We’re back with another informative blog series, designed to dive deeper into our PC hardware. This time we’re shining the light on AMD, showcasing all the incredible technologies that come integrated with their powerful Radeon graphics cards.
In this instalment of ‘AMD Radeon Uncovered’, we’re taking a closer look at AMD Smart Access Memory and how this feature can help boost your in-game performance.
What is AMD Smart Access Memory?
AMD Smart Access Memory, or SAM, expands on an older generation of technology called the Resizable Bar. With Smart Access Memory, your processor can fully utilise your GPU’s integrated video memory. Typically, your processor can only harness a small fraction of VRAM at one time. However, Smart Access Memory removes this limitation by expanding the data channel between your CPU and GPU.
What’s more, by utilising PCIe bandwidth, the chance of bottlenecking and latency is notably reduced, whilst your performance receives that much-needed boost.
What Hardware Do I Need to Use AMD Smart Access Memory
To fully utilise AMD Smart Access Memory, you’ll need to ensure you have a compatible CPU and GPU. Your processor will need to be an AMD Ryzen 3000 or above, and your GPU a Radeon RX 6000 Series or higher.
To check if SAM is enabled on your PC, you’ll need to go into your BIOS > Advanced. On the drop-down menu, you’ll need to find two features – Above 4G decoding and Re-Size Bar Support. Both of these will need to be turned on in order for you to use Smart Access Memory.
Is AMD Smart Access Memory Good for Gaming?
AMD Smart Access Memory is perfect for gamers looking to get the most out of their hardware. Achieve faster performance, smoother FPS, and near-zero latency. All with a few simple clicks to your PC’s settings. This is similar to what you would achieve with overclocking, but without all the complicated tweaks and monitoring.
This makes AMD Smart Access Memory perfect for beginners who are unsure how to successfully overclock their hardware, or perhaps don’t want to run the risk of voiding any warranties.
Looking to Harness AMD Smart Access Memory?
Are you in need of a PC upgrade in order to harness the power of SAM? At Overclockers UK, you can find everything you need to boost your performance with both compatible CPUs and GPUs on offer. We’ve highlighted our top picks of each below, but you can also browse the full range by clicking the relevant buttons.
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Processor
- AMD Ryzen 9000 Series
- AM5 socket
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Up to 5.50GHz boosted clock speed
- 65W TDP
Sapphire Pure Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series
- 3840 stream processors
- 2430MHz boosted clock speed
- 16GB GDDR6 video memory
Learn More About Your PC Hardware
What More Do You Want to See in AMD Uncovered?
Got a burning question about AMD hardware or technology? What other topics do you want to see us explain in our ‘AMD Uncovered’ series? Let us know in the comments.
In the meantime, if you have utilised AMD Smart Access Memory, how has it boosted your in-game performance?
- 3 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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