Intel’s new configurable VRAM option gives Core laptops an AI boost

Intel has announced a new configurable VRAM option for its latest Arc driver, which allows users to adjust the VRAM allocated to their integrated GPUs. This feature, previously only available on AMD Ryzen laptops, can significantly improve the performance of AI models and some games. The new "Shared GPU Memory Override" feature, available through Intel's AI Playground application, enables users to reallocate system memory to VRAM, up to the limits of their system's total memory. This is particularly beneficial for AI chatbots and models, as more VRAM allows for larger models with more parameters, leading to more insightful responses. The feature is currently manual and requires a system reboot, but it is expected that Intel's software will eventually automate the process. The new VRAM configuration option is only available on laptops with Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 2 processors, not the earlier "Meteor Lake" chips. This announcement is a significant boost for Intel-powered laptops, as it brings them closer to the VRAM customization capabilities previously only available on AMD's Ryzen-based systems, potentially improving the performance of AI and some gaming applications.