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Do I need 4gb graphics memory if I'm only running two monitors?

Tags:
  • Laptops
  • Graphics
  • Monitors
  • Memory
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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March 5, 2014 11:00:22 AM

So I'm currently running a laptop, but will be buying my new PC in the next couple of days (Partlist here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/34b1E ) I've lately had my laptop hooked up to another monitor for a dual screen setup, which I've fallen in love with. The monitor I have now is 1600x900 and the new one I'm buying (Which will be the main one for my new PC) is 1080p.

I plan to only use the second for minor things like web browsing, and when gaming I'll keep the games on the main screen, maybe have a video playing on the second one. Do I really need 4gb for this though? I've seen people suggest at least 4gb for dual screen setups, but I'm wondering if they mean gaming with two screens at once, not what I'm doing.

More about : 4gb graphics memory running monitors

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a b D Laptop
a b C Monitor
a c 82 } Memory
March 5, 2014 11:04:17 AM

No, not for gaming on a single monitor and using a 2nd for utility. 2GB is more than you'll use in most games @ 1080p today.
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a b C Monitor
March 5, 2014 11:12:37 AM

You really only need more than 2gb if you are playing games on 3 monitors or 1600p+ (and run in SLI)... For a single 1080p 2gb is plenty. Nice build btw, looks good just switch it to a 2gb video card.
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a b C Monitor
a b } Memory
March 5, 2014 11:13:49 AM

Nah, 4GB is really a lot. It makes sense if you are gaming at high resolution (such as 2x1080p and beyond), and even still it only becomes a major concern if you apply very demanding filters. Scenarios such as 2x 1080p 4xMSAA + SSAO may break the 2GB barrier frequently, and make that extra 2GB a good idea.
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