Is there a big difference between 512 and 1 GB Memory?

[Cuddles]

Pretty much that is it. I'm thinking of picking up a 4870 and wanted to know if there was a big difference between 512 and 1 GB of memory. I'll probably end up picking up two and crossfire both of them.

 

[WR2]

It depends a lot on the game and the resolution being used.
For examples check out this review @ FiringSquad. http://firingsquad.com/hardware/sapphire_toxic_4870_review/default.asp
And @ TechReport http://techreport.com/articles.x/15651

 

[Shadow703793]

Like WR2 said, it depends on game and resolution and detail. If the resolution (1600*1200 or better) and detail (ie 4x AA. 4x AF) are high then 1GB might help out.

 

[aznguy0028]

i agree with what both posters above said. basically, if you want all the flashy details like AA/AF on max, a higher memory would be needed at higher resolutions. the only thing is be careful of what you buy.

there are cards out there like the 3870 1gb, as an example, don't be fooled by the 1gb. if the GPU does not have the horsepower to process all the extra frame buffers that the memory are holding, it's basically pointless. in the case of the 4870, the GPU has quite a punch, so the 1gb would actually be put to use at higher reso.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Excellent point. For example 4870 512MB > 8500GT 1GB

 

[jaguarskx]

Not a big difference:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/radeon-hd4870-1024_11.html#sect0

 

[meodowla]

More memory means, more bandwidth to use... It would be helpful in higher resolutions...

 

[Zenthar]

My rule of thumb is if you want/need to Crossfire, then get 1GB, if not 512MB is mostly enough.

If you don't Crossfire, by the time you reach resolutions high enough to max the 512MB (except for GTA4), the FPS will probably make it unplayable anyway. Then, if you want to play at high resolutions, you will need Crossfire, but the higher memory used would limit you if you only have 512MB.