Differece Between 6950 1GB and 2GB?

[imtiax]

What is the Differece Between 6950 1GB and 2GB?

Will having 2GB of the Memory in the Card give me more FPS in games?


MSI 6950 1GB $244.99

MSI 6950 2GB $289.99

Is it worth shelling out that Extra $45 for the 2GB Edition?

 

[imtiax]

I have a 21.5" Monitor Gaming at Resolution 1680x1050. Using a DVI Connector. I guess I'll pick up a 1GB Version

 

[kajabla]

Yep.
Incidentally, bigmack, the 2gb version is the only one that can unlock. It's not just more likely.

 

[imtiax]

Well...With the 1GB Version, will I be able to play most games in max settings? Like COD? MW3? Counter Strike?

Basically those top of the charts popular games?

 

[imtiax]

It is possible to unlock the 1GB Version...

"
Update 2: Above method is only for 2 GB HD 6950 reference design cards. If you have a custom design or 1 GB card, then use RBE to modify your existing BIOS. "

From http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/vidcard/159

 

[kajabla]

"Learn something every day": you said it
The 1gb's definitely the right choice regardless. Unlocking is a little risky, though. Go for it if you want a challenge and maybe $100 of performance for free!

 

[esrever]

get the 1 gb, there is no difference in gaming performance at your resolution.

 

[omega21xx]

Yep.
Incidentally, bigmack, the 2gb version is the only one that can unlock. It's not just more likely.

[strike]The 1GB versions do unlock. You just can't with the usual 6970 bios flash. You edit the shaders and clocks yourself with an editor since the bios vary to much between the reference 6970 and the non reference 1GB 6950's[/strike] sorry, didn't read the whole tread first

With a decent OC you can reach within a few frames of the 6970 so unlocking the shaders is somewhat pointless anyway.

 

[kajabla]

Close to a stock 6970, yes, but not an OCed 6970.

 

[omega21xx]

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140843

Here's a good comparison. That way the OP can decide if they are willing to try it.

It also shows that a 6950 at 6970 speeds is only 3% behind in FPS. So you can push them about the same as long as the card allows.

 

[imtiax]

Gonna go for a 1GB Version....Thanks ^. But Now to decide which brand to pick.

 

[imtiax]

Best answer selected by imtiax.