If you are one of those users who change their graphics card every leap year and only if it is essential, for whatever reason, you have surely thought of something very basic in the average gaming PC that you surely have: you run out of VRAM in games and so is it possible to update or expand it? Something logical given what is done with the system RAM, although the answer in this case is not as obvious as it seems and for this reason we are going to explain if the VRAM memory can be expanded.
Perhaps you wonder, as soon as you have a minimum of hardware knowledge, the reason for the limitation of the memory of the graphics cards at the level of their update. Logically, there are a number of reasons, so let’s go.
Why can’t VRAM be upgraded on a GPU?
As we say, the reasons are varied and although they may seem laughable, they are not. First, VRAM cannot be a generally replaceable component because its power and latency requirements prevent him from having a cleft. Second, a specific niche should be created for each type of VRAM memorywhich makes it difficult for a user to install GDDR4, GDDR5 or GDDR6 in the wrong locations.
The third point to discuss is that a series of slots involves a height difference which PCB and heatsink manufacturers should solve with the loss of thermal performance and the impossibility of dissipation through the back of the same PCB.
In summary, synchronization time is lost, energy efficiency is lost in a key component and exposed to constant stress, it would cool less and there is also the risk of human errors in its installation or modification.
Explaining this briefly, it is understood that the VRAMs are soldered and have the existing compatibility where the manufacturers are “happy” (it is expensive in terms of R&D and cooling to maintain performance and temperatures) and do not want to experience a swap or update the system.
Additionally, changing the VRAM would require a series of IMC and adaptive buses depending on the size of each module, which would significantly reduce performance and is currently incompatible with current architectures, where, for example, when a VRAM module dies and its siblings continue to function, the assignment problems
So, is it impossible to extend or modify it?
The short answer is no, it’s not impossible. The problem is that for this it is necessary to opt for modules of the same type, technology and in some cases speed/voltage, making up the difference in capacity. i.e. the same module with more capacity, where normally it goes from 1 GB and 2 GB per chip.
Logically, this will involve desolder module by module on the PCB and resoldering the new ones, with the cost and danger that this entails if we are not experts in precision soldering and we have the appropriate reballing machines.
It is not a technique that is not done, there are many examples, but it is not something easy, fast or cheap, not to say that we lose the guarantee of the GPU , if there has. For this reason, what is normally done is to change the graphics card for a higher card and thus gain power and so-called VRAM, removing the user from all these problems in a simple and fast way at the cost of a good expense.