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VGA Share Memory Size from The Tech ARP BIOS Guide!

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VGA Share Memory Size

Common Options for UMA : 1MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB

Common Options for DVMT : 1MB, 8MB

 

VGA Share Memory Size : A Quick Review

The VGA Share Memory Size BIOS feature controls the amount of system memory that is allocated to the integrated graphics processor when the system boots up.

However, its effect depends on whether your motherboard supports the older Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) or the newer Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT).

If you have a motherboard that supports UMA, the memory size you select determines the maximum amount of system memory that is allocated to the graphics processor. Once allocated, it can only be used as graphics memory. It is no longer accessible to the operating system or applications.

Therefore, it is recommended that you select the absolute minimum amount of system memory that the graphics processor requires for your monitor. You can calculate it by multiplying the resolution and colour depth that you are using. Of course, if you intend to play 3D games, you will need to allocate more memory.

If you have a motherboard that supports DVMT, the memory size you select determines the maximum amount of system memory that is pre-allocated to the graphics processor. Once allocated, it can only be used as graphics memory. It is no longer accessible to the operating system or applications.

However, unlike in a UMA system, this memory is only allocated for use during the boot process or with MS-DOS or legacy operating systems. Additional system memory is allocated only after the graphics driver is loaded. It is recommended that you set it to 8MB as this allows for high-resolution splash screens as well as higher resolutions in MS-DOS applications and games.

 

VGA Share Memory Size : The Full Details

Some motherboard chipsets come with an integrated graphics processor. To reduce costs, it usually makes use of UMA (Unified Memory Architecture) or DVMT (Dynamic Video Memory Technology) for its memory requirements.

Both technologies allow the integrated graphics processor to requisition some system memory for use as graphics memory. This reduces cost by obviating the need for dedicated graphics memory. Of course, it has some disadvantages :

  • Allocating system memory to the graphics processor reduces the amount of system memory available for the operating system and programs to use.
  • Sharing system memory with the graphics processor saturates the memory bus and reduces the amount of memory bandwidth for both the processor and the graphics processor.

Therefore, integrated graphics processors are usually unsuitable for high-demand 3D applications and games. They are best used for basic 2D graphics and video functions.

The VGA Share Memory Size BIOS feature controls the amount of system memory that is allocated to the integrated graphics processor when the system boots up.

However, its effect depends on whether your motherboard supports the older Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) or the newer Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT).

If you have a motherboard that supports UMA, the memory size you select determines the maximum amount of system memory that is allocated to the graphics processor. Once allocated, it can only be used as graphics memory. It is no longer accessible to the operating system or applications.

Therefore, it is recommended that you select the absolute minimum amount of system memory that the graphics processor requires for your monitor. You can calculate it by multiplying the resolution and colour depth that you are using.

For example, if you use a resolution of 1600 x 1200 and a colour depth of 32-bits, the amount of graphics memory you require will be 1600 x 1200 x 32-bits = 61,440,000 bits or 7.68 MB.

After doubling that to allow for double buffering, the minimum amount of graphics memory you need would be 15.36 MB. You should set this BIOS feature to 16MB in this example.

Of course, if you intend to play 3D games, you will need to allocate more memory. But please remember that once allocated as graphics memory, it is no longer available to the operating system or applications. You need to balance the performance of your 3D games with that of your operating system and applications.

If you have a motherboard that supports DVMT, the memory size you select determines the maximum amount of system memory that is pre-allocated to the graphics processor. Once allocated, it can only be used as graphics memory. It is no longer accessible to the operating system or applications.

However, unlike in a UMA system, this memory is only allocated for use during the boot process or with MS-DOS or legacy operating systems. Additional system memory is allocated only after the graphics driver is loaded. Therefore, the amount of system memory that can be selected is small – only a choice of 1MB or 8MB.

It is recommended that you set it to 8MB as this allows for high-resolution splash screens as well as higher resolutions in MS-DOS applications and games.

 

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DVMT Mode from The Tech ARP BIOS Guide

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DVMT Mode

Common Options : Fixed, DVMT, Both

 

Quick Review of DVMT Mode

Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) is a concept whereby system memory is shared by both CPU and graphics processor. While this reduces cost, it also reduces the system’s performance by taking up a large portion of memory for the graphics processor.

