Question:
Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
If you think you know you should really read. No one on this or any other place seems to have a clue.
This an explanation of how some of them work especially the Express 1100 series and do they have dedicated memory.
Does my 1150 have dedicated memory? Yes and no. If you mean does it have memory that it does not share with the system then yes. If you mean does it have on board memory then no. The latter is what everyone refers to as “dedicated” and no ATI IGP has that, contrary to beliefs held by some even on this forum. The card lets you set the amount of dedicated memory from RAM, on mine from 16MB to 256MB, that amount then does not show up on Windows because it is not available to Windows anymore, dedicated. I have 2GB RAM when I set to 128MB Windows reports 1.87GB. When I set to 256MB Windows reports 1.75GB. In addition to not sharing it with the system the GPU does not have to go thru the CPU to access it, it has a direct link increasing speed and not tying up the CPU. While faster and more efficient than traditional shared memory not as fast as onboard. When I set to 128MB in Windows the the adapter is reported as 256MB 128MB dedicated and 128MB shared. Set 256MB and adapter says 512MB, 256MB and 256MB. When I set to 64MB Windows removes that amount from the reported RAM but the adapter reports 256MB, 64MB and 192MB.
In conclusion, the dedicated memory while not as good as onboard memory is better than traditional shared. It reserves space so it is not fragmented throughout the entire RAM and does not rely on the CPU for access to it. I believe selling it as “dedicated” is confusing and dishonest, dedicated has always meant onboard in the past.
Below I have some pictures off my computer to illustrate what I have said.
This is where I set up the amount of dedicated memory. Work with me and I will show you. It says 128 right? Remember that.
Now on this look at the amount of RAM? I have 2GB but it does not say that, it is about 128MB short. Hmm?
Now look at this it is the adapter, 256MB so 128MB dedicated and 128 shared. If some of you are saying "sure, you have 128MB dedicated and you set up the shared at 128MB" the next will show that is incorrect.
Look at the amount I set aside 256MB
Now look at the amount of RAM windows sees, now my RAM is about 256MB short of 2GB. Has anyone ever seen "shared memory" hidden from Windows? Never.
Now finally the new size of the Adapter is 512MB so what I adjusted was the dedicated memory.
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
I spilled my drink I must of "bumped" my computer. I'm so lonely yes so lonely............AKON!
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
My X1270 doesn't have the option for a UMA frame buffer, only what I set to it in the Ram.
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
My X1270 doesn't have the option for a UMA frame buffer, only what I set to it in the Ram.
Cool but how do you set it and does it function the same? Is it in BIOS? I kind of know 200m works the same as mine but did not want to overstep! None of these have onboard memory! To let me go to 256MB "dedicated" is insane, does not work as well not enough bandwidth, if they set it in the BIOS lower not a bad idea! I think our cards work the same. Yours is better but same basic ideas.
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
Sorry, I spilled my drink again!!
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
Yeah, its just an option in the BIOS.
Erm, I jhust checked it. In the BIOS, its set to 256...in the Adapter page, its set to 700mb. =]
Yeah, now I'm confused.
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
Yeah, its just an option in the BIOS.
Erm, I jhust checked it. In the BIOS, its set to 256...in the Adapter page, its set to 700mb. =]
Yeah, now I'm confused.
Have you downloaded the latest Catalyst? I would not go above 128MB dedicated because the system can not handle more. So if it can't be used why have it!
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
I kind of know 200m works the same as mine but did not want to overstep! None of these have onboard memory!
I had an x200m with 128mb dedicated/onboard vram and it was a jewel compared to the run-of-the-mill shared x200m in my sig. Performance was night & day, almost where I thought the dedicated version was as good in real performance as my current Go 7200 (benchmarks aside).....
Granted, the 128MB "Sideport" x200m was not common and I don't think there has been a dedicated-ram ATI igp since.................
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
the 256 is useable in my latpop.. coz when i tried to apply 128mb in the BIOS, VT3 did not run.. it only runs when i set it to 256mb.. really weird!!:p
Answer:
Re: Does your ATI IGP have dedicated memory?
Very interesting baddogboxer thanks for that. I was under the impression that some integrated cards did have dedictated memory in the way that dedicated cards have, although it would appear I was right about the x200m at least which R4000 says was offered (rarely) with 128mb on board ram. These cards seem to be far superior to the shared ram versions like mine.