Gaming with 256MB vRAM

[manveruppd]

I was looking at an upgrade, and was hoping to spend somewhere a little over £100 on the graphics. I thought I would go for one of those 512MB 3850s, but the cheapest ones I can find in stock are only marginally cheaper than te full-blown 3870s! I'm not too keen on a 3870, as you can get an 8800GT for only about a tenner more, but then you're spending £140 which is way more than my original budget.

So, if I were to go for a 256MB 3850, how much would that limit me at resolutions no greater than 1280x1024? I know it will still basically eat most games for breakfast, but I'm concerned about a few games that are known to be graphics hogs like, potentially, Crysis.

 

[easyrider]

256 mb is pushing it with the newer games even at that res.

I would plump for a 512mb card

 

[Quixote]

I'm not so sure. Bear in mind that the 'ultra' texture setting on many games is just for review benchmarks and geeks, often doesn't make that much real difference. That said, I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd rather have a 512 card. But I think good gaming can be had on 256 for a while yet. I mean, a lot of people lose sight of the actual game. If it's a fun, compelling title, you can have a great time, even if you have to turn the odd setting to medium. If it's just a glorified tech demo, or a great game from a genre you're not into, then who cares how it performs?
Also, it's easy to get drawn into the 'just a bit more' mentality & talk yourself into doubling your budget. Set yourself a budget you know you can afford, get the best available, then forget about it & get on with enjoying games.

 

[MoD_Callidus]

manveruppd,

I've been snaffling some reviews regarding the 3850's and tbh there was 2/3 fps diff from 256/512 and that's using "modern" games such as crysis et al. I wouldn't worry about it snoop around and if poss pick one up pre owned. just seen one end on auction for £80 incl del, and I've picked one up today from MM for £90 incl can't go wrong at those prices.

 

[no_1_dave]

World in conflict more then doubles in performance between 320mb and 640mb with high settings.
Taking that into account, i'd say over the next year there is no point in a "High End" 256mb card as max settings will need more then that making it pointless.

You should go for a 512MB card imo!

 

[gt_junkie]

Just sold my two 2900XT's on the bay and am using a single HD3850pro 256mb on my 24" Hyundai.

Performance has dropped but not massively.

very impressive card for the money.

I've seen some comparing the card to crossfired x1950pro's.

It's certainly around the same performance as my old overclocked 7950GX2.

gt

 

[MoD_Callidus]

it's not a high end card though, it's a mid range priced card ( assuming £50<> is low and circa £400+ is high ) everyone is banging on about crysis etc. look at far cry a game which is what 2-3 yrs old ? and did every game that came out after it match or surpass the level that far cry brought to pc gaming. nope

3850 is a popular choice, it's not high end but for some of us high end is not within our reach.

 

[geeza]

Me, id go for alphadog 8800GT 256mb £100 or
alphadog 8800gt 512mb £150

 

[Skyboat]

Were you looking through a crystal ball when you saw those prices?