Intel’s Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) takes that concept further by allowing the system to dynamically allocate memory resources according to the demands of the system at any point in time. The key idea in DVMT is to improve the efficiency of the memory allocated to either system or graphics processor.

The BIOS feature that controls all this is the DVMT Mode BIOS feature. It allows you to select the DVMT operating mode.

When set to Fixed, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed portion of the system memory as graphics memory. This ensures that the graphics processor has a guaranteed amount of graphics memory but the downside is once allocated, this memory cannot be used by the operating system even when it is not in use.

When set to DVMT, the graphics chip will dynamically allocate system memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements. The system memory is allocated as graphics memory when graphics-intensive applications are running but when the need for graphics memory drops, the allocated graphics memory can be released to the operating system for other uses.

When set to Both, the graphics driver will allocate a fixed amount of memory as dedicated graphics memory, as well as allow more system memory to be dynamically allocated between the graphics processor and the operating system.

It is recommended that you set this BIOS feature to DVMT for maximum performance. Setting it to DVMT ensures that system memory is dynamically allocated for optimal balance between graphics and system performance.

 

Details of DVMT Mode

Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) is a concept whereby system memory is shared by both CPU and graphics processor. While this reduces cost, it also reduces the system’s performance by taking up a large portion of memory for the graphics processor.

Intel’s Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) takes that concept further by allowing the system to dynamically allocate memory resources according to the demands of the system at any point in time. The key idea in DVMT is to improve the efficiency of the memory allocated to either system or graphics processor.

To ensure better allocation of system memory, DVMT comes with three different operating modes :

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  • Fixed Memory
  • DVMT Memory
  • Fixed + DVMT Memory

But before we go into the details of each mode, it’s important to note that the system boots up with some system memory pre-allocated for graphics, irrespective of the DVMT operating mode. Depending on the motherboard manufacturer, you may or may not be allowed to select between a choice of 1MB or 8MB of pre-allocated memory.

This pre-allocated memory is dedicated to VGA/SVGA graphics and will be treated by the operating system as dedicated graphics memory. This pre-allocated memory will not be visible or accessible to the operating system. It will be used during the booting process to display the boot and splash screens, or when you run MS-DOS games and applications. It will also be used when Windows XP loads in Safe Mode.

Once an operating system with the appropriate Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver loads up, the graphics processor reclaims the pre-allocated memory for its use. But again, it is only available for use as graphics memory. It will never be made available to the operating system or applications. The Intel GMA driver then loads additional system memory according to the DVMT operating mode.

The Fixed Memory operating mode reserves a fixed amount of system memory as graphics memory. This is in addition to the memory already pre-allocated. Like pre-allocated memory, this fixed amount is no longer available to the operating system. But when the operating system reports the total system memory, it will include this amount, as opposed to pre-allocated memory.

The DVMT Memory operating mode allows the graphics driver to dynamically allocate system memory for use by the graphics processor. When no graphics-intensive operations are occuring, most of the DVMT memory can be reallocated to the operating system for other uses. When more graphics memory is required, the graphics driver will automatically reallocate more system memory for use as graphics memory.

The Fixed + DVMT Memory operating mode is an combination of the Fixed and DVMT operating modes. It allows you to allocate a fixed amount of reserved graphics memory (over the minimum pre-allocated amount), as well as a portion of system memory that can be dynamically allocated to both graphics processor and operating system.

This figure from Intel clearly shows the differences between the three different DVMT operating modes :

The BIOS feature that controls all this is the DVMT Mode BIOS feature. It allows you to select the DVMT operating mode.

When set to Fixed, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed portion of the system memory as graphics memory. This ensures that the graphics processor has a guaranteed amount of graphics memory.

But the downside is, once allocated, this memory cannot be used by the operating system even when it is not in use. Usually, the following configuration scheme is used :

System Memory DVMT Graphics Memory
Pre-Allocated Fixed Total
128 – 255 MB 1 MB 31 MB 32 MB
8 MB 24 MB
256 – 511 MB 1 MB 63 MB 64 MB
8 MB 56 MB
1 MB 127 MB 128 MB
8 MB 120 MB
512 MB and larger 1 MB 63 MB 64 MB
8 MB 56 MB
1 MB 127 MB 128 MB
8 MB 120 MB

When set to DVMT, the graphics chip will dynamically allocate system memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements. The system memory is allocated as graphics memory when graphics-intensive applications are running.

