How to Increase Video Memory on a Laptop

Budget laptop models typically do not have a dedicated video card; they come with a motherboard integrated video controller (onboard video). Such video uses a certain memory share allocated from the system memory (RAM). The default share may not be sufficient for playing video games or using other graphics-intense applications. The allocated video memory can be increased using motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) options.

Instructions

1. In Windows XP/Vista, click "Start" and select "Turn Off Computer." Click "Restart" to reboot your laptop.

2. Press "Del" or "F2" or "F10" on your keyboard to enter BIOS. Refer to your laptop manual to find out which of those three common keys you need to use.

3. 

   Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, navigate to the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu and press "Enter."

4. 

   Navigate to "VGA Share Memory Size" and press "Enter." Increase the video memory size by setting it to the maximum available value (for example, 512MB), and press "Enter."

5. Press the "F10" key on your keyboard to save the BIOS setting, and then "ESC" to exit BIOS and continue computer booting.

References

• The BIOS Companion: The Book That Doesn't Come With Your Motherboard, Phil Crouncher; 2004