Video random-access memory

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Video random-access memory (VRAM) is dedicated computer memory used to store the pixels and other graphics data as a framebuffer to be rendered on a computer monitor. It often uses a different technology than other computer memory, in order to be read quickly for display on a screen. Relation to GPUsMany modern GPUs rely on VRAM. In contrast, a GPU that does not use VRAM, and relies instead on system RAM, is said to have a unified memory architecture, or shared graphics memory.

Shared graphics memoryShared graphics memory is a system design in which the graphics chip does not include dedicated memory, and instead may share the main system RAM with the CPU and other components. This design is used by many graphics cards to reduce cost and complexity, as no additional memory chips are required on the board. Some mechanism (via the BIOS or a jumper setting) to select the amount of system memory to use for graphics.

High Bandwidth MemoryHigh Bandwidth Memory (HBM) is a computer memory interface for 3D-stackedsynchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), initially developed by Samsung, AMD and SK Hynix. It is often used in conjunction with performance-oriented graphics accelerators, network devices, FPGAs and ASICs; some CPUs utilize HBM as on-packagecache or RAM, such as the NEC SX-Aurora TSUBASA and Fujitsu A64FX.

FramebufferA framebuffer (frame buffer, or sometimes framestore) is a portion of random-access memory (RAM) containing a bitmap that drives a video display. It is a memory buffer containing data representing all the pixels in a complete video frame. Modern video cards contain framebuffer circuitry in their cores. This circuitry helps convert an in-memory bitmap into a video signal that can be displayed on a computer monitor.

Dual-ported video RAMDual-ported video RAM is a type of dual-ported RAM derived from dynamic RAM (DRAM), and was historically used to store the framebuffer in graphics card, and was at the time often called VRAM. Unlike conventional DRAM, VRAM features two ports: one for the CPU and one for the video display controller (VDC). This architecture allows simultaneous access—while the CPU writes data, the VDC can read it independently.

Computer memoryComputer memory stores information, such as data and programs, for immediate use in the computer; instructions fetched by the computer, and data fetched and stored by those instructions, are located in computer memory. The terms memory, main memory, and primary storage are also used for computer memory. Computer memory is often referred to as RAM, meaning random-access memory, although some older forms of computer memory, such as drum memory, are not random-access.

PixelIn digital imaging, a pixel (abbreviated px), pel, or picture element is the smallest addressable element of a raster image. In a display device, dot matrix printer, or ASCII art a pixel is the smallest element whose output can generally be controlled independently. The concept of a picture element dates to the earliest days of electronic imaging.

Ball grid arrayA ball grid array (BGA) is a type of surface-mount packaging (a chip carrier) used for integrated circuits. BGA packages are used to permanently mount devices such as microprocessors. A BGA can provide more interconnection pins than can be put on a dual in-line or flat package. The whole bottom surface of the device can be used, instead of just the perimeter.

Graphics processing unitA graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed for digital image processing and to accelerate computer graphics, being present either as a component on a discrete graphics card or embedded on motherboards, mobile phones, personal computers, workstations, and game consoles.

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