RAM Vs. Video Resolution
Displaying graphical content is one of the most processor and memory heavy tasks a computer can perform. The higher the resolution of the images or video, the more memory and processing power required to properly display them.
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Video Memory and RAM
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Random access memory (RAM) is used by some systems to store information accessed by the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). In such cases, the GPU and operating system (OS) share the on-board RAM and the GPU is usually integrated into the motherboard. In other systems, the video RAM is stored separately, as part of the GPU card.
Video Resolution and Memory Type
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Typically, shared memory results in lower video performance and lower resolution, because the amount of memory available to the GPU is limited to the RAM the OS allocates. Video memory dedicated to the GPU card allows it to have its own bank of RAM, resulting in faster access and higher resolution.
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Video Performance and Data Flow
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Shared memory means the GPU must ask the Central Processing Unit (CPU) for access to its allocation of RAM. The data must then flow through the CPU and front side bus (FSB) to reach the GPU's processor, reducing performance and requiring lower image resolution. With dedicated video memory, the GPU has direct access to the on-board RAM, eliminating most of the data travel time, assuring more efficient performance and better quality graphics.
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