But when the need for graphics memory drops, the allocated graphics memory can be released to the operating system for other uses. Usually, the following configuration scheme is used :

System Memory DVMT Graphics Memory
Pre-Allocated Fixed Total
128 – 255 MB 1 MB 31 MB 32 MB
8 MB 24 MB
256 – 511 MB 1 MB 63 MB 64 MB
8 MB 56 MB
1 MB 127 MB 128 MB
8 MB 120 MB
1 MB 159 MB 160 MB
8 MB 152 MB
512 MB and larger 1 MB 63 MB 64 MB
8 MB 56 MB
1 MB 127 MB 128 MB
8 MB 120 MB
1 MB 223 MB 224 MB
8 MB 216 MB

When set to Both, the graphics driver will allocate a fixed amount of memory as dedicated graphics memory, as well as allow more system memory to be dynamically allocated between the graphics processor and the operating system. Usually, the following configuration scheme is used :

System Memory DVMT Graphics Memory
Pre-Allocated Fixed Total
128 – 255 MB NA
256 and larger 1 MB 63 MB + 64 MB 128 MB
8 MB 56 MB + 64 MB

It is recommended that you set this BIOS feature to DVMT for maximum performance. Setting it to DVMT ensures that system memory is dynamically allocated for optimal balance between graphics and system performance.

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FIXED Memory Size – The Tech ARP BIOS Guide

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FIXED Memory Size

Common Options : 0 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB

 

Quick Review of FIXED Memory Size

Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) is a concept whereby system memory is shared by both CPU and graphics processor. While this reduces cost, it also reduces the system’s performance by taking up a large portion of memory for the graphics processor.

Intel’s Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) takes that concept further by allowing the system to dynamically allocate memory resources according to the demands of the system at any point in time. The key idea in DVMT is to improve the efficiency of the memory allocated to either system or graphics processor.

The FIXED Memory Size BIOS feature is used in conjunction with the DVMT Memory Size BIOS feature to select the operating mode as well as the maximum amount of graphics memory that can be allocated to the onboard graphics processor.

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and this BIOS feature set to 32 MB, a total of 32 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the Fixed mode.

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and this BIOS feature set to 64 MB, a total of 64 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the Fixed mode.

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and this BIOS feature set to 128 MB, a total of 128 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the Fixed mode.

If DVMT Memory Size is set to any value other than 0 MB, then the onboard graphics processor will operate in the Fixed + DVMT Memory mode. This would be based on the total memory size allocated to both DVMT Memory Size and FIXED Memory Size.

For example, if you set DVMT Memory Size to 64 MB and FIXED Memory Size to 64 MB, the total graphics memory size would be 128 MB. But the actual allocation of graphics memory would depend on the amount of pre-allocated graphics memory.

Generally, it is recommended that you let the graphics driver allocate memory in DVMT mode. This allows the driver to dynamically allocate memory according to changing situations. This means setting this BIOS feature to 0 MB and setting the maximum graphics memory size using the DVMT Memory Size BIOS feature. It’s advisable to restrict the total graphics memory to approximately 256 MB for systems with lots of memory (768 MB or more) and reduce the graphics memory in systems with less memory.

 

Details of FIXED Memory Size

Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) is a concept whereby system memory is shared by both CPU and graphics processor. While this reduces cost, it also reduces the system’s performance by taking up a large portion of memory for the graphics processor.

Intel’s Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) takes that concept further by allowing the system to dynamically allocate memory resources according to the demands of the system at any point in time. The key idea in DVMT is to improve the efficiency of the memory allocated to either system or graphics processor.

To ensure better allocation of system memory, DVMT comes with three different operating modes :

  • Fixed Memory
  • DVMT Memory
  • Fixed + DVMT Memory

For more details on the individual operating modes, please take a look at the DVMT Mode BIOS feature.

Before we go further, it’s important to note that the system boots up with some system memory pre-allocated for graphics. Depending on the motherboard manufacturer, you may or may not be allowed to select between a choice of 1 MB or 8 MB of pre-allocated memory.

