X1800XT 256MB VS 512MB verison question

[WOWchamp]

Do these two varients of the same card work any differently except for the VRAM??? Is the ram the same speeds on both, which would be the better choice... I can afford either and want to know which I should choose and why. The only thing I have found out on my own through benchies and google is that at 2048x(whatever it is) that the 512 cards seem to do better then the 256 cards.

 

[Vokofpolisiekar]

Well, if you can afford both, then the logical would be the bigger one?

With 512mb you can run better at higher res games. Plus games that support normal maps (i think it's called normal maps) will use 512mb, as these maps require bigger mb's space - though I still have to see quality proof that these normal (uncompressed) maps look better.

 

[WOWchamp]

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/858/14/page_14_final_thoughts/index.html

I dont like this review, I think its un accurate (I HOPE TO HELL IT IS ANYWAYS).


And I agree with you on the 512MB over the 256MB.. if the maps load into the VRAM then they wont be in my 2GB of system ram now will they.

 

[WOWchamp]

I really dont like this review... and it seems the people who wrote it have alittle trouble with reading and analysis

http://www.hardwarezoom.com/viewcontent.php?docid=269&page=13&doctype=Reviews

 

[Vokofpolisiekar]

512mb right now, today, has no advantage in terms of perfromance.

I'll use the definition of performance as such : higher FPS.

But, it might play a role in the not too distant future with a.) loading times (worse not better but it leads me to), b.) FPS consistency and c.) quality.

Remember that 256 has been with us for quite a while, so 512 will be the beno facto for future gcards. Already I've seen posts on 1gig of memory (valid or not - it will come).

If I'm talking crap -pardon me -DUTCH beer rocks!!!

 

[angry_ducky]

ever had belgian beer?

 

[Vokofpolisiekar]

Ummm , yeah, although I can't remember the damn name!!!! Aaargghhh...

Name a few....