Question:

Could you provide guidance on resolving a video card memory error? I’m encountering an issue where a game fails to launch, displaying the message: “Out of video memory trying to allocate a rendering resource. Make sure your video card has the minimum requirement, try lowering the resolution and/or closing other applications that are running. Exiting…” I’m not well-versed in computers and would appreciate any advice on how to address this. Additionally, I discovered a potential solution involving the addition of ‘-dx11’ to the launch options, which I presume forces the game to use DirectX 11 instead of DirectX 12. Is this the correct approach?

Answer:

Video card memory errors can be a frustrating roadblock for gamers, but with a few troubleshooting steps, you can get back to your gaming sessions quickly. The error message you’re encountering suggests that your system is running out of video memory (VRAM) required to render the game’s graphics. Here’s how you can address this issue:

First, ensure that your video card meets the minimum requirements for the game. You can find this information on the game’s website or in the documentation. If your hardware is not up to par, you may need to upgrade your video card.

2. Lower Game Resolution:

High resolutions consume more VRAM. Try lowering the game’s resolution settings, which can significantly reduce the memory demand without severely impacting the gaming experience.

3. Close Background Applications:

Other applications can consume system resources, including VRAM. Close any unnecessary programs before launching the game to free up memory.

4. Update Video Drivers:

Outdated drivers can lead to performance issues. Ensure that you have the latest drivers for your video card installed, which can often be found on the manufacturer’s website.

5. Adjust Graphics Settings:

Lowering the game’s graphics settings can also help. Reduce texture quality, shadow detail, and other graphics-intensive settings to decrease VRAM usage.

6. Use DirectX 11:

Your discovery about adding ‘-dx11’ to the launch options is insightful. DirectX 12 can demand more from your hardware, and switching to DirectX 11 can sometimes resolve compatibility and performance issues. It’s worth trying this change to see if it resolves the error.

7. Monitor VRAM Usage:

Use task manager or a dedicated GPU monitoring tool to keep an eye on VRAM usage while running the game. This can help you identify if certain actions or settings spike the memory usage.

8. Increase Virtual Memory:

Windows allows you to allocate a portion of your hard drive as virtual memory. Increasing this can provide a temporary solution if physical VRAM is insufficient.

9. Check for Hardware Issues:

If the problem persists, your video card might be experiencing hardware issues. Consider having it checked by a professional.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the video card memory error and enjoy your gaming without interruptions. Remember, each game and system is unique, so some trial and error may be necessary to find the perfect balance for your setup. Happy gaming!