Video Card RAM For GR
By
Father Xmas,
Posted on: 2010-01-14 21:41 in ALL ACCESS Gameplay Technical Issues Bugs
Quote:
If your price limit is $100, read here: http://hardocp.com/article/2010/01/1...hd_5670_review|
Originally Posted by Kheldarn
So, it looks like I'll be getting a new compy with 2009's tax return. It should handle GR just fine, in and of itself. However, I know I'll need a new video card. Currently, I'm using a BFG 6200 OC 256MB PCI card. I don't think that the 256 MB Video RAM will cut it for Ultra Mode.
I don't expect to be able to spend much more than $100 for a new card, and even then, it may have to wait, depending on fundage. Looking at NewEgg's listing for the 9800 GT, I notice that it comes in two "flavors": 512 MB Video RAM and 1 GB Video RAM. Obviously, the 1 GB VRAM will be superior, but if funds dictate that I can't afford that, will a card with 512 MB VRAM work? Thanks in advance!  |
Also, don't get too hung up on video memory size. The speed of the memory and the system bus, as well as the bit-width of the memory bus are also important components.
Just because a video card comes with a full gig, or two gigs of ram... does not mean that it can actually use that video memory. Okay, yes, most of the rebadged 8800 GPU's, such as the 9800 series and the GTS 250, and the GT 240, can utilize more than 512mb video memory.
The next question then becomes screen size. If you are only pushing 1650*1080 or a lower resolution, don't bust your wallet going for the largest memory sizes. Only go for the larger memory sizes if your starting resolution is 1920*1200 or higher.
Problem is that the HD 5670 is slower than the 9800GT (but faster than the 9600GT or the GT240) and since nVidia slashed the price yet again, an 9800GT can be had for as little as $75 after rebate.
The upside is the HD 5670 requires less power (no need for "external" power) and does support Dx11.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
Quote:
difference between supports and runs, which is something Kyle looked at with Dirt 2. The 5670 blows past the 240 when running the DX10 shader path, but wasn't exactly blazing fast when asked to do the tessellation from DX11. |
Originally Posted by Father Xmas
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also, I just pointed to the link for it to be read, because there's another factor to consider. The RadeonHD 4850 is in the $100 bracket.
And that's capable of cruising past the top-of-the-line 9800 GTX, which still are at the $120 mark or higher.
Quote:
Well of course, the card is doing hardware tessellation on top of all the same work done by the Dx10 path. You don't get tessellation for free.|
Originally Posted by je_saist
difference between supports and runs, which is something Kyle looked at with Dirt 2. The 5670 blows past the 240 when running the DX10 shader path, but wasn't exactly blazing fast when asked to do the tessellation from DX11.
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Quote:
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also, I just pointed to the link for it to be read, because there's another factor to consider. The RadeonHD 4850 is in the $100 bracket. And that's capable of cruising past the top-of-the-line 9800 GTX, which still are at the $120 mark or higher. |
That Sapphire model looks sweet at $100.
And BTW, you forgot to toss in the GTS250 with the 9800GTX+ cards, they are essentially the same.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
And I can attest that the 4850 on Windows 7 and a quad core processor can run COH at max settings with very good framerates! I don't know how it will act with GR obviously, but I know it can definitely make this game look much more amazing than you've been seeing it!
At least it did for me! for the one day I had it all! 
@The Omega Elementress
Currently playing Project Willow lvl 50 DB/WP Incarnate Shifted Scrapper
I don't expect to be able to spend much more than $100 for a new card, and even then, it may have to wait, depending on fundage. Looking at NewEgg's listing for the 9800 GT, I notice that it comes in two "flavors": 512 MB Video RAM and 1 GB Video RAM. Obviously, the 1 GB VRAM will be superior, but if funds dictate that I can't afford that, will a card with 512 MB VRAM work?
Thanks in advance!
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