Dual-ported video RAM

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Dual-ported video RAM (VRAM) is a type of dual-ported RAM derived from dynamic RAM (DRAM), and was historically used to store the framebuffer in graphics card,

Unlike conventional DRAM, VRAM features two ports: one for the CPU and one for the video display controller (VDC). This architecture allows simultaneous access—while the CPU writes data, the VDC can read it independently. This eliminates wait states 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.