Hardware Spec Index

Resizable BAR (ReBAR) Explained: Requirements and Benefits

Graphics · Updated · First published · By the Hardware Spec Index editors

Resizable BAR is a PCI Express capability that lets the CPU map the graphics card's entire VRAM into its address space instead of accessing it through a 256 MB window. AMD markets its implementation as Smart Access Memory.

Key facts

Full nameResizable Base Address Register
Default BAR window256 MB
AMD nameSmart Access Memory
BIOS settingsUEFI boot, CSM off, Above 4G Decoding on, ReBAR on
Typical gain0–10% depending on the game

How it works

Without ReBAR, the CPU transfers data to the GPU through a fixed 256 MB base address register window, moving it in many small chunks. With ReBAR, the window can cover all VRAM, so large transfers such as textures can be written directly.

Requirements

ReBAR needs a supported CPU, motherboard firmware, graphics card and driver. In the BIOS, the system must boot in UEFI mode with the Compatibility Support Module (CSM) disabled, and both Above 4G Decoding and Resizable BAR must be enabled.

Performance

Gains vary by game, from none to around 10 percent; a few titles run slightly slower, which is why some drivers enable it per game. Some graphics architectures rely on ReBAR heavily and lose significant performance without it.

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Highest normalized benchmark index among Graphics Cards, Motherboards in our database that match this guide. Rankings are data, not reviews.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if ReBAR is enabled?

Your GPU control panel or system information tool lists Resizable BAR status.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to enable ReBAR?

Only if Windows was installed in legacy BIOS mode; it must boot in UEFI mode, which may require converting the disk from MBR to GPT.

Does ReBAR work with older GPUs?

It requires firmware support on the graphics card; some older cards received updates, many did not.

Can ReBAR reduce performance?

In a small number of games, yes, which is why drivers may enable it selectively.

Is Smart Access Memory the same as ReBAR?

Yes, it is AMD's name for the same PCIe feature.

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Cite this page: Hardware Spec Index, “Resizable BAR (ReBAR) Explained: Requirements and Benefits”, https://vextor7.com/topics/resizable-bar (accessed 2026-10-22).