Fixing Fortnite’s ‘Out of Video Memory’ Error: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever found yourself ready to conquer the Fortnite battlefield, only to be stopped by the dreaded “Out of Video Memory” error? It’s a frustrating issue that’s been plaguing gamers for a while. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll explore some simple yet effective fixes to get you back in the game.
Understanding what causes this error is the first step in troubleshooting. It’
Ever found yourself ready to conquer the Fortnite battlefield, only to be stopped by the dreaded “Out of Video Memory” error? It’s a frustrating issue that’s been plaguing gamers for a while. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll explore some simple yet effective fixes to get you back in the game.
Understanding what causes this error is the first step in troubleshooting. It’s typically due to insufficient GPU memory. However, various other factors can also contribute. I’ll walk you through the process of identifying and resolving these issues.
So, get ready to dive deep into the world of Fortnite troubleshooting. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to fix the “Out of Video Memory” error and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions. Let’s get started, shall we?
What Causes the “Out of Video Memory” Error in Fortnite?
First off, let’s get a handle on what’s going on behind this pesky error. It’s a common assumption that lack of enough GPU memory is the culprit, but that’s only part of the story. There are multiple factors that can trigger the “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite.
Inadequate GPU memory is indeed a common cause. Fortnite, like other popular games, requires a certain amount of video memory (VRAM) to run smoothly. When your GPU memory is not sufficient, Fortnite fails to store required data, leading to the error.
Yet, it’s just as important to consider the role of driver and software issues. If your computer’s drivers are outdated, they might not be able to keep up with Fortnite’s system requirements, causing the game to throw the error. Similarly, when Fortnite software has bugs, it might not interact properly with your system leading to this error.
System resource limitations need to be noted as well. Fortnite is not just a graphic-intensive game, but also requires a good deal of your system’s resources. If other applications are eating up your system’s resources, Fortnite might not be able to get what it needs, causing it to display the error.
Let’s not underestimate the impact of OS inconsistencies & bugs either. Even the tiniest problem in your operating system can trigger the error.
Cause | Explanation |
---|---|
Inadequate GPU memory | Not enough VRAM for Fortnite requirements |
Driver and Software issues | Outdated drivers or buggy Fortnite software |
System resource limitations | Insufficient system resources for Fortnite |
OS inconsistencies & bugs | OS problems affecting Fortnite |
Once you’ve identified the potential cause of your problem, you’ll be on the right track to finding the perfect solution for “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite. Stay tuned as I dig deeper into each of these causes and unveil effective fixes in the next sections.
Checking Your GPU Memory Usage
Understanding your GPU memory usage is the first crucial step in fixing the “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite. GPU memory is a dedicated memory that your graphics card uses to render graphics in games. In many cases, you’re running out of this memory because Fortnite is demanding more than what’s available. Guesswork isn’t an option here, so you’ll need to check the exact numbers.
Your GPU’s dedicated and shared memory capabilities should be in sync with the system requirements of Fortnite. If there’s a mismatch, you may face this error.
There are tools available to monitor or check your GPU memory usage. One such tool that I’ve found reliable is the GPU-Z. It’s free, user-friendly, and extensively detailed in its reporting. This tool provides real-time data on your GPU’s usage, including the memory consumption.
Here’s how to use GPU-Z to check your GPU memory usage:
- Download the software from its official website (be careful of pirated versions).
- Install and run the application.
- Go to the ‘Sensors’ tab.
- Look for the line that says ‘Memory Used’ – that’s your GPU memory usage.
Another quick way is to use the built-in tool in Windows 10, the Task Manager.
Here’s how to use Task Manager to check your GPU memory usage:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select ‘Task Manager’.
- Go to the ‘Performance’ tab.
- Select ‘GPU’ on the left side.
- At the bottom of the window, you’ll see ‘Dedicated GPU memory usage’.
It’s essential to check your GPU usage while playing the game to understand if memory consumption is the trigger of the error. These tools will provide you with the necessary data to better analyze and solve the issue. The next section delves into the solutions after identifying this problem. Gentle reminder – it’s not always about having the newest or most expensive GPU, but rather ensuring it meets the game requirements.
Optimizing Fortnite Settings
I need to stress that once you’ve assessed your GPU memory usage and confirmed its compatibility with Fortnite’s system requirements, it’s time to dive deeper into Fortnite settings. Your game settings play a crucial role in how your system, specifically your GPU, handles the game. Optimizing Fortnite Settings can alleviate the “Out of Video Memory” error.
Firstly, I recommend turning down the 3D resolution.
Fortnite looks stunning at max settings but the game’s visual promises could be causing your system to buckle under the pressure of rendering all that beauty. Tinker around with the slider till you’re at a comfortable balance between visual splendor and performance.
Another quick tweak is to reduce the game’s Textures and Effects settings. I suggest reducing Textures to “Medium” and Effects to “Low”. This takes some pressure off your GPU by reducing the amount of memory needed to render complex textures and effects.
