computer upgrades part 2

So, if im upgrading a video card, and my processor/motherboard states that its DDR3, I should stick with a gpu that's DDR3 correct?
If I go up or down to DDR2 or DDR5 would that effect performance?

Thanks again for replies

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System memory and video memory are two different things. Unless you are using an integrated graphics processor on the motherboard chipset that steals system memory.

Currently GDDR5 is the video memory of choice due to it's speed.

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$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components

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Good lil informative guide
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6142716/index.html

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Reading this thread and thinking about my original question I have a better understanding of the question id liked answered (thank you for the help that you all have given me).

My cpu doesn't "need" specific memory per se on my gpu. If I buy a card that's DDR5 the processor will be able to function properly. Now, if I was buying RAM id need to stick with specific memory (in this case DDR3) for the processor to read the memory. Correct?

And if that's true, is there a noticeable performance difference between DDR3 and DDR5 gpu's?

Last question. Might I have to plug a power connection directly to the gpu? And are there such things as external power supply units?
Id rather not have to install a new psu in the tower if I can use one externally (im not techno saavy)!

Again, thanks for helpin.

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To put things simply

If you are upgrading system memory - that fits on the motherboard so fit whatever the motherboard requires. This has nothing to do with graphics memory.

If your graphics card supports memory upgrades (I'm not aware of any current generation cards that do) then the video memory fits on the graphics card - fit whatever the card requires. This has nothing to do with system memory.

The same goes for any other card which has memory - sound cards, memory expansion cards - (do they even still do those?) ram disks etc - the memory will fit on the card and will need to be that which the card requires. This has nothing to do with system memory.

There is absolutely no issue with using a graphics card which has DDR1/2/3/4/5/6 or whatever on a motherboard which takes DDR3 memory - or on one which takes any other type of memory for that matter.

Modern graphics cards except bottom end ones will almost certainly require a power connection. Most PSUs have dedicated connectors to plug into this - if your's doesn't it probably won't have the power to drive a modern system so should be replaced.

External PSUs are available but replacing the existing one - assuming you're not using an old Dell is simple - undo up to 4 screws, remove old psu, screw new PSU in place, swap connections from old PSU to new one - apply power - job done.
Its best to tie the cables back so they don't obstruct air flow but you can worry about that later.

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"is there a noticeable performance difference between DDR3 and DDR5 gpu's"

If its the exact same card, with the same memory/processor clock speeds, yes, but seeing a performance difference will depend on the game as well.

A higher # DDR card might be actually slower in performance if its memory/processor clocks are slower. Don't worry about which one you buy, just get the best card you can afford based on overall performance.

Here's a ranking chart you might wanna look at.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...rd,2857-7.html

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