Lair360 Blog

Version: 12.1
Revision: 33 Build 13

Modify your ATi Radeon Memory!

Introduction: A couple of days ago in the IT department, I was modifying my “ATi Catalyst Driver” for Windows XP, just before installation. It took me quite a while but it’s worth the performance!

On the other hand, this tweak will only change your memory to their maximum capacity. For example, if I have this chipset: ATi Radeon HD 4870 (1GB). But, the driver only states your card as 512 MB, then you will need to change that digit into 1024 MB. Simple…

Tips: For better navigation, I would suggest you to download these software and install them before you continue with the tutorials. These program will analyze your GPU and notify you with the correct chipset.

http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/ (Notepad++)
http://www.hwinfo.com/download32.html (Hwinfo32)

1.] Install “HWiNFO32” and run the application.

2.] Wait for it to load and look at the GPU chipset. It is located at the upper – right –corner in your dialogue box.



3.] Keep your previous application running and search for the installation folder.
By default, it should be in your system hard drive. If not, you may have left it somewhere…

Default directory
———————–
C:\ATI\Support\9-8_legacy_xp32-64_dd_ccc\Driver\XP_INF

4.] Look for this file: “CX_85695.inf” and open it with “Notepad-Plus”. You will immediately see a bunch of codes.

5.] Scroll down to line ‘5100’ and look for this string: ‘MaximumDeviceMemoryConfiguration’.

Example
———————–

[ati2mtag_M10.GeneralConfigData]
MaximumDeviceMemoryConfiguration=128
MaximumNumberOfDevices=4
SessionImageSize = 16

———————–

Notes: if you can’t find your ATi Radeon Chipset, you may want to press “Ctrl + F”, paste the codes into your search box and click: “Find Next”.

6.] Modify your GPU memory and save your changes.

Warning: if your cards support 1GB of VRAM, you will need to apply this figure: “1024 MB”. However, you cannot go over the card’s overall capacity! So, be careful and check your card’s memory limit!

Example (Default).
———————–

[ati2mtag_RS600M.GeneralConfigData]
MaximumDeviceMemoryConfiguration=256
MaximumNumberOfDevices=4
SessionImageSize = 16

———————–
Example (Modified).
———————–

[ati2mtag_RS600M.GeneralConfigData]
MaximumDeviceMemoryConfiguration=512
MaximumNumberOfDevices=4
SessionImageSize = 16

———————–

Figure MB * = ATi Mobility Cards (Not compatible with all ATi Radeon cards).
Figure MB ^ = This is only for 64-Bit operating systems with 2GB VRAM.

Warning: this modification will only work if your cards support 128 MB or more!
Please avoid changing your 64 MB VRAM (Low Memory GPU). This may cause your computer to black out or crash!

128 MB
256 MB
384 MB *
512 MB
640 MB *
768 MB *
1024 MB
2048 MB ^

7.] Install your modified driver and have fun!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 13.1b
Revision: 34 Build 12

VBScript – Memory capacity analyzer.

Introduction: this VBScript was designed in college. Well… I was bored to death as I have to wait for my lecturer, just to unlock the door. So, what did I do on my break? I Sat on the floor with my beautiful laptop and write this article for everyone to read, study and enjoy!

Anyway, there is one thing that I need to tell you…

Since I am on a private server, I am hosting all of these articles for you to learn. Therefore, you have to support me in some way! This server is not free, you know it! It’s a lot faster than before because, my services is put to the edge, just for you to succeed – not to end as a FAILURE!! Finally, to sum it all up… I have to dish out (proximately) 169 pounds – every 2 years + SSL encryption (to keep your privacy safe) with a dedicated IP address for better response time. So, please understand that I am doing this for all of you! This money is not for me… PLEASE understand!

——————
This VBScript will generate a small notice – board about your memory capacity and for additional free slots.
So, instead of taking out your computer case, you can use this VBScript to check your motherboard for empty slots!

Pretty cool, Eh?

1.] Download Notepad++ (http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/) from the author’s website and install the application.

2.] Execute Notepad++ and copy this script. After that, you’ll need to save it as: “memory_analyzer.vbs”.

Extension: .vbs (vbs file)

———— Copy Text —————

'Version: 1.3a
'Revision: 11 Build: 23
'Author: Lair360 - 2009
------------------------
strComputer = "." ' Local computer
strMemory = ""
i = 1

set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:\\" & strComputer & "\root\cimv2")
set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery("Select * from Win32_PhysicalMemory")

For Each objItem In colItems
'This area will identify your total memory.
  if strMemory <> "" then strMemory = strMemory & vbcrlf
  strMemory = strMemory &  "Bank" & i & " : " & (objItem.Capacity / 1048576) & " Mb"
  i = i + 1
Next
installedModules = i - 1
'This area will indentify free slots.
Set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery("Select * from Win32_PhysicalMemoryArray")
For Each objItem in colItems
  totalSlots = objItem.MemoryDevices
    Next
'Reports on your installed memory.
Wscript.echo "Total Slots: " & totalSlots & vbcrlf & _
       "Free Slots: " & (totalSlots - installedModules) & vbcrlf & _
       vbcrlf & "Installed Modules:" & vbcrlf & strMemory

———— End —————

3.] Execute the Script and wait for the dialogue box.

4.] Enjoy!

Copyrighted By Lair360