Reduce Total Available GPU RAM

Question

I have a Surface Laptop 3, with 16GB RAM.

The Intel Iris GPU reports a total available GPU RAM of 8113MB.

It operates an external 4K 60hz monitor, via a USB hub.

When the screen is full, it usually records a maximum up to 4GB RAM usage.

So I would like to free up some of the available RAM for my applications to run correctly, as they can only utilise the remaining 8GB RAM.

When the system is idling with no applications running it is still using around 50% of the RAM. This means that when I am trying to use memory intensive software, like Adobe Suite, it is always using over 90% of the RAM and therefore causing performance degradation and system instability.

This is why I would like to reduce the available RAM for the GPU, to allow some extra headroom for my computer to operate more efficiently.

How can I do this? Bearing in mind the Surface Laptop 3 is not open to RAM upgrades.

Many thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Scott Hasler1,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community.

High RAM CPU can be caused by Malware, Viruses or corrupted to various apps running in the background and using up excessive resources. What I recommend is to try these following steps:

1. Force the device to shut down and restart

It's a good practice to regularly restart your computer to keep things running smoothly and make sure that your RAM isn't getting clogged up with unnecessary data.

Press and hold down the power button until your Surface shuts down and restarts and you see the Windows logo screen (about 20 seconds), then release the power button.

2. Disable start-up programs

 It would be best if you disabled all programs that you don’t use all the time.

1. Open up the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Navigate to the Startup tab.
3. Press on a program and select Disable to stop it from booting with your system.

**3. Uninstall programs you no longer use.**This will free up more space on your storage drive.

4. Check for and remove viruses and malware.  A virus, malware, or malicious software are known cause of performance issues on PCs. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security,****and then select Open Windows Security. Select Virus & threat protection, then select Quick scan. Wait for Windows Security to finish scanning for viruses and malware. If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem you were having on your device.

Let me know if it makes any changes.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

Answer 2

Hi Scott Hasler1,

We have notice that you haven't replied to our first response. We would like to know if you still need further assistance with your concern. If yes, don't hesitate to response back so we can further assist you.  Hope to hear from you soon.Kind regards,Lavenia

Answer 3

Hi Scott Hasler1,

We have not heard anything from you in the last 72 hours. Please do not hesitate to create a new thread if you have new concerns. We hope that the issue you reported to us has been resolved. We personally understand that finding time to work on this matter can be a little difficult to manage. Thus, we would like to let you know how much we appreciate your patience and most importantly the time you've dedicated into getting a resolution for this issue of yours We appreciate the time you spent with us.Kind regards,Lavenia