How does it work? (Xfire)

[arc@css]

Always wondered this but have yet not asked.

I hear that if you have 2gb of graphics memory (like on mine for example) you only get 1gb effective at any one time. That's no different to having a single 1gb 4870, in terms of memory at least. So what is the real difference that enables say a 5970 to deliver crushing frame rates over a 2gb 5850 (for example) ?

I assume it would be down to the number of ROP's and shaders? Other things aside from just the memory?

Ta.

 

[arc@css]

Thanks. Guessed it was something like that but never was really sure. I suppose the memory only really comes in to play at the higher resolutions. So a card with around 1.5gb would handle the 1920 or above res better, like the 480.