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Calculators · VRAM usage profiles by settings

🧠 Do you have enough video memory (VRAM)?

Running out of video memory causes stutters, FPS drops and texture pop-in even if the GPU itself is powerful. VRAM usage grows with resolution, texture quality, ray tracing and the frame buffer. Let’s estimate how many gigabytes you really need.

model estimate · data updated · methodology · Check my PC

Key figures

Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data

4
input parameters
open
formula
8GB
median VRAM in the catalog (desktop)
739
2020+ graphics cards with 12 GB or more
67% of 2020+ models
1106
2020+ models in the sample
1965
graphics cards in the catalog

How much VRAM 2020+ graphics cards have in the FPSHQ catalog

Number of models (unique names, desktop, released 2020+) by VRAM size. Green: 12 GB or more.

086173259345394 GB26 GB2818 GB4510 GB24712 GB34516 GB2020 GB9624 GB2832 GB348 GB4 GB4 GB396 GB6 GB28 GB8 GB28110 GB10 GB4512 GB12 GB24716 GB16 GB34520 GB20 GB2024 GB24 GB9632 GB32 GB2848 GB48 GB3

How the calculation works

What you enterresolution, textures, RT, frame rate
What you getVRAM needed, GB
BasisVRAM usage profiles by settings
formulaopen — VRAM needed = base usage of the game type × resolution factor × texture factor; + 1.5 GB × resolution factor for ray tracing and + 1 GB × resolution factor for frame generation. Compared with your card: up to 85% of its memory — with headroom, up to 100% — tight, above — not enough. The profiles are an FPSHQ estimate, not a measurement of a specific game.
In short

Do you have enough video memory (VRAM)?

Running out of video memory causes stutters, FPS drops and texture pop-in even if the GPU itself is powerful. VRAM usage grows with resolution, texture quality, ray tracing and the frame buffer. Let’s estimate how many gigabytes you really need.

median VRAM in the catalog (desktop)
8 GB
2020+ graphics cards with 12 GB or more
739
2020+ models in the sample
1106
graphics cards in the catalog
1965
updated · source: FPSHQ graphics card catalog, How much VRAM games need (FPSHQ), VRAM for a specific game, FPSHQ model estimate

Frequently asked questions

What happens if you run out of VRAM?
The game starts offloading data to system RAM over the PCIe bus, which is many times slower. You get micro-stutters, blurry textures and sharp FPS drops, especially when turning the camera quickly.
Is 8 GB of VRAM still enough in 2026?
For 1080p at medium-high settings, yes in most games. But in recent AAA titles on ultra with ray tracing, 8 GB is already borderline even at 1080p. For 1440p and above, 12–16 GB is more comfortable.
Does monitor resolution affect VRAM usage?
Yes, significantly. The higher the resolution, the larger the frame buffer and the higher-resolution textures the engine loads. Going from 1080p to 4K can increase VRAM usage by one and a half to two times.
How accurate are the FPSHQ calculators?
The calculators use open formulas with coefficients from the FPSHQ database (1,927 GPUs with measurements). The result is an estimate: real FPS depends on the CPU, settings and driver version. For an exact measurement use the FPSHQ app.
Do I need to sign up?
No. All calculations run in the browser. An account is only needed to save "My PC" and get personalised results across the site.

Methodology and sources

This page uses the FPSHQ database: the GPU and CPU catalogue with synthetic benchmark scores, official game system requirements, FPS measurements from users of the FPSHQ app and the FPSHQ performance model. Calculated values are estimates, not a measurement of your exact configuration: the real result depends on drivers, settings and the rest of the hardware. More about the methodology →

Sources:
FPSHQ Team · Data updated