Shared graphics adapter

I have a note book computer running MS Vista Home Premium with a shared
graphics adapter. This diverts 256 MB of installed RAM and dedicates it to
the use of displaying graphics. I am aware that I can reduce the quantum of
RAM dedicated to the graphics adapter through the BIOS. I have just
increased the installed memory to 1.5 GB, which gives me 1,279 MB of
operating memory. That is working OK but could always do with improvement.



My query is this. To what extent can I usefully reduce the level of
dedicated RAM taking into consideration that I never use the machine for
computer games though I do view video clips, pictures and the odd movie. Or,
is it just a matter of trial and error?



Any advice will be appreciated.





AJM

Your video card and Windows Vista are designed to share system RAM, but only
when you need to do so. For instance, if you are running an application
(such as a graphics intensive game) that requires more memory than that which
is available on your video card, the system kicks in to allow it to use
general computer RAM. However, when your graphics usage has no need for
system RAM, it's available for other uses. It's a very good technology.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/



"AJM" wrote:

> I have a note book computer running MS Vista Home Premium with a shared
> graphics adapter. This diverts 256 MB of installed RAM and dedicates it to
> the use of displaying graphics. I am aware that I can reduce the quantum of
> RAM dedicated to the graphics adapter through the BIOS. I have just
> increased the installed memory to 1.5 GB, which gives me 1,279 MB of
> operating memory. That is working OK but could always do with improvement.
>
>
>
> My query is this. To what extent can I usefully reduce the level of
> dedicated RAM taking into consideration that I never use the machine for
> computer games though I do view video clips, pictures and the odd movie. Or,
> is it just a matter of trial and error?
>
>
>
> Any advice will be appreciated.
>
>
>
>
>
> AJM
>
>
>

Thank you Carey for that prompt and informative response.

AJM
"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:077BB139-C584-47F4-AE77-...
> Your video card and Windows Vista are designed to share system RAM, but
> only
> when you need to do so. For instance, if you are running an application
> (such as a graphics intensive game) that requires more memory than that
> which
> is available on your video card, the system kicks in to allow it to use
> general computer RAM. However, when your graphics usage has no need for
> system RAM, it's available for other uses. It's a very good technology.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows - Shell/User
> Microsoft Community Newsgroups
> news://msnews.microsoft.com/
>
>
>
> "AJM" wrote:
>
>> I have a note book computer running MS Vista Home Premium with a shared
>> graphics adapter. This diverts 256 MB of installed RAM and dedicates it
>> to
>> the use of displaying graphics. I am aware that I can reduce the quantum
>> of
>> RAM dedicated to the graphics adapter through the BIOS. I have just
>> increased the installed memory to 1.5 GB, which gives me 1,279 MB of
>> operating memory. That is working OK but could always do with
>> improvement.
>>
>>
>>
>> My query is this. To what extent can I usefully reduce the level of
>> dedicated RAM taking into consideration that I never use the machine for
>> computer games though I do view video clips, pictures and the odd movie.
>> Or,
>> is it just a matter of trial and error?
>>
>>
>>
>> Any advice will be appreciated.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> AJM
>>
>>
>>