How to Configure Shared Memory Through BIOS

Your computer uses video memory to generate and display 3D graphics on your computer monitor. Video memory is a form of RAM (Random Access Memory) that uses binary data required for 3D playback. This graphics capability either comes built into your motherboard; or it is provided by a graphics card (also called a video card).

Depending on its 3D graphics capability, your computer may have to draw on its own RAM to meet its video memory needs. This creates the need for shared memory, in which case, your computer's RAM will be shared between its CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its graphics chip.

You can actually configure shared memory through your computer's BIOS ("basic input/output system"). Read on to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start up your computer and enter your BIOS setup. You will do this by tapping the appropriate key or keys during the boot up process. (Review the start-up messages on your screen for the particular key/s your system requires you to use).

2. Once you access your BIOS set up, select the Integrated Peripherals menu.

3. In the Integrated Peripherals menu, select the option for AGP aperture size.

4. Under this option, you will now allocate a specific amount of RAM for shared video memory. Generally, you may chose to allocate an amount ranging from 8MB to 64MB RAM or this purpose. In act, on newer PC's, you may actually allocate up to 128MB of RAM for video memory.

5. With a desired amount of video memory specified, you will then save your changes. Exit your BIOS set up. Your PC now has a shared memory, with a portion of its RAM allocated for video memory, and the rest used by the CPU.

Tips & Warnings

• As a rule o thumb, if your PC runs on Windows 2000 or lower, you should make sure you have at least 64MB OF RAM available for your CPU. For Windows XP and Windows Vista, your CPU will require a minimum of 128MB of RAM.
• Using shared memory does lower your PC's speed and performance. Installing a graphics card is a far more efficient means for equipping your PC with 3D graphics capability. This is because a graphics card actually has its own RAM and processor (GPU), totally separate from that of your PC.
• Be extremely cautious regarding the amount of RAM you allocate for video memory. Take into account the total amount RAM you have available on your PC. If you assign too much of it to your vieo memory, your PC may not be left with enough memory to efficiently run its normal functions.