How much Graphic memory do i need

[saumya]

Hi,
I'm building a pc primarily for gaming purpose.
I'm buying a 20" monitor with 1600X900 resolution and buying an hd4870(sapphire)...

While reading through forums, i came to know that memory needed on graphics card is proportional to the resolution being used. My question is whether i need a 1gb version of 4870 for this resolution or 512mb would be enough.I'm running on a tight budget and can't afford to spend and extra money for nothing because that cash saved would be used to buy a better cpu...

BTW i plan to buy an x2 550... if i save money i can buy an x3 720...

My current build plan is

x2 550
asus m4a78-em
sapphire hd 4870
4gb ddr2 ram 800mhz
500gb wd(32 mb cache)
20'' samsung lcd
altec speakers and logitech mouse...


Any kind of suggestions are welcome

 

[flyinfinni]

At 1600x900 resolution, you do not need 1gb of VRAM. You'll be fine with 512mb. I'm running 512mb 4870 at 1920x1080 with no issues so far with games like Mass Effect and Unreal Tournament 3 etc. at max graphic settings. However, unless you found a really good deal on the 512mb version, my quick check just now actually shows the 1gb version being about the same price as the 512mb, and then obviously, 1gb makes more sense in terms of longevity.

 

[MARSOC_Operator]

512mb GPUs are obsolete, if you are buying one today make sure it has 1GB at least.

 

[saumya]

@flyinfinni
if longevity refers to a higher resolution monitor, than believe me dude i'm not gonna buy a new monitor with this rig.
Difference is about 1k bucks in inr(indian rupees)

@MARSOC_Operator
Thats why my question is resolution specific, i found in my searches that larger amount of VRAM contributes nothing if used with low resolution...


Thanks for prompt replies...

One more thing, a little offtopic though, is there a better processor in am2+ socket for similar price because anyway i'm buying an am2+ motherboard...

 

[MARSOC_Operator]

@flyinfinni
if longevity refers to a higher resolution monitor, than believe me dude i'm not gonna buy a new monitor with this rig.
Difference is about 1k bucks in inr(indian rupees)

@MARSOC_Operator
Thats why my question is resolution specific, i found in my searches that larger amount of VRAM contributes nothing if used with low resolution...


Thanks for prompt replies...

One more thing, a little offtopic though, is there a better processor in am2+ socket for similar price because anyway i'm buying an am2+ motherboard...

I do not think that 1600x900 is "low" resolution... You don't have an old 17 inch CRT, so you are definitely going to benefit from 1GB. Besides that, nowadays the price difference between a 512mb and a 1gb card is quite irrelevant.

 

[saumya]

Thanks for your help...
I'll definitely buy a 1gb version then...

Now i'm off to cpu section for help...