1440 X 900 native res, more than 512 MB memory useless?

[Xzar]

I have my eyes on the 4870 512 MB card since Tomshardware rates it as the best buy at 130$.

However, they rate the 1 GB version of that card as the best buy for 145$.

I would like to keep the new video card for at least 2 years. 2 years in the future, will 1 GB memory offer any advantage over 512 MB memory at a 1440 X 900 resolution?

15$ is not a lot of money, but if the 1 GB memory is not needed then I'll put the 15$ on a better power supply or something.

 

[mindless728]

well, i would get the 1GB model since who knows, you may get a 1080P or higher monitor sometime

though if you can spare $400, i would wait and et the 5870 (sept 23rd-ish release)

 

[HibyPrime]

In two years the extra memory will definitely make a difference. Right now, the only game that will make any significant difference at that resolution with over 512mb of ram is GTA4.

However, it's still smarter to wait until after ATI releases the 5xxx series. They are supposedly releasing a 5700 series, and even if it isn't in your price range, it'll probably still lower prices on other cards.

 

[coozie7]

Some games (GTA IV for one) already benefit form the extra memory, so I'd say it would be $15 very well spent.

 

[paperfox]

Kind of a tough question but I think it can all boil down to whether or not you use anti aliasing. I personally always buy the version that has the most ram because it could help out 2-3 years down the road.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

If you're looking at a long term purchase, then you have to consider that they are going to use more and more complex shaders (more extensive use of DX10+ shader code) as well as greater use of buffers, both of which mean more VRAM usage.

Also if you plan on using any compute shader functionality (starting to exploit in OCL & DX11) then you will see greater use of more memory on card. This will also relate to using the memory for things like Havok Physics if they ever really start doing something with that.

For $15 you'll feel better having it than regretting it later. If it was $100, then you could just sell & re-buy later, $15 just doesn't make as much of a difference.

Also you may decide to get a better monitor later, or plug it into a 1080P TV at some point too, why limit yourself for essentially the cost of a meal at Mickey-Ds ?

 

[redgarl]

There is no difference at anything beside 1900X1200... so you basically only need it for a resolution of 2560X1600.

 

[redgarl]

Some games (GTA IV for one) already benefit form the extra memory, so I'd say it would be $15 very well spent.

First off, GTA IV is badly ported to the PC architecture...

And secondly, it's the only game that really need it...

 

[HibyPrime]

First off, GTA IV is badly ported to the PC architecture...

And secondly, it's the only game that really need it...

He's asking about being future proof - ie. buying for now and later and not just the next two weeks.

 

[mactronix]

For the differance its a no brainer, get the 1GB card

Mactronix

 

[Mousemonkey]

He's asking about being future proof - ie. buying for now and later and not just the next two weeks.

If it's 'future proof' the OP really wants then they should sign up.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Nah man, implants are so 'of the moment', truely future proof doesn't require an implant, you simply use EM to influence the cortex without requiring implantation, so essentially a headset that remotely influences the electrons in the cortex without touching it. MMmmm sweet !!

 

[Raidur]

For $15 it is 100% worth it. Other games will still show a slight improvement, even if it is just a few FPS.

+1 4870 1GB

 

[Mousemonkey]

Nah man, implants are so 'of the moment', truely future proof doesn't require an implant, you simply use EM to influence the cortex without requiring implantation, so essentially a headset that remotely influences the electrons in the cortex without touching it. MMmmm sweet !!

In tests nine out of ten microwaved test subjects said they didn't prefer it! :lol:

 

[soundefx]

$15 isn't worth the sacrifice.