4GB of VRAM is excessive for 1080p gaming?

[ambam]

I will be upgrading my graphics cards to two Nvidia GeForce GTX 970's in SLI soon, and I was wondering if 4GB of video memory is excessive for gaming at 1920x1080 resolution.

The newest generation of graphics cards from both AMD and Nvidia were designed to run games on 4K resolution. I only have a 1080p monitor.

My two GTX 680's (2GB) in SLI sometimes struggle to run games like Crysis 3 and Battlefield 4 on it's maximum settings and resolutions, which is why I am upgrading. I read on another forum that the maximum VRAM consumption of these two games on max detail @1080p is around 2.5GB, is that true?

 

[Novuake]

Just because it buffers that much to the VRAM, does not mean it NEEDS it to run optimally.

GTX680 x2 are quiet potent. I can not see why you would struggle in those 2 games.

 

[RobCrezz]

Not excessive I guess if you play with max settings and tons of AA.

They can run games at 4k, but at lower settings with no AA.

 

[huilun02]

No such thing as too much VRAM. Yes some games use up more than 2GB of VRAM, although having just 2GB doesn't mean you'll experience a drastic performance drop.

I'd rather just get one 980 if I were you. Its more than enough to max games at 1080p

 

[ambam]

Certain games like Crysis 3 and Battlefield 4, Far Cry 3, and Watchdogs can consume a little bit over 2GB of VRAM at 1080p/maximum detail/AA/AF, like let's say 2.5GB in the most extreme cases.

Having 4GB is obviously more than of enough headroom for maxing out any PC title at 1920x1080 and provides plenty of future-proofing.

 

[cowboydude99]

If you want more AA, don't you need more VRAM?

I'd go for the SLI over the 980 simply for using top AA settings.

Also, more power can be used for DSR and down sample it back to 1080p.

 

[ShibbyShabby]

if I were to get a 980 right now how long will it last me on 1080p resolution i want it for 3-4 years without an upgrade

 

[ERIC J]

if I were to get a 980 right now how long will it last me on 1080p resolution i want it for 3-4 years without an upgrade

what is hogging all the vram in games is the ultra textures.
I am in the same boat you are, a year ago i bought a gtx 780ti superclocked and i thought i would be good for 3-4 years at 1080p.
but i am already seeing games that need more than 3gb of Vram on the highest settings and i like to use max settings.
I think that unless something really drastic changes you can be assured of at least 2 years with a 980.
I am buying one myself for the extra gb of vram and the potential to go 1440 if i decide to.

 

[ShibbyShabby]

if I were to get a 980 right now how long will it last me on 1080p resolution i want it for 3-4 years without an upgrade

what is hogging all the vram in games is the ultra textures.
I am in the same boat you are, a year ago i bought a gtx 780ti superclocked and i thought i would be good for 3-4 years at 1080p.
but i am already seeing games that need more than 3gb of Vram on the highest settings and i like to use max settings.
I think that unless something really drastic changes you can be assured of at least 2 years with a 980.
I am buying one myself for the extra gb of vram and the potential to go 1440 if i decide to.

ahh true... next problem is my CPU ive read the days for and i5 being good enough for gaming are over, ive got a i5 4670k, will that be able to handle a 980 or even a 980 ti ? - buying a high end GPU is expensive but shelling out for a new CPU as well ohh thats a nightmare

 

[ERIC J]

if I were to get a 980 right now how long will it last me on 1080p resolution i want it for 3-4 years without an upgrade

what is hogging all the vram in games is the ultra textures.
I am in the same boat you are, a year ago i bought a gtx 780ti superclocked and i thought i would be good for 3-4 years at 1080p.
but i am already seeing games that need more than 3gb of Vram on the highest settings and i like to use max settings.
I think that unless something really drastic changes you can be assured of at least 2 years with a 980.
I am buying one myself for the extra gb of vram and the potential to go 1440 if i decide to.

ahh true... next problem is my CPU ive read the days for and i5 being good enough for gaming are over, ive got a i5 4670k, will that be able to handle a 980 or even a 980 ti ? - buying a high end GPU is expensive but shelling out for a new CPU as well ohh thats a nightmare

your i5 will be fine for while yet

here watch, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq8okAv0Tb0

 

[Cooneyboii]

Would the current best answer still apply today? For games like Witcher 3 and Skyrim with texture mods? Would 4gb vram see a considerable improvement at 1080p?