Faster or more RAM?

[STOPOT]

What is better when choosing a video card, ie GTX 580 or 590? I know there are some with 3GB and some with 1.5GB some at 800MHZ and some at 712MHZ.

My setup
i5 2500k (no overclock)
ASUS Maximus IV GENE-Z Z68 LGA1155 mATX
27' Dell u2711
16GB 1600MHZ Corsair Vengeance Low Profile

Thanks

 

[leandrodafontoura]

Usually, the higher the number, the better. Thats it for model numbers, memory size and clock speeds.

Honestly amigo, you should focus on the range budget you want to spend. It doesnt matter if you get a 200 or a 400 dollar card today, that will be outdated by a 100 dollar card next year.

 

[STOPOT]

Hahaha sry, I think my example was confusing. I mean there are GTX 580 cards that are higher clocks and some with higher RAMs, what would be a better pick if they were both 580 cards, high clock or more RAM? I'm ok with spending 500+ on a card. Thanks

 

[leandrodafontoura]

I would go with clock, that will improve ALL games, whil the RAM would improve a few that acutally need that much quantity, its a few if none

 

[STOPOT]

If I had 16GB or RAM would help graphic performance in games? Also, what aspects of the game do clock and video RAM improve? AA, resolution? Thanks

 

[jaguarskx]

16GB of system RAM will not improve performance. As long as you have at least 4GB of RAM you'll be fine.

Typically you only need 1GB of VRAM on the graphics card unless you go above 1920 x 1200 resolution.

 

[STOPOT]

So memory has to do more about resolution than detail of shadows, textures, models, AA, and the like?

 

[leandrodafontoura]

Im not sure, but the truth is that current games and possibly for some time do not go over that amount of RAM, so having more is simply waste of hardware. Once you have enough, its not possible to get better.

 

[STOPOT]

So would you recommend a 1.5GB? If so, what type of clock speed do you think good for current games, 700? 800?

 

[leandrodafontoura]

In my humble opinion, It really doesnt matter, performance will be close with any current graphics card.

 

[STOPOT]

I've been doing more reading and found that some places say some games max out their 1.5GB, have you played to any point that you've maxed out your video RAM?