How to increase graphics memory in Mac OS running as a client in VMware?

Solution 1:

VMware's knowledge base article, Setting Custom Video Memory Size in Fusion, shows the setting to change:

Setting Custom Video Memory Size in Fusion

There is no way to choose a different video memory size through the user interface. It must be done by editing the virtual machine settings (.vmx) file. For more information, see Editing the .vmx file for your Fusion virtual machine (1014782).

Add this line to the .vmx file:

svga.vramSize = value_in_bytes

where value_in_bytes is the desired memory size in bytes

The .vmx mentioned in the article is hidden within your virtual machine's bundle. To find the file to edit, right-click (or Control-click) on your virtual machine in the Finder and select Show Package Contents.

Solution 2:

If you have installed OS X on VMWare workstation for Windows, you need VMsvga2. Install that .pkg file inside OS X and you'll see a noticeable change in the animations.

You'll also find updated versions of VMsvga2 for Mavericks inside Files section. You are required to install all required patches & updates for everything to work.

Solution 3:

Be sure to take a snapshot before you install SVGA2. On my MacVM the SVGA2 driver kills a couple programs like iPhoto and Safari. Now I can't find a way to remove it. Dummy me for not taking a snapshot because I was in a hurry.