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If you are using a computer system, then you have probably heard of RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Then what is VRAM? And how it differs from RAM all of that and more will be covered in this article.
Before we deep dive into the topic of VRAM let us first understand What RAM does in a computer system. The processor gets data from the RAM in order to perform the calculations. Also, the CPU while doing its job stores and reads data from Random Access Memory.
The reason is that why CPU uses RAM instead of Hard Disk Drive or Solid-State Drive because of speed. RAM of the computer system is way much faster than the HDD or SSD. So, in order to perform the calculation task by the CPU the data must be first transferred to the RAM, and from there it is being read.
The More RAM the system has, CPU must rely very less on the slow storage devices. Moreover, the CPU can work at its full potential when the RAM is faster. So, we have briefly understood the task of RAM, let’s understand What a VRAM is?
What is a VRAM?
In very simple words, just like the CPU has RAM to perform its task. Similarly for the proper functioning of the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU in short, it requires VRAM. VRAM stands for Video Random Access Memory.
The task of the VRAM is to store image related data which will be required by the display of the computer system. Moreover, the purpose of the VRAM is to provide smooth and even graphics display on the screen.
It is must in a computer system if the user runs texture-based graphics. And it also required to render complex polygon based three-dimensional structure. Generally, people use VRAM for video games and complex 3D software.
VRAM is nothing but the special arrangements of Dynamic RAM. Moreover, VRAM is commonly known as Frame Buffer because it acts as a buffer between computer processor and display. So how does VRAM work? This question might be in your mind so let us talk about that.
How Does VRAM work?
At the time of displaying images to the screen, firstly the computer processor read images as data from main RAM (mainly non-video). And after that it is written to the VRAM. From the VRAM the data are sent as digital signals by the help of Digital Video Interface or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port to a LED display.
If the display only has a VGA port as in the case of old Cathode Ray Tube (in short CRT) monitor and is connected by the VGA cable to the VGA port of the graphics card. Then the video signals must be converted first by RAM Digital-to-Analog converter into analog signal and then it is being sent to the display.
Types of VRAM:
There are mainly four types of VRAM and they are:
- Multibank DRAM.
- Rambus DRAM.
- Synchronous Graphics RAM.
- Window RAM.
- Multibank DRAM:
MoSys has developed this high-performance RAM. In this type of DRAM, the memory is divided into multiple parts or banks each of 32 Kilobytes (KB) size. Such that each of the parts or the banks can be accessed individually.
- Rambus DRAM:
Rambus DRAM was developed by the Rambus, Inc. in the year 1999. It is designed to transfer the data at a faster rate.
- Synchronous Graphics RAM:
It is a clock synchronized DRAM. And is available at a low cost when compared to other VRAMs.
Window RAM:
First of all, let me tell you that this RAM is completely unrelated to Microsoft windows. Moreover, it is a very high-performance VRAM and is dual-ported. For those who don’t know what dual-ported means, then let me tell you that Dual-Ported RAM is that kind of RAM which allows multiple reads and writes at the same time or nearly same time.
And at last comes the important part of the article and that is the difference between VRAM and RAM. So let us talk about that.
In simple words VRAM is a form of a RAM but its main task is to process graphics related work. Whereas, on the other hand RAM is nothing but the general memory of the computer system.
Final Words:
I think at this point various topics of VRAM is cleared to you. Leave you thoughts in the comments section. And thank you for reading this article and I will see you on the next one.
Featured Image credit: nvidia
