1Gb vs 2Gb graphics

[tadej petric]

So im going to buy gtx 650 ti but it comes in 2 and 1 Gb version. Now I wonder how much does that help in latest dx11 titels (bf3, tesv: skyrim(its dx9), dirt 3, crysis 3...). Is it really worth extra 20€? If you need anything else just ask.

 

[cookybiscuit]

Massively. A 650ti is just about powerful enough to run the newest games at settings where 1GB is filled up, at 1080p Crysis 3, Skyrim after mods (its DX9 btw) and BF3 come really close to filling 2GB.

Also you might want to consider the 7850. Its 2GB version is about the same price I believe and its far faster.

 

[Murissokah]

I disagree that the difference will be massive, but you did point out you are going to play the very game that makes use of more than 1GB VRAM (TESV). See this:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6359/the-nvidia-geforce-gtx-650-ti-review/6

In most cases it will make zero difference, but TESV with high-res textures will need that extra VRAM. That is, of course, assuming you are playing at 1920x1080.

 

[cookybiscuit]

I disagree that the difference will be massive, but you did point out you are going to play the very game that makes use of more than 1GB VRAM (TESV).

Maybe massive is an overstatement, but 1GB isn't that great an idea anymore.

 

[babernet_1]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150641

Here is a more powerful 7850 with 2GB ram for only $170 and 650ti's cost $175 and up.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

This shows that the 650ti is two steps slower than the 7850.

If you must stay with Nvidia (not a bad choice) go with 2GB

 

[Murissokah]

Yes, I agree with that. What the benchmarks do not show is the fact that 2GB is much more future proof.

Going 2GB is not about getting a bit faster, it is about running things you otherwise wouldn't. Although as of today you can run pretty much anything on 1GB, soon enough that might not be true anymore.

I also believe the 7850 would be a better choice.

If I was choosing between a 1GB or 2GB card on that segment (GTX 650), I would only get the 1GB version if I intended to upgrade to a better tier card in the near future.

 

[Outlander_04]

The difference between a 1 gig card and a two gig card are small , but could be noticeable on a higher resolution monitor

You'd definitely be better with a 7850 1 gig than a 650ti 2 gig

 

[tadej petric]

Well ill play skyrim with NO mods but i find 7850 more expensive here (almost 200€). How much fps drop is 2 against 1?

 

[cookybiscuit]

Depends on the usage. Under your VRAM limit framerate would be the same, once you hit it framerate falls off a cliff.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

you can always monitor vram with afterburner, i find it never actually shows if it is full, if you had 1gb it might show 997mb used, but its actually full and using your system ram. if it does just reduce texture detail a step down and vram useage should go down dramatically, problem solved. If you like to have full detail textures then get a 2gb card, keep in mind only the faster cards (7850/gtx660 and above) have the processing power needed to keep frame rates up with these large textures and high settings, the 650ti would struggle even with 2gb.

 

[Wisecracker]

...

You'd definitely be better with a 7850 1 gig than a 650ti 2 gig

Ding!

 

[Murissokah]

Well ill play skyrim with NO mods but i find 7850 more expensive here (almost 200€). How much fps drop is 2 against 1?

Depends on the usage. Under your VRAM limit framerate would be the same, once you hit it framerate falls off a cliff.

Exactly. You can't really compare the performance between 1GB and 2GB, you can compare what you will be able to run and what you will not. Once the VRAM limit is reached, your game will slow down to a slideshow.

If you are on a budget limit or expect to be able to upgrade soon, go with 1GB. If you can't forsee any upgrade money coming your way, try to fork out some more for a 2GB card.

Take into consideration the fact that the next-gen consoles are about to come up, meaning developers will start creating more demanding engines that will carry to the PC. By then, 1GB might be less than what the consoles have.

 

[Fokissed]

I opted for a 4GB GTX 680 and noticed that most games will easily use 1GB of VRAM at 1080p. Games like BF3, Skyrim*, and Crysis 2* easily use 1.5GB+ of VRAM. (Everything at ultra of course)
* = High res. texture packs installed.

 

[tadej petric]

Exactly. You can't really compare the performance between 1GB and 2GB, you can compare what you will be able to run and what you will not. Once the VRAM limit is reached, your game will slow down to a slideshow.

If you are on a budget limit or expect to be able to upgrade soon, go with 1GB. If you can't forsee any upgrade money coming your way, try to fork out some more for a 2GB card.

Take into consideration the fact that the next-gen consoles are about to come up, meaning developers will start creating more demanding engines that will carry to the PC. By then, 1GB might be less than what the consoles have.

What will I be able to run without "slideshow" and at what settings.

After a bit time I might get second (SLI) if this one gets that bad.

Some leakings (not much reliable) say that there will be 1Gb graphics in discrete mode with APU in next gen consoles.(http://www.tomshardware.com/news/PlayStation-Xbox-Radeon-APU-Orbis,15247.html)

Thanks anyway

 

[Murissokah]

As of right now, you'll be able to run almost anything. Exceptions would be Skyrim with High-Res pack, maybe Crysis 3 and Battlefield at highest settings.

Keep in mind that adding a second card does not increase your VRAM. 2 1GB cards will still have the same limitations as 1 1GB card. That is one of the reasons SLI/Crossfire with entry/mid level cards is not a good idea.

 

[tadej petric]

Best answer selected by tadej petric.