RAM vs VRAM: A Deep Dive for Large Language Model Training and Inference
Introduction In the world of large language models (LLMs), memory is a critical bottleneck. RAM (system memory) and VRAM (video RAM on GPUs) serve distinct yet interconnected roles in training and running models like GPT or Llama. While RAM handles general computing tasks, VRAM is optimized for the massive parallel computations required by LLMs.[1][3][4] This detailed guide breaks down their differences, impacts on LLM workflows, and optimization strategies, drawing from hardware fundamentals and real-world AI applications. ...