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How to Enable Resizable BAR on HP OMEN for Better GPU Performance
Jessica Childres
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October 19, 2025
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What is a Resizable BAR?
Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is a PCIe feature that allows your CPU full access to GPU memory, boosting gaming performance by up to 15% in supported titles. HP OMEN systems with NVIDIA RTX 30/40-series or AMD RX 6000/7000-series GPUs support this performance-enhancing technology.
Introduction
Improving your performance can make a significant change to your overall computing experience, whether you’re a professional gamer, graphic designer, or university student. Enabling Resizable BAR can provide faster load times, increased picture quality, enhanced gameplay, and more—benefits that UK gamers and creative professionals are increasingly discovering as they push their systems to new limits.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to optimise your GPU performance with Resizable BAR and discover which OMEN computers are compatible. Using this feature can enhance the overall experience and performance for a wide variety of users, making it the perfect addition to any gaming or creative setup. From competitive esports enthusiasts to content creators producing high-quality video content, this technology represents a meaningful step forward in GPU efficiency.
What is Resizable BAR?
Resizable BAR (Base Address Register) is a breakthrough function that allows full and immediate CPU (Central Processing Unit) access to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) memory, which results in faster load times, enhanced picture quality, and a boost in gaming performance. This function provides the CPU with access to the entire GPU memory buffer at once, resulting in less lag, increased frame rates, and enhanced performance.
In modern computing, it’s essential to have a reliable CPU and an advanced GPU, whether you’re using the computer for gaming, graphic design, photography, or anything in between. Enhancing communication between your processing units allows for less lag and reduced downtime, helping you save time whilst working and game more competitively. For UK users working in creative industries or pursuing competitive gaming, these performance gains translate directly into improved productivity and better results.
The Technology Behind Smart BAR (AMD) and Resizable BAR (NVIDIA)
Both NVIDIA and AMD support this technology, though they use different names:
- NVIDIA: Resizable BAR
- AMD: Smart Access Memory (SAM)
Both implementations achieve the same goal: removing the traditional 256MB memory access limitation that has constrained GPU performance for years. This standardised PCIe feature represents a significant advancement in how modern graphics cards communicate with system processors, delivering tangible benefits across gaming and professional workloads alike.
Understanding Resizable BAR Technology
A computer’s PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is the high-speed pathway that connects vital information from one component of the computer to another. The Resizable BAR is an advanced function of the PCIe interface, and enabling it allows faster, more efficient communication between the CPU and GPU, providing users with enhanced capabilities and an exceptional user experience.
How Resizable BAR Transforms Performance
Traditional BAR Limitations:
- CPU can only access 256MB chunks of GPU memory at a time
- Multiple requests needed for large textures and assets
- Creates bottlenecks in data transfer
- Results in stuttering and lower frame rates
With Resizable BAR Enabled:
- CPU accesses entire GPU memory buffer (up to 24GB on high-end cards)
- Single request for large game assets
- Eliminates data transfer bottlenecks
- Smoother gameplay with higher, more consistent frame rates
The Resizable BAR can improve GPU performance by allowing the CPU to see and request the entire VRAM buffer, rather than breaking requests into smaller 256MB chunks as traditional settings do. This dramatically improves texture streaming, reduces pop-in, and enhances overall visual fidelity. The technology essentially removes an artificial constraint that has existed since the early days of PCIe graphics cards, allowing modern hardware to communicate more efficiently.
Real-World Gaming Benefits
Gamers will see substantial benefits from using the Resizable BAR function as it allows for entire game scenes to load simultaneously, reducing texture pop-in and improving overall smoothness. With a traditional BAR, the game typically only loads assets visible on the current screen and struggles to catch up as you move through the game world. With Resizable BAR enabled, the game can instantly access much larger portions of game data, including:
- Complete texture maps for entire levels
- Character models and animations
- Environmental details and effects
- UI elements and menus
- Shader cache data
This creates smoother gaming, eliminates texture streaming stutters, delivers better pixel quality, and results in a more immersive, responsive experience that lets you focus on winning, not waiting. UK gamers playing demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Microsoft Flight Simulator, or the latest Call of Duty releases will particularly appreciate the reduction in texture streaming issues and the overall improvement in frame time consistency.
OMEN System Compatibility and Requirements
Hardware Requirements for Resizable BAR
Most newer model computers can support this function, though it’s important to note that older models or computers with older GPUs may not meet the requirements. Here are the minimum specifications:
GPU Requirements:
- NVIDIA: GeForce RTX 30-series or newer (RTX 3060 and up)
- AMD: Radeon RX 6000-series or newer (RX 6600 and up)
- Intel Arc: All Arc A-series GPUs
CPU Requirements:
- Intel: 10th Gen Core processors or newer
- AMD: Ryzen 3000-series or newer
Motherboard Requirements:
- UEFI BIOS with Resizable BAR support
- PCIe 3.0 or newer (PCIe 4.0 recommended)
Compatible OMEN Systems
The sleek and impressive HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop easily supports this function with its powerful GPU options:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (24GB GDDR6X)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER (16GB GDDR6X)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti (12GB GDDR6X)
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24GB GDDR6)
Whilst these systems already deliver incredible graphics capabilities, users can enhance their experience by enabling the Resizable BAR function to unlock additional performance gains and reduce any remaining bottlenecks.
Additional compatible GPU configurations include:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (12GB GDDR6X)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (16GB GDDR6)
- AMD Radeon RX 7600 (8GB GDDR6)
The built-in thermal management, expansion capabilities, and optimised airflow make this one of the best gaming desktops for enthusiasts. Enabling the Resizable BAR feature on this system will take your gaming to the next level and provide a truly immersive, stutter-free experience.
For laptop users, the HP OMEN 16 supports Resizable BAR with the following GPU configurations:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (16GB GDDR6)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (12GB GDDR6)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6)
These mobile powerhouses provide users with crisp picture quality and lightning-fast refresh times. Users with older OMEN 16 models should refer to the OMEN BIOS setting guide to verify Resizable BAR capabilities.
Checking Your System’s Compatibility
Whilst newer desktops and laptops typically support this modern GPU feature, it’s essential to verify compatibility before enabling. You can check compatibility through:
- Your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings
- NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software
- GPU-Z utility (free download)
- Windows Device Manager
Taking a few moments to verify compatibility will save potential troubleshooting time later and ensure you’re ready to enable the feature successfully.
Step-by-Step Resizable BAR Enablement Process
Pre-Flight Check: Verify System Requirements
Before enabling Resizable BAR, ensure your system meets all requirements:
Step 1: Check Windows Installation Mode (UEFI vs Legacy)
- Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, press Enter
- Look for “BIOS Mode” in System Summary
- It should say “UEFI” (not “Legacy”)
Step 2: Verify GPT Partition Style
- Right-click Start button, select “Disk Management”
- Locate the disc containing your C: drive
- Right-click the disc number (not the partition), select “Properties”
- Click the “Volumes” tab
- Check “Partition style” - it must say “GUID Partition Table (GPT)”
If your system uses Legacy BIOS mode or MBR partition style, you’ll need to convert to UEFI and GPT before Resizable BAR can be enabled. This process requires backing up your data and performing a clean Windows installation, so it’s worth checking these prerequisites before proceeding.
Enabling Resizable BAR in BIOS
For OMEN Desktops and Laptops:
- Enter BIOS:
- Restart your computer
- Press F10 repeatedly during boot (or ESC then F10)
- Enter BIOS password if prompted
- Navigate to Advanced Settings:
- Use arrow keys to navigate to “Advanced” tab
- Look for “System Options” or “PCIe Settings”
- Enable Required Settings:
- Enable “Above 4G Decoding” (must be ON)
- Enable “Resizable BAR” or “Re-Size BAR Support”
- Some systems may show “Smart Access Memory” for AMD GPUs
- Save and Exit:
- Press F10 to save changes
- Confirm and restart
The BIOS interface may vary slightly depending on your specific OMEN model, but the core settings will be found in similar locations. Don’t worry if the exact menu names differ slightly—look for PCIe or graphics-related advanced options.
Verifying Resizable BAR Activation
For NVIDIA GPUs:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel
- Click “Help” → “System Information”
- Look for “Resizable BAR” - it should show “Yes”
For AMD GPUs:
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition
- Click Settings (gear icon)
- Select “Graphics” tab
- Check “Smart Access Memory” status
Using GPU-Z (Universal Method):
- Download GPU-Z from TechPowerUp
- Run GPU-Z
- Look for “Resizable BAR” in the main window
- It should show “Enabled”
Verifying activation is crucial—simply enabling the BIOS setting doesn’t guarantee the feature is working if other requirements aren’t met. Take the time to confirm proper activation before benchmarking performance.
Advanced Configuration with NVIDIA Profile Inspector
For fine-tuning Resizable BAR settings per game:
- Download NVIDIA Profile Inspector from GitHub
- Run as Administrator
- Navigate to Common Section:
- Find “rBAR Features”
- Set to “Enabled”
- Configure rBAR Options:
- Select profile with best performance
- rBAR Size Limit: Usually “0x0000000400000000”
- Apply Changes and restart
This advanced tool allows experienced users to customise Resizable BAR behaviour on a per-game basis, which can be particularly useful for optimising older titles or working around compatibility issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Resizable BAR Not Showing in BIOS:
- Update BIOS to latest version
- Check motherboard manufacturer’s website
- Ensure GPU firmware is updated
Performance Degradation After Enabling:
- Some older games may perform worse
- Disable per-game in NVIDIA Profile Inspector
- Update game to latest version
System Instability:
- Verify all drivers are updated
- Check power supply adequacy
- Reset BIOS to defaults and re-enable
If you encounter persistent issues, HP’s support resources can provide additional assistance specific to your OMEN model. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re experiencing difficulties.
Performance Optimisation and Tuning
Monitoring Performance with OMEN Gaming Hub
The OMEN Gaming Hub provides vital information and an impressive toolkit to ensure you’re operating at full strength. Use it to measure the performance difference before and after enabling Resizable BAR:
- Open OMEN Gaming Hub
- Navigate to Performance Monitor
- Run benchmark with Resizable BAR disabled
- Enable Resizable BAR
- Run benchmark again and compare results
If you notice any issues after enabling this feature, the OMEN Gaming Hub’s diagnostic tools can help identify what’s causing the problem. The hub provides real-time monitoring of GPU usage, temperatures, and frame rates, making it invaluable for performance tuning.
Compatibility with Other Performance Features
You’ll want to verify compatibility with other customisable gaming features:
- GPU Overclocking: Works perfectly with Resizable BAR
- CPU Overclocking: No conflicts, may enhance benefits
- XMP/DOCP Memory Profiles: Recommended for best performance
- Game Mode/GPU Scheduling: Compatible and complementary
Whilst there are many ways to customise your gaming experience, it’s important to keep system stability in mind. Monitor temperatures and ensure adequate cooling when combining multiple performance enhancements. UK users should be particularly mindful of ambient room temperatures during summer months when additional cooling may be beneficial.
Customising Per-Game Settings
If you find that some games improve from this function whilst others do not, you can customise settings per game:
- In NVIDIA Profile Inspector:
- Select specific game profile
- Adjust rBAR settings for that game only
- Save profile
- In AMD Software:
- Navigate to Gaming tab
- Select specific game
- Toggle Smart Access Memory per title
This granular control allows you to maximise benefits where they exist whilst avoiding potential issues in titles that don’t benefit from the technology.
Professional Workload Benefits
Whilst enabling this feature benefits all users, certain professionals will see enhanced advantages:
- Content Creators: Faster timeline scrubbing in Premiere Pro
- 3D Artists: Improved viewport performance in Blender/Maya
- Live Streamers: Reduced encoding latency
- Game Developers: Better performance in Unreal Engine 5
- Photo Editors: Smoother operation with large RAW files
For UK creative professionals working in video production, 3D rendering, or game development, these workflow improvements can translate into hours saved over the course of a project. The reduction in viewport lag when scrubbing through 4K timelines or manipulating complex 3D scenes is immediately noticeable.
