Dual-ported video RAM

Dual-ported video RAM is a type of <a href="/facts/Dual-ported_RAM/1XRP3mqd">dual-ported RAM</a> derived from <a href="/facts/Dynamic_RAM/koI9FGo5">dynamic RAM</a> (DRAM), and was historically used to store the <a href="/facts/Framebuffer/kr8I4mm3">framebuffer</a> in <a href="/facts/Graphics_card/bcKfPyFt">graphics card</a>.
Unlike conventional DRAM, <a href="/facts/Video_RAM/jjt4zoQB">video RAM</a> features two ports: one for the CPU and one for the <a href="/facts/Video_display_controller/ISm9E6Nc">video display controller</a> (VDC). This architecture allows simultaneous access—while the CPU writes data, the VDC can read it independently. This eliminates <a href="/facts/Wait_state/cAzx3jKR">wait states</a>, ensuring smoother performance and efficient screen rendering.
VRAM was widely used between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. As newer high-performance memory technologies emerged, dual-ported VRAM was gradually phased out. Today, the term "VRAM" can refer to modern types of video memory as well, which can lead to confusion with this original dual-ported variant.

Dual-ported video RAM open-in-new

Dual-ported video RAM