GPU Upgrade; GTX 770 2GB vs 4GB

[Ground Zer0]

Afternoon Guys/Gals,

I'm in the final stages of upgrading my PC for the some upcoming epic games *coughs Rome II TW* decided on my build based on some help here and some uber-nerdy friends, the only thing I haven't decided yet is whether to spend an extra £50 on a 4GB GTX 770 rather than a 2GB version.

I've researched this online and most recommendations for a 4GB GPU are for when you are using multiple screens at crazy-high resolutions. I still can't make my mind up though as I see it as a fairly small amount (considering I'm already spending £350) to future-proof my GPU for the next few years (won't be buying another for at least 2 years) plus Total War games have always required large amounts of memory be it RAM or vRAM to run them.

Here are the two GPU's I was looking at on Overclockers;
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-030-IN
^ Not sure if Inno3D are a good make tbh ^
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-180-GW
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-201-MS

Would appreciate any help or advice you peeps could give me

Thanks,
James

My future specs are as follows if it helps;

1920 x 1080p
i7 4770k 4.2GHZ
Asus Z87A
Corsair Vengeance 2 x 4GB

 

[Jaxem]

At 1920x1080, i can't imaging ever even fully using 2 GB of vRAM, even for crazy games like that. Like you said, it's all about future proofing and knowing your own buying impulses. Is there any chance you might go to a higher res monitor or add a second for multi-screen? if not go for 2GB, if there is a chance, go up to 4GB, but don't really expect to see any benefit until you go bigger or more screens.

 

[Ground Zer0]

Ok thanks guys, I'm in the UK so we have a few different makes over here, decided to go for the 4GB Gainward 770 which seems to surpass other 4gb 770's around the £400/$600 mark; http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-180-GW

Appreciate the advice and support

Many Thanks,
James

 

[Ground Zer0]

By the time you need over 2GB at 1080p, the 770 will be old and slow. It is not fast enough to drive the settings that need 3 or 4 gigs of vram. You are fine sticking to the 2GB card.

Of course, if peace of mind is worth the extra money to you, go for 4GB. Just be aware that outside of niche stuff like modded skyrim, it won't really have any practical benefit.

Ok thanks, appreciate the honesty at any rate

 

[batesman87]

The correct answer is rome 2 uses more then 2gb of vram...I have 2 gtx 760 2gb cards in sli and I run out of vram...the game actually tells me this... so I just bought a 4gb 770. And will get a second soon...I only play total war games...Nothing else...you need more then 2gb...no benchmark shows what 13k soldiers bunched up on screen looks like...so...im gonna test it with 4gb now. My processor is an i7 4790k