VRAM Pro app icon

VRAM Pro

vrampro.com

Manual GPU memory control for Apple Silicon Macs. Allocate unified memory to GPU tasks for AI workloads, video editing, and 3D rendering without touching the terminal.

VRAM Pro provides manual GPU memory allocation for Apple Silicon Macs, offering a graphical interface for reallocating unified memory from the system RAM pool to GPU tasks. The app addresses scenarios where macOS’s automatic GPU memory management does not prioritize GPU-intensive workloads as needed.

The app does not create additional GPU memory but rather reallocates existing unified memory. On a Mac with 32GB of RAM, users can dedicate up to approximately 30GB to GPU work. On systems with 16GB unified memory, allocation can reach approximately 14GB. The interface displays current VRAM status and offers preset configurations for AI inference, video editing, 3D rendering, or custom allocations.

Key use cases include running local language models through tools like Ollama or LM Studio, where predictable GPU memory allocation prevents mid-inference crashes. Video editors working with DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro can dedicate more memory to GPU acceleration. For 3D work in Blender, consistent memory allocation improves render times.

Changes require administrator approval with hash validation for security. Memory allocations persist across reboots until modified, and users can restore default macOS memory management through the app. Performance impact is minimal since the app adjusts system parameters rather than actively managing memory.

Limitations: VRAM Pro works exclusively with Apple Silicon Macs. Intel Macs with discrete GPUs already have dedicated VRAM and do not benefit from this approach. Maximum allocable memory scales with total RAM, meaning 8GB Macs can only allocate up to 6GB for GPU tasks.

VRAM Pro offers a free trial version with paid licensing available through Gumroad. The developer provides regular updates and responsive support.

Suitable for users running local AI models, processing high-resolution video, or performing 3D rendering on Apple Silicon who need predictable GPU memory allocation beyond macOS automatic management.

FAQ

What does VRAM Pro do?+

VRAM Pro is a graphical interface for reallocating unified memory from the system RAM pool to GPU tasks on Apple Silicon Macs. It ships preset configurations for AI inference, video editing, and 3D rendering, plus custom allocations.

Is VRAM Pro free?+

VRAM Pro is a paid app with a free trial version. Licenses are sold through Gumroad.

How do I install VRAM Pro on macOS?+

Download VRAM Pro from https://vrampro.com/ and drag the .app to your Applications folder.

Does VRAM Pro run on Apple Silicon?+

VRAM Pro requires Apple Silicon. Intel Macs already have dedicated VRAM on discrete GPUs and do not benefit from this approach.

How much memory can I allocate with VRAM Pro?+

Allocation scales with total RAM. On a 32GB Mac you can dedicate up to ~30GB to GPU work; on a 16GB Mac, ~14GB; on an 8GB Mac, ~6GB. The app reallocates existing unified memory rather than creating new memory.

Why use VRAM Pro for local LLMs like Ollama?+

Tools like Ollama and LM Studio benefit from predictable GPU memory allocation to prevent mid-inference crashes when macOS's automatic management doesn't reserve enough VRAM. Changes require admin approval with hash validation and persist across reboots until modified.

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