How much VRAM do i need for 1080p gaming?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

mc_dwang

Commendable
Aug 20, 2016
16
0
1,520
Hi guys, I'm looking to build my first pc in a few months. I got most of my parts down except I'm torn between choosing a graphics card. I'm currently looking at the GALAX Geforce GTX 1060 EXOC and the MSI GTX 1060 Gaming X 3gb. The MSI version is 20$ cheaper. I'll mostly be doing 1080p gaming.
Do I really need 6gb for gaming? or is 3gb enough.
PS i want this build to last a few years at least.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/tNxCzM
Heres my build if you guys are wondering. I would appreciate any feedback on my build. (BTW the budget for my build is $1500 AUD including monitor and excluding other peripherals.
Thanks Guys
 
Solution
rcald2000
I don't know if you'll ever exceed 3 GB of VRAM with only 1080p gaming but I wouldn't take the chance on a $1,500 AUD build, just to save $20. I would go for the 6 GB.
Sort by date Sort by votes
M

mc_dwang

Commendable
Aug 20, 2016
16
0
1,520


I've heard many good things about the MSI Gaming X cards but I'm not too sure about the manufacturer GALAX. I also love the twin frozr vi look. is 3gb going to be enough to play most games at 1080p for the next 4 years?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
loki1944

loki1944

Distinguished
Oct 31, 2013
1,662
3
20,765


I remember thinking my 512MB GT 8800 SLI would last me many years. Not so much. I would not bother too much worrying about future proofing your GPU; unlike CPUs, the GPU scene changes much more rapidly. Are there instances where you can hit a VRAM wall @1080p now? Yes there are, but they are few and easily avoided by lowering a few settings. When you're talking about lasting years, keep in mind that means ending up playing on very low settings or lowering the resolution later on. You're much better off getting what you can afford now with the understanding that if you want to maintain the same quality of graphical fidelity a few years from now you most likely will need to buy another GPU. Even my more top end 2013 setup with 780Ti SLI is showing its age after 3 years, so counting on a lower end card (generationally speaking) to maintain longer is very unlikely.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

burgessanthony

Dignified
Jun 27, 2012
3,016
4
13,960
4gb minimum Imo. I've seen plenty of instances of 3.5gb vram use even at 1080p. Buying a 3gbvram card designed for 1080p use is silly in 2016.

I should add that I have no idea for those games (just cause, bo3, doom, Wolfenstein TOB hits 2.9) whether less than 3gb would have killed performance, but for the sake of small change the 3gb is a poor choice. I have no idea why nvidia released it to be honest.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
rcald2000

rcald2000

Splendid
Nov 3, 2009
5,558
146
28,990
+mc_dwang I just thought of a good reason why you should opt for the 6 GB of VRAM; it'll allow you to utilize Nvidia SDR (Super Dynamic Resolution); resolution upscaling. You'll be able to see many details that would normally only be visible with a native 4k resolution monitor. I used to enable SDR on my wide screen 3440 x 1440 display. I could only tweak it up 2.5x, and not 4.0x, because VRAM limits wouldn't allow me. I would mainly use that feature in GTAV online.

+loki1944 I just noticed your signature. Do you have Ripjaw 4 memory, or do you have 4 way 980 TI SLI?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
loki1944

loki1944

Distinguished
Oct 31, 2013
1,662
3
20,765


Ripjaws 4. I have 2 way 980Ti SLI, 2 way 780Ti SLI , 390X (formerly 390X CF), and GTX 1070 systems. For VRAM there is no accurate way to see what is actually needed other than when you hit that stuttering wall; only thing that is shown in monitoring programs is allocated VRAM which isn't the same thing. @1080p and even 1440p for *most games* 780Ti SLI runs extremely well, but there are a few exceptions where that VRAM stutter happens such as GTA V completely maxed @1080p; then again 980Ti SLI only gets 30-40FPS on those settings so not really surprising. In other instances despite the VRAM advantage of the 390X CF the 780Ti SLI was actually a smoother experience overall (hence why I ditched the CF).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

majorgeneralalbeard

Honorable
Mar 28, 2018
38
0
10,560

I have a 1050 with only 2gb and i have no issues at 1080p. 3gb is more than enough for most games at this point. It should be still enough for a few years to come. Also when you end up upgrading in a few years you can use the 1060 along with your new one. I have a friend with a 1060 6gb and he says its overkill at 1080p.
Hope I helped
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom