Memory size on graphic cards.

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AnotherAsian

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I was planning on getting a new Nvidia graphics card for my PC after realizing my current one was a bit obsolete (it was an 8 series). So, I was scrolling over to the nvidia website when I happened upon a graphics card I like: It was a 220 GT (Better than the one I have and cheaper too....I'm poor). However, Nvidia showed me two different versions of it: A 512-MB one and a 1GB one. The one I have is a 512-MB.

So, all I am asking is what is a Memory size within a graphics card? And if I have a 512-MB one, do I need the same or can I upgrade?

ALso, this is optional, but did I choose a decent card? I wanted a cheap, affordable one with better qualities than the one I have.
 
The memory inside a graphics card if I'm not mistaken is the amount of memory put off seperarely JUST for GFX. So instead of it eating up your RAM it comes pre loaded with it's own memory. Correct me if I'm wrong please >.<

~R3D
 
R3D is correct, basically. What card did you have previously, an 8800? 8600? 8500?

Honestly, I would save up more money before buying a new card, a 220 isn't really worth it.
 
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Well, there's also the case where I'm planning on giving my old card to my friend who has an obsolete desktop, so i need to know if it can work on any computer as well

EDIT: and to answer ur question FreakingHell, it was an 8300 GS/8600 GT
 
A lot of people mistake GDDR ram and DDR ram. You would think upgrading from 512MB to 1GB with an identical card would be a huge upgrade, but it's not as much as you think.

A higher frame buffer on the GPU will be more demanding in the future, so 512MB is soon to be outdated. As for now, it's fine.

More ram does help when you turn on filters like AA/AF, and at higher resolutions.

But, for example, a 4870 512MB VS 4870 1GB. With a resolution of 1440x900 and 0x AA/AF the FPS difference would be around 1-3 which isn't much.

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=2684&cid=3&pg=6


Also, use this site to compare other important specs between cards.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php
 
If you want a card for about the price of the 220 i would look at the ATi 4670, it is better for the money.

Graphics card memory is where the data being used the generate frames (the thing you see) is stored. More memory= more place to store data= potentially better framerates.

Only newer games can take advantage of anything more than 512mb.

Also the card has to be able to keep up with the amount of memory it has. The 220 would probably not be able to use of 1gb anyways. Its like your car, if you have a 1 liter engine and you set your carburetor to dump in 5 liters of fuel it wont be able to use all of it, so it wont help preformance. Now if you had a 5 liter engine then the 5 liters of fuel would help. Kinda get it?


Lame analogies aside the 220 512mb should be fine, but again, i would look at the Radeon 4670


Hope that helped even a little
 
If i were you, I'd invest in a 4670 like reflex said or possibly a gt 240, as both will run you about the same (the 240 may be 10-15 bucks more depending on the model) and will deliver good performance for an inexpensive card.
 
My bro has the GT 240, and it is more than adequate for source games. It could probably play COD too, albeit with some settings turned down
 
reflex99 said:
My bro has the GT 240, and it is more than adequate for source games. It could probably play COD too, albeit with some settings turned down
Click to expand...

not the greatest card, but probably adequate for the original poster's needs.
 
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People really underate it...

He has TF2 maxed out at 1024x768 (i know its lame res) at 70ish fps. I think thats pretty good for $90

But if your going to spend ~$100 on a GPU right now i would get a ATi 5670
 
reflex99 said:
People really underate it...

He has TF2 maxed out at 1024x768 (i know its lame res) at 70ish fps. I think thats pretty good for $90

But if your going to spend ~$100 on a GPU right now i would get a ATi 5670
Click to expand...

I would definitely encourage him to stay away from HIS though. And a 4850 is worth the extra $15.
 
Thanks for the suggestions people, I actually got an ATi Radeon 4670 like the one Reflex mentioned, and for a great offer too. Found one at $69.99. Hope its worth it.
 
yeah, it's the DDR3. Hope I can play my games in somewhat full resolution now.

Just wondering, I can play mass effect, dragon age, bioshock, borderlands, left 4 dead, and TF2 in high resolution/settings, right?
 
The (G)DDR3 one is SIGNIFICANTLY faster than the DDR2 one. Good buy there.

You should be able to play those games at max res (1440x900?) no problem, but you might have to turn down the details and stuff.

Hope you like your purchase :D
 
The memory listed on the card is the extra memory that will be added to your system. I have 8GB on my sticks, and then 512mb on my card. My 9800 does the job and only cost $120-ish.

If I waited to buy my card now, I would have gotten something in the 1GB range.
 
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