In a computer system, there are two types of random memory: RAM & VRAM, but not everyone can differentiate. In this article, Biareview will define them for you in the easiest way to understand.
Table of Contents
RAM
RAM, or random access memory, is a form of short-term storage in your computer. That’s where the operating system keeps processes for currently open programs. When you turn off the device, the memory contents are erased.
The more RAM, the higher the number of applications that can operate at the same time without freezing or slowing down. The current standard for office machines is 8GB of RAM, and for gaming and advanced work, you should have at least 16GB of RAM or more.
However, sometimes increasing the amount of RAM for a computer is not a ‘panacea’ to solve all product problems. For example, if the processor is performing too slowly, adding more RAM will not make it work faster.
VRAM
Similar to RAM, VRAM is also random access memory but specializes in serving the needs of graphics, video, and display functions of the computer. If your computer has a discrete graphics card, that card will have VRAM inside to handle all display data. If the computer uses integrated graphics (in the chipset or the CPU), the system will use part of the RAM for the above work.
For example, Radeon Vega integrated GPUs in AMD Ryzen G-series CPUs (APUs).
When buying a new graphics card, you can find out how much VRAM it has by looking at the specifications. VRAM is usually listed in Gigabytes.
For example, the graphics card model in the picture has the specification of 4GB VRAM clearly stated by the sales unit.
Just like RAM helps increase a computer’s computational processing capabilities, VRAM helps handle display-related tasks. However, a lot of VRAM does not mean that the graphics card will be strong, it also depends on the graphics processing core.
How are RAM and VRAM different?
In essence, the basic difference between RAM and VRAM is their intended use. When a computer has difficulty handling processes in memory, it is a RAM problem; When the computer doesn’t have the space to handle high graphics display settings, it’s a VRAM problem.
The sad thing is that you won’t be able to use RAM to solve the problem of VRAM and vice versa on a computer. These two components are completely separate from each other.