video random-access memory

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
video random-access memory
video RAM
VRAM

   <hardware> (VRAM) Fast memory designed for storing the image
   to be displayed on a computer's {monitor}.  VRAM may be built
   from special memory {integrated circuits} designed to be
   accessed sequentially.

   VRAM must be fast enough to supply data to the display
   electronics at the speed at which the screen is scanned.  Thus
   for example, for a {resolution} of 1280x1024 eight-bit
   {pixels} at a {refresh rate} of 70 Hz, the {video memory}
   would need to supply 1280x1024x70 = 90 Mbyte/s or one byte
   every 11 ns.  The VRAM may be {dual ported} in order to allow
   the display electronics and the {CPU} to access it at the same
   time.

   In an {IBM PC} the VRAM is located on the display interface
   card and 0.5 - 2 MB is typical.

   A VRAM Song (http://fweep.com/vram.html)!

   (2001-02-14)