220-1102 Question 283
Single answerVideo random-access memory (VRAM) requirementsA graphic designer reports that a new workstation runs basic office applications normally, but when editing 4K video on two high-resolution monitors, the timeline preview stutters and the application warns that graphics memory is insufficient. The PC has a dedicated graphics card that meets the software vendor's GPU model recommendation, but the card has only 2 GB of VRAM. Which upgrade is the BEST way to address this issue?
- A
Replace the graphics card with a similar model that has more VRAM
- B
Add more system RAM so the GPU can use shared memory instead of VRAM
- C
Upgrade the CPU to a model with more cores and cache
- D
Increase the size of the page file on the SSD
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For workloads such as 4K video editing, multiple high-resolution displays, CAD, and other graphics-intensive tasks, adequate VRAM is critical because the GPU uses it for frame buffers, textures, and rendering data. When an application reports insufficient graphics memory and the installed discrete GPU otherwise meets the model requirement, the best practice is to select a graphics card with more onboard VRAM. This aligns with common vendor guidance for creative and visualization applications, which typically publish minimum and recommended GPU memory requirements separately from CPU and system RAM requirements. System RAM, CPU upgrades, and page file changes may improve other bottlenecks, but they do not directly correct a dedicated VRAM shortfall.
- A. Correct.
Correct. The scenario specifically points to insufficient graphics memory during 4K video editing across multiple high-resolution displays. VRAM stores frame buffers, textures, and other graphics data the GPU needs for rendering. A card with more VRAM is the most direct and effective upgrade when the installed GPU model is otherwise supported but lacks enough onboard memory for the workload.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Adding system RAM can help overall system performance, but it does not replace the need for dedicated VRAM on a discrete graphics card. Shared system memory is slower than onboard VRAM and is mainly relevant to integrated graphics. In this case, the application is warning about graphics memory specifically, so more system RAM is not the best fix.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A faster CPU may improve some rendering or encoding tasks, but it does not solve a dedicated GPU VRAM shortage. The problem described is not general processing performance; it is insufficient graphics memory during a GPU-heavy workflow.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Increasing the page file can help when the system runs low on virtual memory, but it does not meaningfully address VRAM limitations. Storage-based paging is much slower than dedicated graphics memory and is not an appropriate solution for a graphics application reporting insufficient VRAM.