Will memory upgrade benefit graphics performance?

[phylth]

I recently bought a bone-stock 2011 server edition I'm using as a family desktop. We love the rig but I'm worried about our long-term satisfaction with the onboard intel 3000 HD graphics performance.

I've read that bumping the memory to 8Gb or more has the effect of increasing the memory available to graphics from 384 to 512Mb. What does that really mean? What impact does the additional graphics memory headroom have on the system's performance? What apps or games will be affected, or be able to take advantage?

Grateful for any and all replies. That said, there's no need to post that if I was concerned about graphics I should have gotten a different mini. I already understand that. Just interested in what impact more memory will have on the existing 3000 HD. Thanks.

Dave
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2011 Mini Server Ed.
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[Ben Tex]

There will (at least on paper) be a slight benefit with more memory allocated. That being said, you're probably not going to notice much of a difference. You will have more overall headroom on your system with 8GB of RAM installed though. And better overall system performance (with less swapping to the hard drive). Because in general, the "video" memory will be released back to your system with DVMT anyways. It's not like a using dedicated card with its own memory, it's being dynamically used with your system memory based on need. So, install more memory for better overall system performance. Don't expect much of a difference in your graphical performance.

[macmanmacman]

i would give you this advice.

If you can afford the memory upgrade do the memory upgrade you will be happier with more ram