This pre-allocated memory is dedicated to VGA/SVGA graphics and will be treated by the operating system as dedicated graphics memory. This pre-allocated memory will not be visible or accessible to the operating system. It will be used during the booting process to display the boot and splash screens, or when you run MS-DOS games and applications. It will also be used when Windows XP loads in Safe Mode.

Once an operating system with the appropriate Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver loads up, the graphics processor reclaims the pre-allocated memory for its use. But again, it is only available for use as graphics memory. It will never be made available to the operating system or applications. The Intel GMA driver then loads additional system memory as required.

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The FIXED Memory Size BIOS feature is used in conjunction with the DVMT Memory Size BIOS feature to select the operating mode as well as the maximum amount of graphics memory that can be allocated to the onboard graphics processor.

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and FIXED Memory Size set to 32MB, up to 32 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the DVMT mode. This is usually allocated as below :

DVMT Graphics Memory

Pre-Allocated

Fixed

Total

1 MB

31 MB

32 MB

8 MB

24 MB

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and this BIOS feature set to 64MB, up to 64 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the DVMT mode. This is usually allocated as below :

DVMT Graphics Memory

Pre-Allocated

Fixed

Total

1 MB

63 MB

64 MB

8 MB

56 MB

When DVMT Memory Size is set to 0MB and this BIOS feature set to 128MB, up to 128 MB of system memory is allocated as graphics memory in the DVMT mode. This is usually allocated as below :

DVMT Graphics Memory

Pre-Allocated

Fixed

Total

1 MB

127 MB

128 MB

8 MB

120 MB

If DVMT Memory Size is set to any value other than 0MB, then the onboard graphics processor will operate in the Fixed + DVMT Memory mode. This would be based on the total memory size allocated to both DVMT Memory Size and FIXED Memory Size.

For example, if you set DVMT Memory Size to 64MB and FIXED Memory Size to 64MB, the total graphics memory size would be 128 MB. But the actual allocation of graphics memory would depend on the amount of pre-allocated graphics memory. Usually, it would be allocated as below :

DVMT Graphics Memory

Pre-Allocated

Fixed

Total

1 MB

63 MB + 64 MB

128 MB

8 MB

56 MB + 64 MB

Please note that this BIOS feature only restricts the maximum amount of system memory that can be allocated as graphics memory in DVMT mode. The graphics driver will determine the actual amount of system memory requisitioned, up to the maximum set. In addition, DVMT graphics memory can be re-allocated to the operating system when there are no graphics-intensive applications running.

Generally, it is recommended that you let the graphics driver allocate memory in DVMT mode. This allows the driver to dynamically allocate memory according to changing situations. This means setting the FIXED Memory Size BIOS feature to 0MB and setting the maximum graphics memory size using this BIOS feature.

It’s advisable to restrict the total graphics memory to approximately 256 MB for systems with lots of memory (768 MB or more) and reduce the graphics memory in systems with less memory.

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Video RAM Cacheable – The Tech ARP BIOS Guide

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Video RAM Cacheable

Common Options : Enabled, Disabled

 

Quick Review of Video RAM Cacheable

The Video RAM Cacheable feature aims to boost VGA graphics performance by using the processor’s Level 2 cache to cache the 64 KB VGA graphics memory area from A0000h to AFFFFh.

If this BIOS feature is enabled, the VGA graphics memory area will be cached by the processor’s Level 2 cache. This speeds up accesses to the VGA graphics memory area.

If this BIOS feature is disabled, the VGA graphics memory area will not be cached by the processor’s Level 2 cache.

From what we have discussed so far, it sounds like caching the VGA graphics memory area is logically the way to go. Caching the VGA graphics memory area will definitely speed up VGA graphics performance by caching accesses to the graphics memory area.

However, reality is far less ideal. For one thing, VGA modes are hardly used at all these days. For compatibility reason, VGA is still used in Windows XP’s Safe Mode. It is also used in real mode DOS, if you still use that. Other than that, there is no more use for VGA modes. If VGA graphics modes are not used, no benefit can possibly be realized by enabling this BIOS feature.

