GPU memory, known as VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), is one of the most important factors that determine the performance of a graphics card when gaming. Its size directly affects the quality of detail, the stability of the game and, of course, the FPS (frames per second). If you are planning to upgrade your graphics card, understanding how VRAM works and how it affects performance is quite important.
What is VRAM and what is it for?
VRAM (graphics card memory) is a type of memory that stores the data needed to render graphics in real time. This data includes textures, shadows, lighting, character models, and environments. The more demanding the game (for example, high resolution or detail), the more VRAM is needed. Unlike RAM, which is used for general system tasks, VRAM is optimized for fast graphics data processing.
How does VRAM affect FPS?
Enough VRAM (graphics card memory) – Smoothness and stability – When a graphics card has enough VRAM, it can process all the necessary data without problems. This allows for higher FPS, stable gaming performance and minimal response time when rendering graphics. Gamers can enjoy high resolutions and details without worrying about performance degradation.
Lack of VRAM – Performance drop – If a game requires more VRAM than the card has available, the system will start using RAM (main memory of the computer). Since RAM is slower than VRAM, the result is a drop in FPS, longer texture loading, annoying image tearing, and lag. For example, when playing a game like Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with ultra settings, a card with 8GB of VRAM can exhibit significant slowdown compared to models that have 12GB or more.
VRAM and gaming standards
Today’s games and technologies such as ray tracing are increasingly demanding VRAM. Let’s break down the most important factors that influence the need for VRAM:
Resolution and Textures – Higher resolutions (1440p, 4K) require much more VRAM because each texture must be rendered at a higher quality. At Full HD(1080p), most games can get by with 6-8 GB of VRAM, but for 4K gaming with ultra settings, up to 16 GB of VRAM may be needed.
Example – Hogwarts Legacy (1440p, ultra details): a card with 8 GB VRAM delivers 60-75 FPS.
Hogwarts Legacy (4K, ultra detail): a card with 12 GB VRAM delivers 55-65 FPS, while a card with 8 GB VRAM drops below 40 FPS.
Ray tracing and advanced effects
Ray tracing, a technology for realistic lighting and shadows, is one of the main factors increasing the memory requirements of graphics cards. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Control require a minimum of 12 GB of VRAM for smooth ray tracing gameplay. Without sufficient VRAM, ray tracing often causes FPS drops of more than 30%.
Future Games – Games released between 2023-2024 often recommend a minimum of 8-10 GB VRAM for high settings. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Starfield show that memory requirements are steadily increasing. Cards with 4 GB of VRAM are becoming obsolete, and even models with 6 GB of graphics card memory can struggle at higher resolutions.
How much VRAM do you need?
Now let’s look at how much GB of VRAM is needed for certain games, depending on the resolution.
Full HD (1080p)
- Common games (4-6 GB VRAM): League of Legends, Valorant, Minecraft, Counter-Strike 2
- More challenging games (6-8 GB VRAM): Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
QHD (1440p)
- Common games (6-8 GB VRAM): The Witcher 3, Overwatch 2, Fortnite
- More demanding games (8-12 GB VRAM): Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield
Ultra HD (4K)
- Common games (8-12 GB VRAM): Forza Horizon 5, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Diablo IV
- More demanding games with ray tracing (12-16 GB VRAM): Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Control
Higher resolutions and higher graphics settings require more VRAM, especially for games with ray tracing or large open worlds.
How do I know if my GPU memory is enough?
Game settings. If the game indicates that VRAM is being exceeded, try lowering the texture or resolution settings.
Performance metering: Software such as MSI Afterburner or NVIDIA GeForce Experience allow you to monitor your actual VRAM usage while playing.
What is the ideal upgrade?
When choosing a graphics card based on VRAM, consider not only your current needs, but also the future. A card with 12GB of VRAM, such as the NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, is a good choice for Full HD and 2K gaming. For 4K resolution or ray tracing, we recommend models with 16 GB of VRAM, like the RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XTX.
Is more VRAM always better?
Many gamers think that more VRAM capacity automatically means better performance. But the reality is a little more complicated. While more VRAM can help with certain tasks, its impact on overall performance depends on other factors such as graphics card architecture, resolution, graphics settings, and specific games or applications.
When does more VRAM not help?
Lower resolutions: for Full HD gaming (1080p), most games won’t use more than 6-8GB of VRAM.
Weaker hardware: A graphics card with a large VRAM capacity but a weak core will not be able to use this memory.
Optimised games: Some older or well-optimised titles (e.g. Counter-Strike 2, Minecraft) do not require large amounts of VRAM even on higher settings. So a lot of VRAM will be unnecessary for this purpose.
Conclusion
Graphics card memory has a direct impact on the performance and smoothness of games. When choosing a graphics card, it’s important to consider your resolution, graphics details, and the types of games you play. If you want to play the latest games with high detail and ray tracing, it pays to invest in cards with higher VRAM, such as models with 12-16 GB. For less demanding gaming, however, a card with 6-8 GB of VRAM may be sufficient.
Remember that more VRAM doesn’t automatically mean higher performance – it’s also important to combine it with other components to achieve maximum FPS.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Graphics card memory (VRAM) is a special type of memory designed to store graphics data such as textures, images and geometry that are needed to render an image. It helps improve performance when playing games and working with graphics.
No, more VRAM only helps with higher resolutions and more demanding games. You don’t need more than 8GB of VRAM for normal 1080p gaming.
Graphics card memory affects texture loading speed and the ability to process more visual detail, resulting in smoother performance at higher resolutions.