Note | For newer Intel® graphics products, refer to Graphics Memory FAQ For Windows 8 and 8.1*. |
Click or the topic for details:
Dynamic video memory technology (DVMT):
DVMT ensures the most efficient use of available system memory resources for maximum 2D and 3D graphics performance.
DVMT aligns with the design guidelines for Microsoft drivers. It dynamically uses only the system memory needed and returns these resources to the operating system when finished. Some integrated graphics solutions permanently dedicate large amounts of memory. Dedicated memory ends up wasted.
Pre-allocated memory is:
Older Intel graphics products allow you to set pre-allocated memory in the system BIOS to 1 MB, 8 MB, or 16 MB. We do not recommend using the 512 KB legacy setting. Upon boot, the system BIOS pre-allocates the amount selected from the top of the main system memory. The 1 MB or 8 MB amount you select is dedicated for VGA/SVGA graphics.
The system manufacturer sets amount of pre-allocated memory via the system BIOS. Depending on the system BIOS implementation, the amount may or may not be configurable.
512 K setting:
1 MB setting:
8 MB setting:
16 MB setting:
Both the 512 K and 1 MB settings assume the system boots using a Microsoft* OS.
A graphics-intensive application such as a game or DVD might require more memory than the amount of pre-allocated video memory. In systems using older Intel graphics products, it communicates the need for more memory to the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver (Intel® GMA Driver). DVMT asks the operating system to supply the extra memory required. When the application no longer requires the extra memory, DVMT returns it to the operating system. The memory can repurpose as system memory.
DVMT triggers:
DVMT may not always get the memory requested. The OS decides whether to grant more memory. DVMT allows the operating system to decide based on availability of system memory resources and other requests it receives.
Graphics memory size is:
Memory size = Pre-allocated memory + extra memory requested by the application via the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver
The maximum amount of graphics memory depends on the system BIOS configuration. In most cases, the total does not exceed 128 MB. On some older computers, the system BIOS doesn't limit the graphics memory to 128 MB. You may see maximum graphics memory up to 224 MB.
Pre-allocated memory is invisible to the operating system. When you exit the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver, the application relinquishes the extra memory it requested from the OS.
Note: PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader*