Open-source Linux tool turns Nvidia GPU VRAM into swap space for memory-constrained laptops

A GitHub project called nbd-vram lets Linux users allocate Nvidia GPU memory as a swap device, using CUDA and the kernel’s Network Block Device driver. The tool is aimed at laptops with soldered RAM and spare VRAM, with one test setup using 7GB of VRAM to expand effective memory alongside zram and SSD swap.

This reflects a growing push to repurpose underused hardware resources as memory demands rise on fixed-configuration systems. While VRAM swap is unlikely to match real RAM and may carry latency or stability tradeoffs, it could be useful for developers, AI hobbyists, and power users trying to stretch older or non-upgradable machines.

Use your Nvidia GPU's VRAM as swap space on Linux