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- Smart Access Memory (SAM) allows the CPU full access to the GPU’s memory, improving PC performance.
- It provides higher frame rates to gamers and reduced rendering times to content creators for better efficiency.
- Simple BIOS updates and settings toggle make SAM accessible to all users.
Are you in the market for a graphics card? If so, you might have seen plenty of performance reviews that primarily focus on the GPU itself. However, the video memory of a graphics card can often be a bottleneck. This is the issue that AMD has tried to resolve with its new feature called Smart Access Memory (SAM).
As someone who has always been passionate about technology and the intricacies of computer hardware, I find myself genuinely excited about this development. Here’s why I believe AMD’s Smart Access Memory is a game changer for PC performance and why it matters to both gamers and general users alike.
What is SAM?
Firstly, let’s dive into what Smart Access Memory is. In essence, SAM is a feature that allows the CPU to have full access to the GPU’s memory, rather than the limited portion traditionally available.
Historically, CPUs could only access 256 Mega Bites of GPU’s VRAM at once. SAM resolves this issue by using the Resizable Base Address Register (BAR) feature. This allows your CPU to access much more VRAM at once, utilizing the GPU’s full bandwidth. This leads to a more efficient and faster communication pathway between the CPU and GPU.
Initially, AMD’s Smart Access Memory (SAM) was introduced as a feature specifically for the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and the Radeon RX 6000 series GPUs. However, AMD has expanded support for SAM to include other Ryzen CPUs and even some previous-generation CPUs through BIOS updates.
That being said, for optimal performance and compatibility, using a Ryzen 5000 series CPU with a Radeon RX 6000 series GPU is still the recommended setup to fully experience the benefits of Smart Access Memory.
A Solid Jump In FPS!
One of the most compelling aspects of SAM is its impact on gaming performance. As a gamer, I’ve always been on the lookout for technologies that can provide smoother gameplay and higher frame rates. When AMD first demonstrated SAM, they claimed performance improvements of up to 10% in terms of frame rates and this is a significant improvement if I am being honest.
The number is even higher for some games. For instance, in titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Forza Horizon 4 running at 1440p resolution, the difference is around 11-15%. The enhanced communication between the CPU and GPU translates to reduced latency, better frame pacing, and ultimately, a more immersive gaming experience. For gamers, every frame counts, and SAM delivers those extra frames that can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Even Content Creators Can Benefit
If you are a content creator looking for improved processing efficiency, SAM has got you covered. It offers you enhanced video editing, 3D rendering, and advanced GPU-based applications. Imagine working on a complex video project and noticing a tangible reduction in rendering times. This not only boosts productivity but also opens new possibilities for real-time editing and previewing of high-resolution content.
Easy to Use
Another reason I find SAM fascinating is its ease of use. Enabling SAM is straightforward. It usually requires a simple BIOS update and a toggle in the system settings. This accessibility means that even those who are not particularly tech-savvy can take advantage of this performance boost. There’s no need for extensive hardware modifications or complex configurations. AMD has ensured that SAM is user-friendly and accessible to a broad audience.
Your Mileage May Vary
It’s important to acknowledge that while SAM is a significant advancement, it’s not a magic bullet. The actual performance gains can vary depending on the specific hardware configuration and the software being used. Some games and applications may see substantial improvements, while others might only experience marginal increments, as I have shown above. Nonetheless, the potential for improvement is still there, and I am up for that.
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Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
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