Best Practices and Optimisation Tips
Regular Maintenance
- Keep drivers updated:
- GPU drivers monthly
- BIOS updates quarterly
- Chipset drivers as released
- Monitor system health:
- Check temperatures regularly
- Verify performance metrics
- Run stability tests after changes
- Clean installation recommended:
- Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) when updating GPU drivers
- Ensures clean Resizable BAR implementation
Regular maintenance ensures that you continue to benefit from Resizable BAR and other performance features. Set reminders to check for updates, as both NVIDIA and AMD frequently release driver optimisations that can further improve Resizable BAR performance.
Maximising Benefits
- Pair with fast storage: NVMe SSDs complement Resizable BAR benefits
- Ensure adequate RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended for best results
- Use high-speed RAM: DDR5 or fast DDR4 (3200MHz+) recommended
- Keep Windows updated: Latest updates include optimisations
The combination of Resizable BAR with fast NVMe storage creates a particularly powerful synergy—games can load assets from storage quickly, and the CPU can immediately access the entire GPU memory buffer to utilise those assets. This holistic approach to system performance delivers the best overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Resizable BAR work with my older GPU?
A: Resizable BAR requires NVIDIA RTX 30-series/AMD RX 6000-series or newer. Older GPUs don’t support this feature at the hardware level.
Q: Can I enable Resizable BAR on a laptop?
A: Yes, if your laptop meets the requirements. Most OMEN gaming laptops from 2021 onwards support it, though you should verify your specific model’s compatibility.
Q: Does Resizable BAR work with all games?
A: Whilst enabled system-wide, benefits vary by game. Most modern titles show improvement, but some older games may not benefit or could see slight degradation. Testing your favourite titles is recommended.
Q: Is Resizable BAR the same as SAM?
A: Yes, Smart Access Memory (SAM) is AMD’s implementation of the same PCIe Resizable BAR feature. The underlying technology is identical.
Q: Do I need to enable Resizable BAR for both GPU and motherboard?
A: Yes, it must be enabled in BIOS and supported by your GPU for the feature to work. Both components must support and enable the feature.
Q: Will enabling Resizable BAR void my warranty?
A: No, enabling Resizable BAR through BIOS settings does not void your HP warranty. It’s a supported feature on compatible systems.
Q: How much performance improvement should I expect?
A: Performance gains vary by game and system configuration, typically ranging from 0-15% in supported titles. Some games may show no improvement, whilst others can see significant gains.
Conclusion
Enabling Resizable BAR on your HP OMEN computer unlocks significant performance benefits that can transform your gaming and creative experience. Whether you’re a competitive gamer seeking every possible advantage, a content creator demanding smooth performance, or a professional requiring optimal efficiency, this feature delivers tangible improvements that you’ll notice immediately.
The beauty of Resizable BAR lies in its simplicity—it’s free performance waiting to be unlocked in your system. With modern OMEN systems fully supporting this technology, you’re just a few BIOS settings away from enhanced frame rates, reduced stuttering, and a more responsive computing experience. For UK users who’ve invested in high-end gaming hardware, enabling this feature ensures you’re extracting maximum value from your system.
Once you enable this feature, it’s a good idea to continually monitor your system performance through OMEN Gaming Hub and run regular performance testing to ensure everything is operating at peak efficiency. This keeps your computer in optimal condition and helps you maximise the impressive capabilities of your OMEN system. Consider benchmarking your favourite games before and after enabling Resizable BAR to quantify the improvements you’re experiencing.
Ready to unleash your OMEN’s full potential? Enable Resizable BAR today and experience the difference that optimised GPU communication can make. Your games will run smoother, your creative applications will respond faster, and your overall computing experience will reach new heights. From the competitive gaming arenas to professional creative studios across the UK, this technology is helping users achieve better results with the hardware they already own.
For those looking to upgrade their entire gaming setup, explore HP’s range of gaming computers, monitors, and accessories to build the ultimate high-performance system. When every component is optimised—from Resizable BAR-enabled GPUs to high-refresh displays—you’ll experience gaming and creative work at its absolute best.
