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320mb enough or do I need more?

Columbo

Columbo

Columbo

Soldato
Joined
26 Mar 2007
Posts
9,140
Location
Nottinghamshire
Just about to upgrade from a x1950XT to the 8800gts.

Will the 320mb version be ok or does the 640mb version provide any performance increase. Gaming res will be 1280x1024, also might go 19" widescreen at some point in the near future (1440x990) so I might have to take that into consideration.


Cheers :D
 
For 1280* to 1440* resolutions 320MB should be fine. It's 1680* and above where I think memory limitations start to become more apparent.
 
The 320 is fine for pretty much anything at that res. The extra RAM only really starts taking effect with higher resolutions or silly amounts of AA.
 
I started noticing it at higher levels of AA in Oblivion, keep that fairly low like 2x, 4x then you shouldnt have a problem. Some games like source based you can crank it way up :D
 
Nice one. Is there any particular card out of them all you would recommend. I was just looking at the OcUK card and then overclocking it.

Would that be a good idea?
 
that would be fine. There's little point paying the extra for the slightly faster cards when you can overclock them yourself.
 
ManCuBuS said:
Nice one. Is there any particular card out of them all you would recommend. I was just looking at the OcUK card and then overclocking it.

Would that be a good idea?
Click to expand...

Go for one with a proven RMA record! An EVGA if you could find one would come very recommended by myself as you can Overclock it and change the Cooler and still be covered :D Quite good if you ask me.

Tbh they cant tell though, I recently RMA'd a Point of View card via another etailer and that card had the cooler changed and was clocked. Unfortunately to my own error I broke the card :( but we live and learn. That RMA took 27days at the manufacturer but they dont take direct returns, you must do it via your etailer. Since the OCuK one is by Point of View I would assume a similar experience.

OC versions of the cards in my eyes are pretty pointless as you can easily clock them yourself on Riva Tuner to the desired level. Like I ran @ BFG OC2 levels, so 580Mhz core and 850Mem and everything was fine. they all tend to clock well so far so I would expect similar results.
 
It all depends on the games that will be released how the handle GPU memory, there are already some games that use >500MB of GPU memory at 1280*1024 today like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Test Drive Unlimited.

But you can always choose to lower some settings to get good performance with a 320MB card.
 
LoadsaMoney said:
Id just get a 640mb now seen as they are around the same price as the 320's.
Click to expand...

Seriously? A 640Mb for around £200? Awesome :D I'll have to go do some web-browsing!
 
Best I could find for 640 was about £230 (all out of stock or pre-order) - basically the same as OcUK seems to be.

I'm almost tempted to put the extra £30-50 towards a 640 instead of a 320, as I'll be gaming at 1680x1050 when I upgrade. But then I keep telling myself that the 320 will be more than adequate and I can always upgrade at a later date if I really feel the need for that bit more power!
 
div0 said:
Best I could find for 640 was about £230 (all out of stock or pre-order) - basically the same as OcUK seems to be.

I'm almost tempted to put the extra £30-50 towards a 640 instead of a 320, as I'll be gaming at 1680x1050 when I upgrade. But then I keep telling myself that the 320 will be more than adequate and I can always upgrade at a later date if I really feel the need for that bit more power!
Click to expand...

Definately do that if you can afford to :)

Especially at the prices the 640mb is now, believe me you will reap the benefits later on
 
I think I've decided on the 640mb. I've just been browsing the ol monitor market and seen what looks like some quality 22" ers for very little of my hard earned moola, so with that in mind 640mb it is.

Thanks for the help. Just waiting for "this week only" to change now just in case they knock the price down on a monitor or card. :D
 
ManCuBuS said:
I think I've decided on the 640mb. I've just been browsing the ol monitor market and seen what looks like some quality 22" ers for very little of my hard earned moola, so with that in mind 640mb it is.

Thanks for the help. Just waiting for "this week only" to change now just in case they knock the price down on a monitor or card. :D
Click to expand...
My choice exactly, 640Mb will give you the added benifit of higher resolutions and frame rate... ;)
 
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