Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Noob Question: 256 / 512 / 1024 MB - is there a rule to help me choose

Noob Question: 256 / 512 / 1024 MB - is there a rule to help me choose

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Noob Question: 256 / 512 / 1024 MB - is there a rule to help me choose

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flhockeyplayer   03-14-2008 at 05:09:34 PM

Is there a simple rule to help choose the right amount of memory for a new GPU?

Basically I'm a moderate gamer (mostly MMO's, BF2142 and BF-2), I plan on upgrading to a 22 or 24" monitor with resolutions under 1600 x 1200. Also, I'm building a budget system around either a e2180 or e4300/4500 (TBD).

Finally - I was considering either a 8600 or 8800 GT (for budget reasons), but if you've got another recommendation I'd also appreciate it.

Thanks for your advice!


Message edited by flhockeyplayer on 03-14-2008 at 05:11:44 PM
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Bronze Graphics badge mousemonkey   03-14-2008 at 05:26:52 PM
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512, middle of the road, 256 is not enough and a gig won't be used. For your monitor I would go 22" which at a native resolution of 1680x1050 would suit an 8800GT perfectly IMHO.


Message edited by mousemonkey on 03-14-2008 at 05:28:48 PM
------------------------------ [:mousemonkey:1] http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5041/vr2009champ.jpg
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flhockeyplayer   03-14-2008 at 05:40:27 PM
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Thanks MM - 512 it is!

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Bronze Graphics badge mousemonkey   03-14-2008 at 05:46:53 PM
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Glad I could help. :)


Message edited by mousemonkey on 03-14-2008 at 05:47:24 PM
------------------------------ [:mousemonkey:1] http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5041/vr2009champ.jpg
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spotless   03-14-2008 at 06:23:47 PM
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or 9600 oc version, the zotac amp reviewed beats 88GT

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Bronze Graphics badge jay2tall   03-14-2008 at 06:29:41 PM
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So get an 8800Gt OC....

------------------------------ Big Brother Rules with an Iron Fist
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Bronze Graphics badge jay2tall   03-14-2008 at 06:31:13 PM
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To OP. I would say 512 is the norm. 1GB is like high resolutions that you will probably never need, maybe dual scree setups. 256 I'd say is low res like 1024x768 type, 1280x1024 maybe. Anything 1280x1024 on up I'd say 512 should be your course.

------------------------------ Big Brother Rules with an Iron Fist
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mactronix   03-14-2008 at 08:39:29 PM
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Listen to the monkey :D
Mactronix

Message quoted 1 times
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Bronze Graphics badge mousemonkey   03-14-2008 at 08:47:34 PM
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:lol: Thanks mactronix

------------------------------ [:mousemonkey:1] http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5041/vr2009champ.jpg
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Bronze Graphics badge jay2tall   03-14-2008 at 09:11:04 PM
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mactronix wrote :

Listen to the monkey :D
Mactronix


He even has glasses, so he has to be smart.

Message quoted 1 times
------------------------------ Big Brother Rules with an Iron Fist
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Bronze Graphics badge mousemonkey   03-15-2008 at 12:45:03 AM
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jay2tall wrote :

He even has glasses, so he has to be smart.


:lol: Or just blind.

------------------------------ [:mousemonkey:1] http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5041/vr2009champ.jpg
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crusoe74   03-15-2008 at 02:01:50 AM
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Unless you play at 1280 x 1024 or less you need 512Mb these days

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T8RR8R   03-15-2008 at 02:45:58 AM
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8600GT is a NO NO, 9600GT that'd be fine though. 8800GT hells yeah, and the 8800GTS512 is becoming more affordable after mail in rebates.

 

No real benefits to 1GB and 256mb cards kind of suck now days, so 512 is it.


Message edited by T8RR8R on 03-15-2008 at 02:46:55 AM
------------------------------ DFI DK P45 T2RS: e8400: TRUE 120: PowerColor 4870: OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 1066: Zalman 1000w PSU
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FrozenGpu   03-15-2008 at 02:46:26 AM
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well 512 is just enough, like MM said 1 gb is just too much for what u do... so i would have to say its a good idea

Reply to FrozenGpu
skywalker9952   03-15-2008 at 05:01:34 AM
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Well like everyone else has said, 512 is really the amount you need unless you are doing dual monitors or really high res gaming (1920x1200 or higher)

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kpo6969   03-15-2008 at 06:15:11 AM
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This may not apply in all cases, but a simplified rule:
vram = 2x the memory bus

Only an opinion

------------------------------ P35-DS3L Rev 2 bios F9C l E8400 @ 3.6Ghz @ 1.232v l OCZ Vendetta 2 /LGA775 Bolt-Thru l 4GB G.Skill 8800PI@1000mhz 4:5 @ 1.87v l WD3200AAKS 320GB l Evga 8800GTS 512 l X-Fi Xtreme Music l Corsair HX520 l Antec Sonata III 500 l Vista32 SP2 l Win7 X64 7600
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