need a screwdriver depending on your PC case).

3. Locate the CMOS battery (a small, round, silver battery similar to a coin).

4. Gently remove the CMOS battery by either pulling it out of its socket or releasing the clip that holds it in place.

5. Wait for about 5-10 minutes to allow any residual power to dissipate and reset the BIOS settings.

6. Reinsert the CMOS battery back into its socket.

7. Plug the system back in and turn it on. The BIOS should now be reset to its default settings.

 

Method 3: Reset BIOS using the CMOS Jumper (if available):

1. Turn off and unplug the PC.

2. Open the case and locate the CMOS jumper (a 3-pin jumper near the CMOS battery, typically labeled CLEAR or CLR).

3. Move the jumper from its default position (usually pins 1-2) to the reset position (pins 2-3). If your jumper is different, consult your motherboard manual for the exact location and process.

4. Wait for about 10 seconds.

5. Return the jumper to its original position (pins 1-2).

6. Plug the system back in and power it on. The BIOS should be reset.

Once the reset is complete, the BIOS will revert to its factory settings, which should hopefully address your VRAM issue and any other misconfigurations caused by the SSD installation.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777