VRAM size - what about the other specs?

[ninjag]

Was just wondering about VRAM and the focus tends to be on the amount of VRAM being priority. But can a lesser amount of VRAM be ok if the memory interface width and bandwidth is higher?

For example, 8GB VRAM with a 256-bit interface and 448.0GB/s bandwidth vs 12GB VRAM with a 192-bit interface and 360.0GB/s bandwidth. Which would perform better, does application matter etc?

 

[ninjag]

Ok so I feel like all the previous answers have just over complicated what is a relatively simple answer.

The card with the faster VRAM and bus etc will perform better than a card with slower VRAM/bus even if it has more vram providing the cards vram capacity is not exceeded. Once VRAM capacity is exceeded then performance will drop considerably. Faster VRAM and larger bus will not allow for more data to be stored in the same about of VRAM

This is the part I was wondering about. If it's going slightly over the capacity, can the faster bus etc not clear it etc quick enough to compensate? But I'm guessing that at best that might only be the case if it's only going very slightly over, whereas several GB over would be a problem?

 

[ninjag]

I think it was the 3060 which prompted my interest with this and that's where I got the numbers from in my opening post.

The 3060 Ti had 8GB VRAM but it was 256-bit with 448.0 GB/s bandwidth, whereas the 3060 with 12GB of VRAM was only 192-bit and 360.0 GB/s bandwidth. But I'm sure the reviews said the 3060 Ti performed better despite the lesser VRAM, although I'm not sure if other factors were at play such as GPU clock speeds etc.

 

[ninjag]

A sensible conversation about vram. Let me check I’m on the overclockers forums.

oh oh, am I playing with pandora's box or something?