Even if you use DOS modes a lot, is there even a point in caching the VGA graphics memory area for better performance? Even the slowest computer today is more than capable of handling VGA graphics with ease. In short, caching the VGA graphics memory area will not bring any noticeable advantage.

On the other hand, caching this memory area will cost you some processor performance. Because some of the processor’s Level 2 cache is being diverted to cache the VGA graphics memory area, there is less to keep the processor supplied with data. Consequently, the processor’s performance suffers.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you disable the Video RAM Cacheable feature. There is no reason to enable it even if you use real mode DOS a lot or work a lot in Windows Safe Mode.

 

Details of Video RAM Cacheable

The Upper Memory Area (UMA) is a 384KB block of memory at the top of the first megabyte of memory that is reserved for the system’s use in DOS. A portion of this Upper Memory Area is reserved as video RAM memory.

The video RAM memory area is a 128KB block from A0000h to BFFFFh. Of this 128KB, the first half (A0000h-AFFFFh) is reserved for use in VGA graphics mode. The other half is used for monochrome text mode (B0000h-B7FFFh) and colour text mode (B8000h-BFFFFh). This video RAM memory area is the only portion of the graphics card’s memory that the processor has direct access to in VGA mode.

The graphics card and the processor use this memory area to write pixel data when the computer is operating in VGA mode. This is why all VGA graphics modes take up less than 64KB of memory. The most common VGA mode is mode 0x13 which has a resolution of 320 x 200 in 256 colours. This mode uses up exactly 64,000 bytes of memory and fits nicely into the 64KB block from A0000h to AFFFFh.

The Video RAM Cacheable feature aims to boost VGA graphics performance by using the processor’s Level 2 cache to cache the 64 KB VGA graphics memory area from A0000h to AFFFFh.

If this BIOS feature is enabled, the VGA graphics memory area will be cached by the processor’s Level 2 cache. This speeds up accesses to the VGA graphics memory area.

If this BIOS feature is disabled, the VGA graphics memory area will not be cached by the processor’s Level 2 cache.

From what we have discussed so far, it sounds like caching the VGA graphics memory area is logically the way to go. Caching the VGA graphics memory area will definitely speed up VGA graphics performance by caching accesses to the graphics memory area. This is great for those old DOS games although it won’t do anything for VGA text modes.

However, reality is far less ideal. For one thing, VGA modes are hardly used at all these days. For compatibility reason, VGA is still used in Windows XP’s Safe Mode. It is also used in real mode DOS, if you still use that. Other than that, there is no more use for VGA modes. If VGA graphics modes are not used, no benefit can possibly be realized by enabling this BIOS feature.

Even if you use DOS modes a lot, is there even a point in caching the VGA graphics memory area for better performance? Even the slowest computer today is more than capable of handling VGA graphics with ease. In short, caching the VGA graphics memory area will not bring any noticeable advantage.

On the other hand, caching this memory area will cost you some processor performance. Because some of the processor’s Level 2 cache is being diverted to cache the VGA graphics memory area, there is less to keep the processor supplied with data. Consequently, the processor’s performance suffers.

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If the use of the processor’s Level 2 cache can bring about significant improvement in the performance of the graphics subsystem, it would have been worth it. Unfortunately, the VGA graphics modes are rarely used at all.

Even when used, there is little or no real benefit in caching the memory area. The Video RAM Cacheable BIOS feature just wastes the processor’s Level 2 cache on something that cannot possibly improve the system’s graphics performance.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you disable the Video RAM Cacheable feature. There is no reason to enable it even if you use real mode DOS a lot or work a lot in Windows Safe Mode.

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Dithering – The BIOS Optimization Guide

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Dithering

Common Options : Enabled, Disabled

 

Quick Review of Dithering

The Dithering BIOS feature is only found in motherboards with an integrated LCD interface that supports both 18-bit and 24-bit LCD panels.

When enabled, the LCD interface will dither the images displayed on the LCD monitor.

When disabled, the LCD interface will not dither the images displayed on the LCD monitor.

If you are using an LCD monitor with an 18-bit panel, you should enable this BIOS feature. This allows for better colour depth on 18-bit panels.

If you are using an LCD monitor with a 24-bit panel, you should disable this BIOS feature.

