Confused by GTX580

[Lolcb]

Hi guys, I am confused by 2 different types of GTX580, one is 1.5k memory the other 3k memory, may I know what are the main differences between this 2 card and which is better purchase?

 

[cmndr_andi]

The difference is really just the memory.

If you plan to run a really high res monitor (ie a 2560x1600 one) or multiple monitor then the 3GB version is a good bet. However, if you plan to run games at 1920x1200 or less then the standard 1.5GB version should be fine.

 

[harmony]

If you plan to just get a single card then it makes little difference between the 1.5GB version and the 3GB version.

However if you plan to go SLI in the future you might want to consider the 3GB version, ans some games already started using more than 1.5GB vram under 1920x1200. (e.g. Shogun 2, GTA4 with ENB mod, BF3 beta, Crysis 2, Civilization V etc)

 

[david_129]

3gb makes no difference on one single 24"...

 

[marc1024]

3gb will be useful for later games. 1.5gb is useful for current games.
Bf3 is pushing anything under 1.5gb to its limit, i suspect other future games will to.

 

[mmj_uk]

IMO you'd be better off getting the 1.5Gb and sticking the money saved in the bank towards the next generation of cards, by the time 3GB VRAM makes any significant different there will be much better GPU's available.

 

[pat_c]

Much better GPUs isn't that much further away if you wanted to invest in the extra ram premium.