VRAM
Definition
Video random-access memory used by a GPU for rendering data.
Detailed explanation
VRAM means video random-access memory, the storage directly used by a GPU for frame buffers, textures, geometry, shaders, and working data. Dedicated graphics cards usually carry local high-bandwidth memory, while integrated GPUs share system memory. Capacity, bandwidth, allocation, and residency are distinct performance factors. Windows graphics memory management can move resources between local video memory and shared system memory when capacity is constrained. Monitoring tools may report dedicated use, committed allocations, or working sets, which answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable totals.
Where you are likely to see it
This term commonly appears while Windows is installing, recovering, or configuring a display adapter, monitor, or graphics application. The definition above gives the short meaning; the detailed explanation describes the term's role in the operating system and hardware stack.
The surrounding event and device model determine whether the term refers to Windows, an application, device software, or hardware. This glossary is informational and does not provide repair, installation, or technical-support services.
Related vocabulary
Explore connected concepts and nearby entries in the Windows hardware vocabulary.
- DCHDeclarative, Componentized, Hardware Support App, a modern Windows driver-package model.
- TDRTimeout Detection and Recovery, Windows graphics hang detection and reset behavior.
- VulkanA cross-platform low-overhead graphics and compute API.
- WDDMWindows Display Driver Model, the Windows graphics-driver architecture.