Next, let’s look at Shadow and View Distance settings. Shadows are GPU-intensive since they require a lot of processing power for realistic rendering. Lowering the shadow settings can go a long way in reducing GPU stress. Similarly, reducing the View Distance setting can help your GPU breathe a little easier.
I would highly recommend enabling frame rate limit as well. Try setting it to 60 FPS if your monitor supports that refresh rates. This ensures that your GPU isn’t needlessly straining to churn out frames beyond what your monitor can display.
Last but not least, take the time to ensure Fortnite is running on your High Performance Power Plan. Fortnite uses a fair amount of power, so setting it to high performance ensures it isn’t being throttled back by your system. You can adjust this in your system settings.
By Optimizing Fortnite Settings, you can reduce the excessive usage of GPU memory, potentially resolving the “Out of Video Memory” error without having to resort to extensive hardware or software changes.
Updating Your Graphics Drivers
It’s common knowledge that keeping your graphics drivers updated is essential not just for gameplay, but for your system’s overall performance. In some cases, the “Out of Video Memory” error message popping up may not be a problem with Fortnite or your settings, but rather an outdated graphics driver. To rectify this, we’ll need to update those drivers.
To update your graphics drivers, first identify your graphics card’s make and model. Use the device manager on your system. On Windows, for instance, you can do this by typing Device Manager
into the search bar and then expanding the Display Adapters
tab.
The next step – kudos to you if you’ve already guessed it – is to download and install the latest drivers. You’ll need to visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer – it’ll either be NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel in most cases. Once on their site, look for their drivers section. Here, you’ll be able to find the latest driver updates for your specific model. Make sure these drivers are compatible with your system.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Manufacturer | URL |
---|---|
NVIDIA | www.nvidia.com |
AMD | www.amd.com |
Intel | www.intel.com |
When you initiate the download, you might get one of two options: either a simple driver update
or a clean installation
. While the first updates your existing drivers, the latter eradicates all old software before the installation of new drivers. I’d recommend the clean installation, as it removes any potential discrepancies that might be present in the old software. But, again, the choice is yours.
Additional Fixes for the “Out of Video Memory” Error
Moving forward with our theme of solving the “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite, let’s dive a bit into a few other options at our disposal. It’s not always a simple quick fix; sometimes you have to take a couple of extra steps.
Overclocking Your Graphics Card (GPU)
Be aware, Overclocking your GPU can significantly increase its performance. It boosts the GPU’s processing speed which may enhance Fortnite’s performance and get around the frustrating error. However, doing so requires caution. Overclocking can lead to overheating and potentially damage your hardware if not done carefully. I always recommend consulting a tech professional or thoroughly researching how to safely do it before proceeding.
Increasing the Virtual Memory
Windows uses something known as virtual memory when it runs out of physical RAM. Therefore, increasing the virtual memory can help alleviate the Fortnite error. Here’s how you can do it.
- Open the ‘System settings’ in Windows by searching for ‘System’ in the Start menu or Cortana.
- From the System window, walk to ‘Advanced System Settings’.
- Under the ‘Advanced’ tab, get to ‘Settings’ beneath the ‘Performance’ section.
- In Performance Options, look for the ‘Advanced’ tab. You’ll find the ‘Change’ button under ‘Virtual memory’.
- Uncheck ‘Automatically manage paging file size for all drives’.
- In the ‘Custom size’ area, set ‘Initial size’ and ‘Maximum size’ according to the physical memory available on your PC.
Remember to tap ‘Set’ then ‘OK’ to apply the changes. Restart your PC to have the newly adjusted settings come into effect.
Repairing Your Fortnite Installation
Fortnite’s in-built repair tool can effectively troubleshoot the “Out of Video Memory” error. The repair tool checks the game files for any discrepancies and fixes them automatically. You can access this feature through the Epic Games Launcher, in the Fortnite dropdown menu.
No worries, just dig in! I’m sure the error will find its resolve soon enough. Now let’s hop to another pile of solutions waiting for us.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Overclocking your graphics card, increasing your virtual memory, and using Fortnite’s built-in repair tool are all effective methods to fix the dreaded “Out of Video Memory” error. Remember, it’s important to proceed with caution when overclocking your GPU. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or do some in-depth research to ensure you’re doing it safely. With these techniques, you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite game in no time. Happy gaming!
1. What does the article suggest as a potential solution for the “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite?
The article offers several suggestions, including overclocking the graphics card to enhance performance, increasing the virtual memory in Windows, and using Fortnite’s in-built repair tool.
2. Is overclocking the GPU a recommended solution?
Yes, but with a caveat. Overclocking could help, but it might damage your hardware if not done properly. It’s advised to consult a tech professional or do thorough research before proceeding.
3. How can I increase virtual memory in Windows?
The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to increase virtual memory in Windows. Following these instructions should help enhance game performance.
4. What is Fortnite’s in-built repair tool?
Fortnite’s in-built repair tool is a feature that checks and fixes potential issues, including the “Out of Video Memory” error. The article explains how to use this tool in detail.