1gb ddr2 128 bit vs 512mb ddr3 256 bit

[e-mann3]

Which is better? 1gb ddr2 128 bit vs 512mb ddr3 256 bit video cards?

 

[seerwan]

depends on the resolution... the Video Ram only makes a difference in two ways:-

1 - min frame rates.
2 - being able to play on higher resolutions.

u need about 1 GB to play on 1980x1080, which is Full HD, but it think a 512 MB will still run, though on an inferior level.

but up to 1680x1080, 512 MB and 1 GB cards wont make a difference on the max frame rate or the average, only on the minimum.

1 GB ram is always preferred, however, 1gb ddr2 128 bit vs. 512mb ddr3 256 bit, id choose 512mb ddr3 256 bit.

Specific graphics cards from each would be more helpful, though.

Tc.

 

[shayan08]

with no thinking 512 gddr3 256bit is better one but with same core. that's not a good way to compare vga card. benchs are better!

 

[jyjjy]

For gaming you are going to want to avoid any DDR2 128-bit card at this point. That doesn't mean a 256-bit DDR3 one is necessarily good however. We would need to know what card you are talking about.

 

[mactronix]

Depends on stuff already mentioned, What cards exactly and what do you want them to do but ball park up to 1680x1050 for gaming then its GDDR3 512 256 bit any day.

Mactronix

 

[flyinfinni]

512 is really perfectly capable at 1920x1080 resolutions (given a proper GPU like the Radeon HD 4870). Its really only above that it makes a huge difference. There will be some performance difference at 1920x1080, but not generally a crippling one.

 

[unkoil]

just a question what if its a 1g ddr3 128 bit should you still stick with the 512 ddr3 256?

 

[hell_storm2004]

Yes. DDR2 is history man! DDR5 cards are in the market. So why go a few generations back!

 

[mactronix]

just a question what if its a 1g ddr3 128 bit should you still stick with the 512 ddr3 256?

@ unkoil

This is a generalisation but in general a card that is on a 128 bit bus wouldn't be capable of pushing 1920x1080 that well anyway. As the 128 bit bus is used on mid to low end cards to cut costs and because they don't think the cards need any bigger of a bus to show its full potential.

Here is a review of a HD5770 which is the best card you can get on a 128 bit bus. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/HD_5770/7.html Even allowing for it being GDDR5( twice the bandwith of GDDR3) you will see that in demanding games at the tested resolutions by the time it gets to 1920 x 1200 its struggling and also note that the review isnt using any AA only AF.
A card with ddr3 or more correctly GDDR3 the performance hit will be a lot worse. So its still best to go with the 256 version in general. It depends on which card/s we are talikng about as well, so if you are looking at specific cards let us know and we can advise.

Mactronix Edit for being brain dead and not adding review

 

[xrodney]

128bit DDR5 is equal 256bit DDR3 so anything lower on 128bit buss then DDR5 will be inferior from memory bandwith point of view.

Its really better compare exact graphic card models instead of just one from several parameters impacting graphic card performance.

 

[mactronix]

128bit DDR5 is equal 256bit DDR3 so anything lower on 128bit buss then DDR5 will be inferior from memory bandwith point of view.

Its really better compare exact graphic card models instead of just one from several parameters impacting graphic card performance.

Isnt that what i just said ?

 

[Aneesh@4GHz]

Definitely the 512MB 256Bit
EDIT: DDR3

 

[unkoil]

i was looking at
SAPPHIRE HD 3850 512MB GDDR3 256 bus AGP
and HIS Radeon HD 4670 IceQ Video Card - 1GB GDDR3 128bus AGP
i know i know i should upgrade to pci but bush made me broke so i at least want to get a better card in the mean time.

 

[mactronix]

i was looking at
SAPPHIRE HD 3850 512MB GDDR3 256 bus AGP
and HIS Radeon HD 4670 IceQ Video Card - 1GB GDDR3 128bus AGP
i know i know i should upgrade to pci but bush made me broke so i at least want to get a better card in the mean time.

This is why i said it depends on the cards, those two cards are pretty much the same thing. My choice despite the memory bus differance would be the 4670.
Here is a review http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/HD_4670_IceQ_Turbo/6.html
As you will see its more or less always just the better performer. there were some improvements in the archetecture of teh card that explain the better performance as well as the faster memory clocks.

Mactronix