GTX 770 2GB vs 4GB?

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sean_kelly

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Feb 8, 2014
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So I'm about to build a new gaming computer, and I was wondering if it's worth spending an extra £50 ($80) on a card with an extra 2GB of VRAM. These are the 2 cards:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GeForce-DirectCU-Graphics-Express-Display/dp/B00CY5GP08/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1391900808&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+770

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D4KCSHG/?tag=pcp0f-21


I don't really plan on more than 1080p for the foreseeable future, but I may want to use 2 (or even 3) monitors at some point.
 
Solution
TF2Suika
Chances are, unless you get an insane overclock, you're never going to use more than 2GB of VRAM off of the GTX 770. The reason as to why is because a lot of the time, the GPU runs out of horsepower before it runs out of VRAM. This is evident in the fact that all benchmarks between the two cards are identical on all resolutions, including a triple monitor resolution. However, if you ever plan on putting the card into SLI (which I don't recommend doing unless it's an upgrade, not an immediate option), your GPU will have enough power to plow through more than 2GB.

tl;dr - If you don't SLI, get 2GB. If you are going to SLI in the future, then yes, the 4GB would be worth it.

(Source of benchmarks -...
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TF2Suika

TF2Suika

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Feb 8, 2014
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Chances are, unless you get an insane overclock, you're never going to use more than 2GB of VRAM off of the GTX 770. The reason as to why is because a lot of the time, the GPU runs out of horsepower before it runs out of VRAM. This is evident in the fact that all benchmarks between the two cards are identical on all resolutions, including a triple monitor resolution. However, if you ever plan on putting the card into SLI (which I don't recommend doing unless it's an upgrade, not an immediate option), your GPU will have enough power to plow through more than 2GB.

tl;dr - If you don't SLI, get 2GB. If you are going to SLI in the future, then yes, the 4GB would be worth it.

(Source of benchmarks - http://alienbabeltech.com/main/gtx-770-4gb-vs-2gb-tested/3/ )
 
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Solution
iam2thecrowe

iam2thecrowe

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Jul 4, 2010
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http://www.anandtech.com/show/6994/nvidia-geforce-gtx-770-review/18

http://alienbabeltech.com/main/gtx-770-4gb-vs-2gb-tested/3/

all your questions answered in those 2 articles.
 
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sora

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Oct 30, 2013
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Yes if you have dual monitors/want them in the future
 
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Yuki Core

Yuki Core

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Aug 1, 2013
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That's what I thought too, until I ran into Ubisoft, they use the VRAM for texture caching, and oh boy... they have no mercy on 2GB card owners. Even with the lowest settings the game will use all of the VRAM and stutter very often. And there are games which continue to do so.

I never would have thought I needed more than 2GB VRAM for 1080p gaming. But well, I guess I have to upgrade my poor 770 soon. Bought it just 1 year ago.
 
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Fretten

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Dec 25, 2014
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marzyta

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Aug 30, 2013
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I was stupid and bought 2GB VRAM 770.
Of course SLI, because SLI is faster than Titan for cheaper price.
and now most modern games do not perform well because they need more VRAM, Shadow of Mordor up to 6GB.

I was stupid because I believe that 2GB VRAM is enough, most of people on several forums were writing a year ago that you will never need more than 2GB.
and I believed them.

I use one 1440p monitor.
 
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Keith LC

Keith LC

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Jan 31, 2015
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2gb VRAM over a year ago and the reviews people keep posting links to were valid THEN. ALmost any game being published requires a min of 2gb VRAM and that 4gb 770 will now take advantage of that 4gb. You run those same benchmarks between the 2gb and 4gb models today with the latest games and the difference will be phenominal.
 
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FunSurfer

FunSurfer

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Oct 26, 2009
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Yes, exactly!
We need to see more newer benchmarks with MINIMUM fps like this:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Middle-earth-Shadow-of-Mordor-Benchmarked.127392.0.html

where you can clearly see that lower VRAM models take bigger hit at ultra settings 1080p. Look at the 290x which retain the same performance ratio going from high to ultra compared to the 780ti big minimum hit at ultra.
I also have to note that things are more complicated, like the stuttering of Far Cry 4 at any VRAM amount, or lower fps in Borderlands the Pre Sequel when there are a lot of PhysX effects.
 
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