HP Probook VRAM Limit

[krcmee]

Why is the HP Probook 445 G9 VRAM limited to 512mb when the processor limit is 8gb?

[NonSequitur777]

@krcmee,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

That’s a great question, and the answer is rooted in how VRAM allocation works on laptops with integrated GPUs like those in the HP ProBook 445 G9. Here's a breakdown:

Integrated GPU and VRAM

• Shared Memory Architecture: The integrated GPU (likely AMD Radeon Graphics in the 445 G9) uses system RAM as VRAM since it doesn't have dedicated video memory. The amount of VRAM available is determined by the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings and the operating system.

• Default Allocation: Manufacturers often set a default VRAM allocation (e.g., 512MB) to balance overall system performance and ensure adequate memory is available for the CPU and other tasks.

Processor's VRAM Limit

• Processor's Capability: While the processor may support up to 8GB of VRAM, this is the maximum possible allocation under ideal conditions. It's not the default setting because allocating large amounts of system RAM to VRAM might reduce performance for other processes, especially on systems with limited total RAM.

Why It's Limited to 512MB

1. BIOS Settings: Many laptops come with a default VRAM setting of 512MB, which can often be adjusted manually in the BIOS/UEFI. However, not all BIOS versions allow this adjustment.
2. System RAM Size: The actual VRAM allocation might increase dynamically if needed, but the system typically uses a conservative default to avoid excessive RAM usage.
3. Use Case: The ProBook series is designed for business use, where GPU-intensive tasks like gaming or 3D rendering are less common. Thus, higher default VRAM settings aren't prioritized.

What You Can Do

1. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: See if there’s an option to increase the VRAM allocation. Look under "Advanced" or "Graphics" settings.
2. Upgrade System RAM: Having more system RAM (e.g., 16GB or 32GB) can help dynamically allocate more to the GPU if required.
3. Performance Adjustment: For light GPU workloads (e.g., office tasks or streaming), the 512MB VRAM allocation is typically sufficient. For heavy tasks, consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

In any regards, here’s a step-by-step guide to check and adjust the VRAM allocation in the BIOS/UEFI of the HP ProBook 445 G9 (or similar models) -assuming you have this BIOS option available.

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Steps to Access BIOS and Adjust VRAM Allocation

1. Restart Your Laptop:

   • Save any open work and restart the system.

2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI:

   • As the laptop restarts, repeatedly press the F10 key until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears. (For some systems, it might be Esc, followed by selecting the BIOS option from a menu.)

3. Navigate to Advanced Settings:

   • In the BIOS/UEFI menu, use the arrow keys (or mouse if supported) to navigate to Advanced, Chipset Configuration, or a similarly named section.

4. Locate the Graphics or UMA Buffer Size Option:

   • Look for options like Integrated Graphics Configuration, UMA Frame Buffer Size, or Video Memory Allocation.
   • If available, this is where you can adjust the VRAM.

5. Adjust the VRAM Setting:

   • The default setting might be 512MB.
   • If supported, you can select higher options such as 1GB, 2GB, or even more, depending on the total system RAM and processor capability.

6. Save and Exit:

   • Press F10 or follow the on-screen instructions to save the changes and exit.
   • The system will restart with the new VRAM settings.

7. Verify the Change:

   • Once Windows loads, check the VRAM allocation:
     1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
     2. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
     3. Click Display adapter properties. The VRAM size will be listed under "Dedicated Video Memory."

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Notes:

• Not all HP BIOS versions allow VRAM adjustment, especially in business-class laptops like the ProBook series. If the option is not visible, the allocation is likely managed dynamically by the system.
• Ensure you have sufficient system RAM (e.g., at least 16GB) if allocating higher VRAM to avoid compromising system performance.

If the option to adjust VRAM isn’t available in your BIOS, here are some troubleshooting steps and alternative solutions:

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Troubleshooting When VRAM Adjustment Option is Missing

1. Verify BIOS/UEFI Version:

   • Older BIOS versions might lack certain customization features. To check your current version:
     1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
     2. Look for the BIOS Version/Date field.
   • Compare it with the latest version available on the HP Support website. Update any driver(s) and BIOS if needed.

2. Check for Dynamic Allocation:

   • Some systems manage VRAM dynamically, meaning the GPU will allocate more memory when needed. This may not be directly adjustable but can still provide more VRAM for demanding applications.

3. Upgrade System RAM:

   • Integrated GPUs draw from system memory. If you increase your laptop's RAM to 16GB or 32GB, the system might automatically allocate more VRAM.
   • For example, moving from 8GB to 16GB might increase the dynamic VRAM allocation without needing manual adjustments.

4. Explore AMD Radeon Software:

   • If your ProBook uses AMD Radeon integrated graphics, the Radeon Software may provide performance tweaking options.
     1. Right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Software.
     2. Navigate to Settings > Graphics.
     3. Check for options related to VRAM or memory allocation.
   • Note: This might depend on the exact GPU and driver version.

5. Reinstall or Update Graphics Drivers:

   • Ensure you have the latest graphics drivers from the HP Support website or directly from AMD.
     • AMD's Auto-Detect and Install tool can ensure you have the latest drivers compatible with your hardware.

6. Third-Party Tools:

   • Some tools, like MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z, can monitor and provide information on VRAM usage. While they can’t increase VRAM, they help confirm whether dynamic allocation is working during high-demand tasks.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777