A system and method for facilitating access to graphics memory wherein the graphics memory can be shared between a graphics processor and general system application. The method includes detecting an idle state of a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU uses graphics memory operable for storing graphics data. The method further includes determining an amount of available memory of the graphics memory of the GPU and signaling an operating system regarding the available memory. Memory data transfers are then received to store data into the available memory of the graphics memory wherein the data is related to general system application. Memory accesses to the available memory of the GPU are translated into a suitable format and executed so that the graphics memory is shared between the GPU and the operating system.