512mb or 256mb

Gaygle · 21 Dec 2006 at 17:06

I know there is a lot of threads about the X1950 pro (AGP) so i won't bother asking, but i just wanted to know whether 512mb Sapphire would be better than a 256mb HIS x1950. Basically i will be playing at 1280x1024 and obviously want as much AA and AF as poss.

Is it worth getting the Sapphire 512mb (that is on offer) or waiting for the HIS 256mb one?

Cyber-Mav · 21 Dec 2006 at 17:11

better off with the 256mb version

Gaygle · 21 Dec 2006 at 17:12

Ok, cheers, just read through some other posts and found my answer!

Thanks all the same!

LoadsaMoney · 21 Dec 2006 at 19:11

Yeah at that res 256mb or 512mb wont make a differnce.

holyeagle · 25 Dec 2006 at 10:53

Can anyone shed more lights on why a 256mb is better than a 512mb? I thought some demanding games do require more video rams even though in the same resolution.
Thanks

Rroff · 25 Dec 2006 at 11:09

Currently not many games make use of more than 256Mb of video memory even in high quality (a few do NEED 512Mb in ultra quality) the resolution doesn't make much difference to the requirement for 256Mb or 512Mb or the straight up fps performance when your only loading say 64Mb of data...

There isn't a huge amount of difference between those 2 cards, the 256Mb version has a slightly higher core clock and slightly faster memory clock but not enough to make more than a few fps difference... maybe 400 points difference in 3D Marks 06 maybe not even that.

Traditionally a 512Mb card would have slower memory than a 256Mb card of the same model but thats not the case generally with new cards...

I'm not an expert on ATI x1950 pro cards, but it looks to me like the 512Mb one would clock up to the same speed as the other one no hassle... only difference might be in the noise made by the cooler.

ACESHIGH · 25 Dec 2006 at 11:23

holyeagle said:
Can anyone shed more lights on why a 256mb is better than a 512mb? I thought some demanding games do require more video rams even though in the same resolution.
Thanks

Its not better, but the 256MB version is probably the better choice at the res the OP will be playing at. At 1280x1024 the 256MB card will be cheaper & not hindered by the lower amount of memory.

Slap · 25 Dec 2006 at 11:32

I know the His cards have been special built for OCUK and if you check the specs they utilize faster memory and Core speeds than there Sapphire counterparts; but on the other hand, they are a lot more expensive.

I'm going for the HIS 512mb card in January hopping that OCUK do a special on them.

Cyber-Mav · 25 Dec 2006 at 12:49

it all depends on price. if you get a very good deal on a 512mb card then go for it. otherwise its just gonna be a waste of money really if there is a big gap between them in price.

e.g x1950pro, 256mb card costs £115, and 512mb card costs £140 the added price increase of 25 quid to me would be worth it since i play at 1600x1200 on my crt and also games like GRAW will benefit from the added memory. it is very game dependant and rez dependant.

but for someone who plays at 1280x1024 or even hooks the card up to a lcd tv to run at 1280x720 ot 1360x768 the 256mb card would be more than adequate since it will save money.

it all comes down to how much money you want to part with. but being realistic, the 512mb x1950pro is only 25 quid cheaper than a x1950xt, so for the extra cash you get a more sizeable performance increase which will be noticed in every game.

Cyber-Mav · 25 Dec 2006 at 12:50

Slap said:
I know the His cards have been special built for OCUK and if you check the specs they utilize faster memory and Core speeds than there Sapphire counterparts; but on the other hand, they are a lot more expensive.

I'm going for the HIS 512mb card in January hopping that OCUK do a special on them.

for that price i would just add in the extra 20 quid and get the x1950xt

holyeagle · 25 Dec 2006 at 13:31

Cyber-Mav said:
for that price i would just add in the extra 20 quid and get the x1950xt

Ooops...I am talking about AGP interface, if there is X1950XT on AGP, then no doubt people do not have PCIE will go for it.

Slap · 25 Dec 2006 at 13:44

Yes ironically it would seem that AGP users are forced to pay a premium for this older technology....I suppose it comes down to supply and demand and sale quantities; or at least I hope so.

Cyber-Mav · 25 Dec 2006 at 20:23

ahh for agp then the x1950pro is the best option, but iv seen 512mb sapphire x1950pros [The rules are the rules - Minstadave] so thats the best card to go for.

Bane · 25 Dec 2006 at 21:52

I need to find which sites you check prices on.

LoadsaMoney · 25 Dec 2006 at 22:08

Bane said:
I need to find which sites you check prices on.

Has to be from here, as prices quoted from elsewhere are rule breaking, mind you saying that its mav, he always quotes prices from elsewhere and the Dons do nothing about it for some reason, he's the only one can do it. :confused:

ins0mn1ac · 25 Dec 2006 at 22:41

LoadsaMoney said:
Has to be from here, as prices quoted from elsewhere are rule breaking, mind you saying that its mav, he always quotes prices from elsewhere and the Dons do nothing about it for some reason, he's the only one can do it.

lol... now now

Minstadave · 25 Dec 2006 at 23:20

LoadsaMoney said:
Has to be from here, as prices quoted from elsewhere are rule breaking, mind you saying that its mav, he always quotes prices from elsewhere and the Dons do nothing about it for some reason, he's the only one can do it.

I'm onto it

LoadsaMoney · 25 Dec 2006 at 23:26

Minstadave said:
I'm onto it

Thats one down then.

Minstadave · 25 Dec 2006 at 23:58

LoadsaMoney said:
Thats one down then.

If you're RTMing posts and they're not getting sorted drop me an email and I'll look into it

I don't get GFX RTMs at the moment but I can get them added to my list.

LoadsaMoney · 26 Dec 2006 at 11:56

Minstadave said:
If you're RTMing posts and they're not getting sorted drop me an email and I'll look into it I don't get GFX RTMs at the moment but I can get them added to my list.

Roger that.