• How much graphics memory does my computer have?
• What is Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT)?
• What is the maximum amount of graphics memory my computer can use?
• Can I increase the amount of graphics memory my computer is using?
• Will adding more physical memory increase my graphics memory amount?
• I upgraded my computer from Windows XP*/Windows 2000* to Windows Vista*/Windows 7* and now my maximum amount of video memory is less. How do I switch it back to the higher maximum amount?
• Can I control how much graphics memory is used by a single application?

How much graphics memory does my computer have?
Intel graphics do not have dedicated memory but utilizes some of the computer's system memory. The amount of memory used for graphics may be a fixed amount or may vary up to a maximum amount. It depends on if your computer manufacturer has configured your computer to use a fixed amount, a dynamic amount (varying up to a maximum amount), or a combination of both fixed and dynamic amounts of graphics memory.

Use one of the following methods to view your computer's maximum graphics memory (see example in Figures 1 and 2):

Hot Key Method (all Windows*):

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+F12 keys to open the Graphics Driver Properties window
2. Click the Information button in bottom-left corner or the i button in upper right corner of the window.
   The maximum amount of graphics memory is listed in the Maximum Graphics Memory field.

   Note For newer Graphics Drivers click on Options and Support>Information Center (see Figure 2).

Desktop Menu Method (all Windows):

1. Right-click on the Windows* desktop
2. Click Graphics Properties
3. Click the Information button in bottom-left corner or the i button in upper right corner of the window.
   The maximum amount of graphics memory is listed in the Maximum Graphics Memory field.

   Note For newer Graphics Drivers click on Options and Support » Information Center (see Figure 2).

Display Control Panel Method (Microsoft Windows XP* or 2000*):

1. Click on Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click Appearance and Themes and then Display (or click Classic View and then double-click on Display)
4. Click the Settings tab
5. Click the Advanced button
6. Click the Intel® graphics driver's tab
7. Click the Graphics Properties button
8. Click the Information button in bottom-left corner or the i button in upper right corner of the window.
   The maximum amount of graphics memory is listed in the Maximum Graphics Memory field.

   Note For newer Graphics Drivers click on Options and Support » Information Center (see Figure 2).

Display Control Panel Method (Microsoft Windows Vista* and Windows 7*):

1. Click on Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click on Appearance and Personalization and then Personalization (or click Classic View and then double-click on Personalization)
4. Click Display Settings
5. Click Advanced Settings
6. Click the Intel® graphics driver's tab
7. Click the Graphics Properties button
8. Click the Information button in bottom-left corner or the i button in upper right corner of the window.
   The maximum amount of graphics memory is listed in the Maximum Graphics Memory field.

   Note For newer Graphics Drivers click on Options and Support » Information Center (see Figure 2).

Figure 1: Maximum Graphics Memory Example


Figure 2: Graphics Memory Example

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What is the Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT)?
Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) is a method for dynamically allocating system memory for use as graphics memory to balance 2D/3D graphics and system performance. If your computer is configured to use DVMT, graphics memory is allocated based on system requirements and application demands (up to the configured maximum amount). When memory is no longer needed by an application, the dynamically allocated portion of memory is returned to the operating system for other uses.

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• The graphics memory allocation method set by your computer manufacturer
• Amount of system memory available
• Amount of pre-allocated memory
• Operating system.

The best place for obtaining information about your computer's specific configuration is from your computer manufacturer. Your computer manufacturer may have altered features, incorporated customizations, or made other changes that may limit or reduce the actual maximum graphics memory amount possible for your computer.

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Can I increase my computer's graphics memory to the maximum amount supported by the chipset?
In most cases, your computer manufacturer has already configured your computer to use the maximum amount of graphics memory that is possible for your particular computer model. This maximum amount supported by your computer model may be less than the maximum amount supported by the Intel integrated graphics product itself. Check with your computer manufacturer for the actual maximum graphics memory supported by your computer and whether it is possible to increase the amount of graphics memory of your computer.

If you are using Windows XP or 2000, a setting may be available in your computer's System BIOS that allows you to increase your graphics memory to the maximum amount (oftentimes called "Maximum DVMT"). This setting is not commonly available on laptops. Your computer manufacturer can tell you whether this setting is available.

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Will adding more physical memory increase my graphics memory amount?
Adding more physical memory may or may not increase your graphics memory. For example, adding more memory would not make a difference if your computer is configured to use a fixed allocation method for the graphics memory. Check with your computer manufacturer on what options are available to increase your computer's graphics memory amount and whether adding more system memory is an option.

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I upgraded my computer from Windows XP*/Windows 2000* to Windows Vista*/Windows 7* and now my maximum amount of video memory is less. How do I switch it back to the higher maximum amount?
This is expected behavior. Video memory is handled differently in the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. Windows Vista and Windows 7 require more system memory than Windows XP & Windows 2000 and have new memory requirements such as support of the Aero* user interface. Also, unlike previous operating systems, Windows Vista and Windows 7 have greater control over memory management and determines the amount of the graphics memory together with the Intel graphics driver. Check with your computer manufacturer on the maximum graphics memory to expect when using Windows Vista or Windows 7 on your computer model.

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Can I control how much graphics memory is used by a single application?
The Intel Graphics Driver Properties window does not have a user-configurable setting to control or increase the amount of graphics memory used by a single application. The amount of graphics memory in use is dynamically allocated to balance the needs of the operating system and all running applications.

The Intel Graphics Driver Properties window will show the total amount of graphics memory in use and the maximum amount of graphics memory that could be used by all applications running on the computer.

For steps on how to access the Graphics Properties window, see How much graphics memory does my computer have?

This applies to:

Intel® 3 Series Chipsets Intel® 4 Series Chipset Intel® 82946GZ Graphics Controller Intel® 82G965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q963 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 945 Express Chipset Family Intel® 946 Express Chipset Family Intel® 965 Express Chipset Family Intel® Core™ i3 Desktop Processor Intel® Core™ i3 Mobile Processor Intel® Core™ i5 Mobile Processor Intel® Core™ i5 Processor Intel® G31 Express Chipset Intel® G33 Express Chipset Intel® G35 Express Chipset Intel® G41 Express Chipset Intel® G43 Express Chipset Intel® G45 Express Chipset Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 (Intel® GMA 3150) Intel® HD Graphics Intel® Pentium® Processor for Desktop Intel® Q35 Express Chipset Intel® Q43 Express Chipset Intel® Q45 Express Chipset Mobile Intel® 4 Series Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 945 Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 965 Express Chipset Family