 

Details of Dithering

The response time of LCD panels have been a key determining factor in the purchase of any LCD monitor. Gamers particularly look for fast response times to reduce or eliminate ghosting of fast moving objects.

To improve the response time, some LCD manufacturers resort to reducing the colour depth from 24-bit to 18-bit. This allows for a faster transition from one colour to another, but at the expense of colour depth. Instead of displaying up to 16.8 million colours, a 18-bit panel will only display 262,144 colours.

As you can tell, that’s a vast reduction in colour resolution even though each colour channel had only been reduced from 8-bit to 6-bit. To solve this problem, dithering can be used to create the illusion of greater colour depth. It does this by interleaving the limited available colours in a pattern to simulate colours that are not in the colour palette.

While dithering can produce a better image quality with less colour banding, it cannot offer the accurate colour reproduction of 24-bit panels. Only 24-bit panels can offer a true 24-bit colour resolution.

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The Dithering BIOS feature is only found in motherboards with an integrated LCD interface that supports both 18-bit and 24-bit LCD panels.

When enabled, the LCD interface will dither the images displayed on the LCD monitor.

When disabled, the LCD interface will not dither the images displayed on the LCD monitor.

If you are using an LCD monitor with an 18-bit panel, you should enable this BIOS feature. This allows for better colour depth on 18-bit panels.

If you are using an LCD monitor with a 24-bit panel, you should disable this BIOS feature.

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Renew Your Old PC With The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030!

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While gamers are abuzz over the latest graphics cards, millions of PC users are still plodding along on integrated graphics. They forget that graphics cards are used for more than just games. They also speed up photo and video editing, as well as enable multiple displays. This is a huge market that NVIDIA is targeting with the GeForce GT 1030 graphics card.

 

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030

The GeForce GT 1030 is built around NVIDIA’s smallest Pascal GPU – the GP108. Packing 1.8 billion transistors in a chip that is just 70 mm² in size, it boasts 384 stream processors and is capable of displaying out to two 4K displays. It is paired with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, offering a memory bandwidth of 48 GB/s.

Specifications aside, what exactly does the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 offer those who are not into computer games, and just want to get work done? NVIDIA compared the performance of their GeForce GT 1030 against the Intel HD Graphics 510, and found that the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 delivered :

  • 3X better photo editing performance in Adobe Photoshop,
  • 11X better video editing performance in Adobe Premiere Pro, and
  • when you’re in the mood for a little gaming – 6X better gaming performance!

Okay, maybe the Intel HD Graphics 510 is a puny performer generally found in slower Intel Skylake processors. What about the Intel HD Graphics 530 which has twice as many Execution Units?

Even though the Intel HD Graphics 530 is twice as fast as the HD Graphics 510, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 was still much faster in every graphics test thrown at it. And the GeForce GT 1030 costs just US$ 69…

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Better Performance For Less Money!

With a price tag of just RM 350, the GeForce GT 1030 fits even the tightest of budget. What if you need to build a gaming PC that costs less than US$499 / ~RM 1999? In this example that NVIDIA shared, opting for a less powerful CPU and adding the GeForce GT 1030 gives you 2.5X better gaming performance… with a 10% discount to boot!

The value proposition is even better for older PCs. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 is a great upgrade for PCs that are still using integrated graphics. For a pittance, you can breathe new life into your PC by simply adding the GeForce GT 1030 graphics card.

Not only does this cheap and simple upgrade greatly improve your PC’s performance, it will also allow you to use two monitors simultaneously! That is something no integrated graphics solution is capable of supporting.

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Disclosure

This article was sponsored by NVIDIA.

 

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PAVP Mode – The BIOS Optimization Guide

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PAVP Mode

Common Options : Paranoid, Lite, Disabled

 

PAVP Mode Quick Review

PAVP (Protected Audio Video Path) controls the hardware-accelerated decoding of encrypted video streams by Intel integrated graphics processors. Intel offers two PAVP modes – Paranoid and Lite.

When set to Paranoid, the video stream is encrypted and its decoding is accelerated by the integrated graphics processor. In addition, 96 MB of system memory will be reserved exclusively for use by PAVP.

When set to Lite, the video stream is encrypted and its decoding is accelerated by the integrated graphics processor. No system memory will be reserved for use by PAVP.

