initiate the advanced display parameters in Windows.

It also looks at what that means and how it affects the performance of your system.

The details are often hidden away.

Windows 11 displaying System Settings with Display highlighted.

Here are two ways to check VRAM on Windows.

These instructions and screenshots are for Windows 11 but the process is near identical in Windows 10.

This is a different process fromchecking RAM.

Windows 11 Display Settings with Advanced Display highlighted.

Use the configs App

OpenSettingsby searching for it from the taskbar.

SelectDisplay adapter properties for Display 1.

If you have multiple displays and graphics cards, you may wish to check others.

Windows 11 Advanced Display settings with Display adapter properties for Display 1 highlighted.

Check the number next toDedicated Video Memoryto see your graphics card’s VRAM.

Search fordxdiagfrom the taskbar, or run it as a command in the Run dialog box.

SelectDisplay 1orDisplay 2to view your other GPU.

The total available graphics memory in Windows 11 display properties

How to Check VRAM in macOS

On a Mac, checking VRAM is slightly different.

Here’s what to do:

Select theApple iconin the top left corner of your desktop.

Next toGraphicsis the name of the graphics card followed by how much VRAM it has.

Windows 11 dxdiag with Display 2 highlighted.

For more information, chooseSystem Report.

Check the number next to theVRAMline.

Is 4 GB of VRAM Enough?

Windows 11 dxdiag with amount of VRAM on a graphics card highlighted.

Whether you need 4 GB of VRAM or more depends on what you plan on doing with your machine.

Certain games may even fail to run altogether if your system has less than 8 GB of VRAM.

Video editors usually demand a minimum of 8 GB of VRAM.

MacOS desktop with About This Mac highlighted.

Is 128 MB VRAM Good?

No, 128 MB is exceedingly low compared to the capabilities of modern graphics cards.

Generally, the more VRAM, the better.

MacOS About This Mac with System Report highlighted.

Video editors should have at least 8GB; 12GB or 16GB typically the ideal number.

Toallocate more VRAM in Windows, you could do one of two things.

MacOS System Report with Graphics/Displays highlighted.

MacOS System Report Graphics/Display information.