How to Fix DaVinci Resolve GPU Out of Memory Error
When you encounter a GPU out of memory error while editing or color grading in DaVinci Resolve, it means your graphics card's VRAM has reached its limit or your project settings are too demanding. Follow the steps in this guide systematically to resolve the issue without interrupting your workflow.
Main Causes of GPU Memory Shortage
- Insufficient VRAM Capacity: Graphics cards with 4–6GB VRAM can run out of memory with 4K/10-bit footage, heavy grading, noise reduction (NR), and OFX plugins combined.
- Excessive Timeline and Decode Settings: 4K 60fps timelines and long-GOP/high-profile media (e.g., 10-bit H.264/H.265 with B-frames) raise memory pressure.
- Fusion and OFX Effects Accumulation: Stacks involving NR, lens blur, Super Scale, 3D/volumetrics can create VRAM spikes.
Impact and Solutions by Cause
| Cause | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Limit Reached | Memory spikes when combining high resolution with advanced effects | Temporarily switch timeline to FHD, disable NR/OFX, use proxies |
| GPU Processing / Decode Mode | Auto mode mis-selects or mismatches hardware decode vs GPU processing | Verify mode in Preferences ▶ Memory and GPU. Use NVIDIA=CUDA, AMD (Windows/Linux)=OpenCL, macOS=Metal. If Auto misbehaves, set manually and retest. |
| Fusion Node Stack | Multiple nodes (3D, volumetrics) and heavy OFX accumulate | Use Render in Place; generate intermediates to flatten complexity |
| Cache / Driver Issues | Corrupted cache or game-tuned driver profiles | Delete caches; install NVIDIA Studio (or vendor Pro) drivers |
Step-by-Step Solutions
Important — Change one thing at a time, test after each adjustment, and watch for what actually moves the needle.
- Temporarily Lower Timeline Resolution — Set Project Settings ▶ Timeline resolution to 1920×1080; test at 24/25/30fps.
- Generate Optimized Media or Proxies — Enable Playback ▶ Proxy Handling or run Generate Optimized Media; relink and test.
- Set Render Cache to Smart — Playback ▶ Render Cache: Smart; wait for blue cache bars to complete before playback/export.
- Disable Resource-Intensive Effects — In the Color page, turn off Temporal/Spatial NR, Lens Blur, Super Scale, etc., then re-enable selectively.
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Lock GPU Processing Mode (Platform-specific) — Preferences ▶ System ▶ Memory and GPU:
NVIDIA=CUDA · AMD (Windows/Linux)=OpenCL · macOS=Metal. If Auto falls back incorrectly (e.g., OpenCL on NVIDIA) or shows GPU warnings, set the mode manually and retest.
Multi-GPU: Start by testing with a single GPU selected; scale back up after the error is gone.Manually specify GPU processing per platform — NVIDIA=CUDA (Windows/Linux), AMD=OpenCL (Windows/Linux), macOS=Metal. -
Adjust Decode Options — In Preferences ▶ System ▶ Decode Options, toggle Use hardware acceleration for H.264/H.265.
Compare stability against proxies/Optimized Media on long-GOP 10-bit sources.
Why you might not see these options
Availability varies by Resolve version, OS, GPU/driver, and Studio vs Free. If missing or inconsistent, rely on proxies/Optimized Media and retest. -
Use Render in Place — Right-click heavy Fusion/OFX clips → Render in Place to create intermediates.
Tip: Source resolution setting
On newer versions (e.g., 18.6+), enable Render at Source Resolution to keep intermediates at native size when needed. - Clear Cache — Run Playback ▶ Delete Render Cache ▶ All and manually clean the media cache folder; then do a short test render.
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Use Studio/Pro Drivers — For video work, install NVIDIA Studio (or your vendor’s Pro/Studio) driver and reboot.
Why Studio drivers?
They prioritize stability and app compatibility for creative workflows, reducing random crashes and VRAM-related errors compared to game-tuned drivers. - Prioritize Single GPU in Multi-GPU Setups — Mixed-VRAM cards often conflict. Lock to your primary GPU first; re-enable others after stability is confirmed.
Special Cases and Additional Workarounds
- When Final Delivery Must Be 4K: Edit in FHD with proxies; switch back to 4K only for final export.
- When GPU VRAM Is Fundamentally Insufficient: Long 4K projects tend to be smoother with 8–12GB VRAM. With ≤6GB, rely more on proxies and Render in Place.
Warning — Noise reduction (Temporal/Spatial NR) consumes VRAM extremely fast. Apply it selectively only to essential shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the GPU out of memory error only occur on specific clips?
Those clips likely carry heavy Fusion nodes or OFX that spike VRAM. Use Render in Place to generate intermediates, or distribute effect layers and retest.
Does hardware decoding affect VRAM errors?
On long-GOP 10-bit sources (H.264/H.265), hardware decode can raise memory pressure. Toggle the option in Preferences ▶ System ▶ Decode Options and compare with proxies/Optimized Media.
Should I use Studio or Game Ready drivers?
Studio drivers are validated for creative apps and tend to be more stable for Resolve. Prefer Studio (or vendor “Pro/Studio”) drivers for grading and long renders.
Final Troubleshooting Checklist
- Temporarily lower timeline resolution and frame rate (restore before delivery)
- Generate proxy files or Optimized Media and retry
- Minimize heavy effects (especially Temporal/Spatial NR)
- Verify GPU mode per platform; set manually if Auto mis-selects
- Delete render cache and confirm with a short test render
5-Step Summary — Lower resolution → Proxies/Optimized Media → Minimize NR/OFX → GPU/Decode verify → Test render
Quick Fix Tip — For problematic sections, use Render in Place first, then export the full timeline.
Additional FAQ
Will lowering the timeline to FHD reduce final output quality?
Lower only during editing/preview. Before delivery, switch back to 4K and render; final quality remains 4K.
Can I use color noise reduction with only 6GB VRAM?
Apply NR sparingly to short sections at lower intensity. For stability, combine proxies with Render in Place.
References
- Blackmagic Design Support — DaVinci Resolve recommended settings and release notes
- NVIDIA Studio Drivers — Drivers validated for creative workflows
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