Available vs dedicated graphics memory

[DevilsViolinist]

Ok so this is more confusing than I expected, so please help me understand this.

 

I am looking to build a "budget" multi-tasking/light gaming pc (and by light gaming I mean emulators and skyrim mostly). And to put it into perspective, I do this already on my laptop I have right now. It is a HP Pavilion dv6 (don't know exact model due to the sticker being rubbed off over the years). And to be honest, it sucks. Like getting 12fps on skyrim if I am lucky. 

 

Ok back to the subject. In trying to decide the graphics card for this budget build, I looked into the graphics info on my laptop. It is an AMD Radeon 6620G. It says it has about 3GB of "Available" graphics memory, but only 512MB of "Dedicated" video memory.

 

Question 1. What is the difference between the two?

 

Question 2. Any recommendations for graphics cards that would work for the system? Given what I will be using the pc for in the first place. (see above).

[thekeemo]

that means it will take some normal ram

[dadasmithywinkle]

-snip-

The 512mb is how much VRAM the GPU has itself. The other 2.5GB is system ram dedicated to running the graphics.

[MLGNOSCOPEHEADSHOTGETREKT]

512 is amount of V-Ram and 2.5GB is the amount of ram from your other "system ram" is being used to operate the V-Ram

[QueenDemetria]

Dedicated VRAM is the fast RAM dedicated just for the GPU, its the main cache for it. The "total" RAM is the amount that your GPU can borrow from your system memory, but this is used once your 512mb runs out(note system RAM is more than likely slower).

[Aniallation]

Question 1. What is the difference between the two?

 

Question 2. Any recommendations for graphics cards that would work for the system? Given what I will be using the pc for in the first place. (see above).

Dedicated video memory is your GPU's VRAM. Once this gets filled up it starts using some of the system RAM as VRAM, however system RAM is noticeably slower then dedicated VRAM so past 512MB performance will be lower (just like what's going on with the GTX 970)

 

And isn't Pavilion DV6 a laptop? In that case graphics won't be upgradable.

[DevilsViolinist]

So let me get this straight. It has only 512MB of VRAM but takes 2.5GB system RAM to actually run it?

[DevilsViolinist]

And isn't Pavilion DV6 a laptop? In that case graphics won't be upgradable.

Yes it is. I said that in the description. I'm not looking to upgrade, I already understand that much. But it was all I could afford at the time being a college student at the time.

[R_Golden]

So let me get this straight. It has only 512MB of VRAM but takes 2.5GB system RAM to actually run it?

It has 512mb and if it NEEDS to during a game it will take some from the system RAM.