Video cards - question

[ColoradoSkier]

I know the other day I said I was happy with my video card, but one thing I am wondering about are the 512MB boards. Specifically, if we have, say, an ATI Radeon x1650 pro with 512MB of vRAM, and a x1650 XT with 256MB vRAM, which will perform better, given the difference in clock speeds between the Pro and the XT (XT supposed to be a bit faster)?

Anyone running a 512MB card (non-SLI) in their machine?

[Snotty]

Type of memory, pipes, GPU etc all have a hand in it.

Check out Tomshardware.com and compare the cards on their VC charts.

[Jake_Blues]

I know the other day I said I was happy with my video card, but one thing I am wondering about are the 512MB boards. Specifically, if we have, say, an ATI Radeon x1650 pro with 512MB of vRAM, and a x1650 XT with 256MB vRAM, which will perform better, given the difference in clock speeds between the Pro and the XT (XT supposed to be a bit faster)?

Anyone running a 512MB card (non-SLI) in their machine?

Definitely get more processor and memory speed before you pony up for the 512 meg of memory. Most games right now won't even use more than 256 anyway, and more memory doesn't really = faster frame rates, unless the video card has to swap textures in and out of memory, which won't happen much if ever with 256mb.

-E

[IoN6]

Yes, I have the Radeon X1900XTX for the simple reason I wanted the best when I bought it. Some games require 512MB for all the features to be turned on. The only one that I personally know of is Quake 4 but I am sure there are others.

If you are going to buy something, buy the best you can. Because in 3-6 months something faster will be coming out. So why would you waste your money on something that already has a faster counter part on the market?

[lilgreenjeepyj]

If you are going to buy something, buy the best you can. Because in 3-6 months something faster will be coming out. So why would you waste your money on something that already has a faster counter part on the market?


What he said... Things change so fast with PC hardware. I say pick one that makes you happy, and stop looking for a while because you will find something better for less if you don't.


I run a 256Mb single card, but couldn't swing a 512mb card.

[ColoradoSkier]

I get all that, just wondering if 512MB is worth it more than 256 with a slightly faster clock. When price points are similar, you have to wonder (or at least I do) which would suit you better.

[IoN6]

Your original question is not an apples to apples comparison. The Pro vs XT even if they were both 256MB cards is still not an equal comparison. If you are asking if a slower clocked more memory card is going to out perform a faster clocked lower memory cards then that is simple. The XT is going to win.

On top of that the 16xx series of cards is mediocre at best. I hate to say it but it you are going to look for a mid range card to look at nVidia. Another good low buck card is the 1950 Pro's that can be had for sub $200.

[Snotty]

I get all that, just wondering if 512MB is worth it more than 256 with a slightly faster clock. When price points are similar, you have to wonder (or at least I do) which would suit you better.

Only if you looking at the same card, just with more memory. But to many other varibles come into play looking across a spectrum of cards. GPU, Pipes, Clock Speed, Type of memory, Card Bus, etc etc etc...