Using graphics card RAM for computer

Firestorm613 · Jan 9, 2007, 12:03 AM

I have a GeForce 6600 GT 256MB DDR3 Graphics card and a friend recently told me I can use my 256mb as RAM for my computer instead of using it for graphics. Is this true? If so, how do I change the settings on my BIOS so that I can use more RAM for my computer? I changed in the BIOS that the graphics card should use 1mb instead of 8mb, but I don't think that's the right thing.
I have 512 DDR2 SDRAM 400Mhz on my Dell Dimension 4700 Desktop. Also, If I choose to buy more RAM, do I have to get 400Mhz or 533Mhz combined with 400Mhz would still work fine? (I know my motherboard is compatible with 533, not only 400)
Thanx for your help.
-Jake

CDsDontBurn · Jan 9, 2007, 02:04 AM

the memory on the video card is memory for the video card only. It will help the overall performance of the computer because the computer is no longer taking the memory off of the system memory to produce you a video display using the integrated video.

As for purchasing new ram, be sure it's the same as your current RAM. Preferably, what you should do, is get rid of the current RAM in your machine, and purchase new RAM all together.

smax · Jan 9, 2007, 02:08 AM

If there's a way to use RAM on your graphics card as system RAM, I haven't heard it. Well, actually I talked to one guy trying to do it on a small scale in Linux... but I digress.

You can get either 533 MHz or 400 MHz ram for your computer, but will run at the lower speed, so even if you do slap a 533 MHz chip in there, it won't magically run faster. You'll need to overhaul all of your memory. I think that would be a bit pointless though, just find a good inexpensive 400 MHz chip.

CDsDontBurn · Jan 9, 2007, 02:16 AM

is this 400Mhz stuff DDR or DDR2? I ask that because some of the very early DDR2 modules came in 400Mhz speed. the 533Mhz stuff is definately DDR2 though, especially if it's coming from a Dell computer

.

And if the case is that this board has support for both DDR (400Mhz) and DDR2 (533Mhz), then you will NOT be able to use a 400Mhz stick with a 533Mhz stick in the machine at the same time. You'll definately have to have all DDR or DDR2 sticks in the machine.

smax · Jan 9, 2007, 02:20 AM

Good point. If there are 2 different types of memory slot, choose one and stick to it.

That being said, the motherboard IS DDR2, my mom has one of those.

Edit: scroll down to the Memory section. Everything you needed to know.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1055048

CDsDontBurn · Jan 9, 2007, 02:23 AM

well, if that's the case, stick to what it already has in it then

Firestorm613 · Jan 9, 2007, 04:41 PM

Thanx for ur help everyone. i guess ill have to buy new RAM and just get rid of my old RAM....cuz i wanna get 533Mhz (and my mobo only works with DDR2 as far as i know)
thanx again guys.
-Jake

Matth · Jan 10, 2007, 01:23 PM

WAYYY back, when "640k was enough for anyone", there were tricks to map unused graphics RAM.

Now, it's more likely that graphics will use turbocache or hypermemory as a means of augmenting the graphics memory with system RAM... like the DME that was possible using the AGP aperture, but more effective.

The graphics sizing in BIOS would refer to onboard graphics, but is probably disabled when a card is used.

aNy_oNE · Jan 11, 2007, 02:37 AM

Quote:

The graphics sizing in BIOS would refer to onboard graphics, but is probably disabled when a card is used.

Nope, uses it still on my computer when set in the bios. Minimum I can set is 2mb so it's at that.