7 Best Solutions if Your GPU Memory is Full

Our computer hardware demands have increased as technology evolves and new software and applications are developed. One such piece of hardware critical to running high-performance programs and games is the graphics processing unit (GPU).

However, the more complex the task, the more GPU memory it requires. And if your GPU memory is full, you may experience slow performance or even crashes.

But don’t worry; there are solutions to this problem. This article will explore seven of the best solutions to try if your GPU memory is full.

From optimizing your GPU settings to upgrading your hardware, we’ll cover a range of options to help you get the most out of your computer’s graphics capabilities.

What happens when GPU runs out of memory?

When the GPU memory is full, it cannot store more data, leading to a bottleneck in the system’s processing capabilities. The system may then use the computer’s main memory (RAM) to compensate, resulting in further performance degradation.

Some common causes for GPU running out of memory include:

• Running too many programs simultaneously: Running too many applications or processes simultaneously can lead to memory overload and cause the GPU to run out of memory.
• Using high-resolution graphics: Using graphics-intensive applications, such as video games or 3D modeling software, can cause the GPU to run out of memory.
• Using multiple displays: Having multiple displays connected to your computer can put additional strain on the GPU, leading to a shortage of available memory.
• Insufficient GPU memory: In some cases, the GPU may simply not have enough memory to handle the demands of the application or program you are running.
• Running outdated drivers: Using outdated or incompatible drivers for your GPU can cause performance issues, including running out of memory.
• Memory leaks: A memory leak can cause the GPU to run out of memory, leading to performance issues.

What to do if GPU memory is full?

1. Update your graphics driver

1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously and select Device Manager.
   
2. Click on the arrow next to the Display adapters option to see more options, then select Properties.
   
3. Select the Driver tab, choose Update Driver, and then click OK.
   
4. Select the Search automatically for drivers option, then follow the on-screen instruction to update the driver.
   
5. Next, verify to see if the problem has been resolved.

2. Modify paging file settings

1. Press Windows + E to open file explorer, click on This PC, and select Properties.
   
2. Choose Advanced system settings on the right side of your screen.
   
3. Choose the Advanced tab and select Settings under the Performance category.
   
4. In the Performance Options menu that just opened, click on the Advanced tab and then select Change under the Virtual memory category.
   
5. Choose your system drive, select System managed size, and click Set.
   
6. Select the drive where the game is installed, choose No paging file, click Set once more, and then select OK.
   
7. Check to see if the problem persists.

3. Carry out games and program update

If your GPU memory is full, one solution could be to perform program and game updates. To do this, you should first open the software or game that needs an update and check for available updates.

Many programs and games have automatic updates, but if not, you can usually find a “check for updates” option in the software or game’s settings or preferences. Once you have found the update, download and install it.

This often optimizes the program or game, improving performance and freeing up GPU memory. Additionally, it may be helpful to regularly perform updates to ensure that your system is running at its best.

4. Adjust the graphics card settings

1. Type control panel in the search bar and select Open.
   
2. Set the View by option in the Control panel window as Large icons.
   
3. Look for Intel HD Graphics.
   
4. Select the 3D option to open its settings.
   
5. Select Enhance Application Settings, click Restore Defaults, and then choose Apply to activate these changes.
   

5. Remove any unnecessary background application

1. Hold Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously and select Task Manager.
2. Verify the amount of space each program is using up by clicking Memory under Processes tab and carefully decide which programs should be removed by using the End task option.
   
3. Now check to see if the problem has been fixed.

6. Make use of 3GB switch

1. Type command prompt in the search bar and select Run as administrator.
   
2. Input the following command and hit Enter.
   bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa 3072
   
3. Reboot your system and check if the problem has been fixed.

7. Modify the program’s video resolution

Modifying the program’s video resolution can be an effective solution if your GPU memory is full. By reducing the resolution of the video, the GPU requires less memory to process the image. This frees up memory for other tasks and prevents the program from crashing due to insufficient memory.

Additionally, decreasing the resolution can help improve the program’s performance, making it run smoother and faster.

However, it is important to note that reducing the video resolution may also affect the image’s visual quality, so finding a balance between memory usage and image quality is key.

How much GPU memory do I need?

The amount of GPU memory you need depends on the tasks you will perform. A GPU with 2GB to 4GB of memory should be sufficient for simple tasks such as web browsing and document editing.

However, for more demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, you may need a GPU with at least 6GB to 8GB of memory and in some cases, even more.

It is important to note that having more GPU memory does not necessarily mean better performance. Other factors, such as the GPU architecture, clock speed, and memory bandwidth, also play a significant role in determining the performance of a GPU.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the software requirements and recommended specifications before purchasing a GPU for a particular task.

With the help of the seven best solutions in this article, you can avoid the problems of running out of GPU memory and enjoy a seamless computing experience.