256 memory or 512 memory - does it really make a difference

[RaMDOM]

Right then I know that people say that on Graphics cards memory does not make a difference, it is what the GPU does, and I fully beleive them.

However I am now asking as I would like (read: need) to upgrade from my aging 6800GT. I have recently got a 20" wide screen monitor and while the 6800 renders most games at native (1050 x 1680) there are a few which are now struggling, such as FEAR, X3, Oblivion, Company of Heroes. With other games I am finding that I have to reduce my graphic options to less than I would like to get a smooth rate as well.

Thing is, I like to markedly upgrade when I do and have sworn to get a 512Mb card for my next purchase, like the 1900 or a 7900 variant. Thing is I now see the 1800XT for £150 on the OCUK site and keep thinking maybe I should buy that. But will I see that much difference over my 6800? Even though ir has the same amount of RAM, and then upgrade to a Dx10 card in a year and a half

The Dx10 cards are just around the corner. Should I wait and get one of them? should I wait until they come out watch the price of a 1900xt or 7900 fall and get one of them?

My cursor has hovered over the buy button for the 1800XT loads of times now but I am just not sure.

Man I have asked a load of questions - I hope someone will be able to answer even half of them.

 

[RaMDOM]

just seen the OcUK GeForce 7900 GTO SILENT 512MB GDDR3 for £199.74 what ya reckon? only £50 more than the 1800XT's. Would it be better paying the £50 and going for this card? Surely this would last me 2 years like the 6800.

 

[RaMDOM]

Shocked about peoples opinions and experiences with the 7900GTO's. Will take it on board though and will probably look at getting a 1900 variant.

Wanted to stick with Nvidia as switching to ATi will probably mean a system re-install just to be sure. but I am not that loyal - card previously was a 9500pro.

 

[RaMDOM]

I wouldnt go for the 7600GT, yer it will be faster than your 6800 but not enough to warrent the upgrade. I think it sits some where between the 6800GT and 7800GT. If I remember right your wont be gaining any new features either. I would be looking at cards with 3D05 8000+ to replace your card. So x1800xts 7900s x1900GTO, maybe even x1800GTO ( altho at OCers price for the x1800xt they are not worth it, not sure if the x1800GTO are cheaperelse where. )

Also is the rest of your system up to running games at high enough res to use the 512 video memory? For example 1Gig memory at least. CPU aint as important as long as it resonable.

The rest of my system is AMD64 3800, ASRock Dual SATA mobo, 2GB RAM single channel. should be fine for a new card I reckon. Really the only reason I want to upgrade is because of the new NEC Multisync 20WGX which I bought after reading to many OCUK forum threads - tis an expensive past time readin hardware forums!

Completely dismissed the guys post about dodgy stock, so don't worry. amazed that your response was so controlled Gibbo.

Think though that in this instance I am convinced to go for the ATi card. Now I just have to decide if I only want to spend £150 or £200+.