When set to Disabled, the hardware-accelerated decoding of video content protected by HDCP is disabled.

If you wish to play HDCP-protected content, you should select the Lite option. It allows hardware-accelerated decoding of the video stream. The graphics core will grab system memory for use by PAVP only when it is needed and release it after use.

The allocation of PAVP stolen memory may be necessary to allow some applications to stream lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HS MA. In such cases, you will need to set the PAVP Mode BIOS option to Paranoid. However, this takes up 96 MB of system memory and also disables the Windows Aero interface.

You should only use the Disabled setting if you intend to use an external graphics card to accelerate the decoding of the video stream, or if you wish to test the ability of the CPU to handle decryption of the video stream.

 

PAVP Mode Details

PAVP (Protected Audio Video Path) is a feature available on some Intel chipsets with integrated graphics. It ensures a secure content protection path for high-definition video sources like Blu-ray discs. It also controls the hardware-accelerated decoding of encrypted video streams by the integrated graphics processor.

Intel offers two PAVP modes – Paranoid and Lite. Here is a table that summarizes the difference between the two modes :

Feature

PAVP Paranoid

PAVP Lite

Compressed video buffer is encrypted

Yes

Yes

Hardware acceleration of 128-bit AES decryption

Yes

Yes

Protected memory (96 MB reserved during boot)

Yes

No

In other words, the two modes only differ in whether 96 MB of system memory should be reserved for use by PAVP.

When set to Paranoid, the video stream is encrypted and its decoding is accelerated by the integrated graphics processor. In addition, 96 MB of system memory will be reserved exclusively for use by PAVP. This reserved memory (also known as the PAVP Stolen Memory) will not be visible to the operating system or applications.

When set to Lite, the video stream is encrypted and its decoding is accelerated by the integrated graphics processor. No system memory will be reserved for use by PAVP.

When set to Disabled, the hardware-accelerated decoding of video content protected by HDCP is disabled.

If you wish to play HDCP-protected content, you should select the Lite option. It allows hardware-accelerated decoding of the video stream. The graphics core will grab system memory for use by PAVP only when it is needed and release it after use.

The allocation of PAVP stolen memory may be necessary to allow some applications to stream lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HS MA. In such cases, you will need to set the PAVP Mode BIOS option to Paranoid. However, this takes up 96 MB of system memory and also disables the Windows Aero interface.

You should only use the Disabled setting if you intend to use an external graphics card to accelerate the decoding of the video stream, or if you wish to test the ability of the CPU to handle decryption of the video stream.

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CPU Direct Access FB – BIOS Optimization Guide

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CPU Direct Access FB

Common Options : Enabled, Disabled

 

Quick Review

This BIOS feature controls the processor’s access to the section of system memory reserved for use by the integrated graphics processor as graphics memory. Please note that we were referring to the CPU, not the graphics processor.

When enabled, the processor is allowed to directly write to the section of system memory reserved as graphics memory. This increases the performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

When disabled, the processor is not allowed to directly write to the section of system memory reserved as graphics memory. This reduces the performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

It is recommended that you enable this BIOS feature for maximum performance. Of course, this only improves performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

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Details

This BIOS feature is found in VIA-based motherboards with integrated graphics processors. The integration of the graphics processor into the motherboard chipset reduces the cost of building the PC.

To further reduce cost, the integrated graphics processor does not come with dedicated graphics memory. Instead, part of system memory is cordoned off and used exclusively by the graphics processor as graphics memory.

This BIOS feature controls the processor’s access to the section of system memory reserved for use by the integrated graphics processor as graphics memory. Please note that we were referring to the CPU, not the graphics processor.

When enabled, the processor is allowed to directly write to the section of system memory reserved as graphics memory. This increases the performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

When disabled, the processor is not allowed to directly write to the section of system memory reserved as graphics memory. This reduces the performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

It is recommended that you enable this BIOS feature for maximum performance. Of course, this only improves performance of applications that write directly to the frame buffer.

Please note that this BIOS feature has no effect on the frame buffer of any discrete graphics card that you install. It only controls the processor’s access to the section of system memory reserved for use by the integrated graphics processor as graphics memory.

 

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If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!