Video Cards 1GB vs 512MB?

[arcticking]

Hi, I am gaming on a 1280x1024 resolution monitor and I am wondering if getting a 512MB HD 5770 card will give me a big performance decrease? I currently am gaming on a HD 5750 1GB GDDR5 card and when playing the game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat my fps stays really low when having the settings maxed. I am wanting to sell my 5750 card and get a 5770 but I see that the 512MB is cheaper. Should I grab the 512MB and would it make a difference in performance as I game on the 1280x1024 resolution?

 

[andy5174]

Don't waste your money! HD5750 is more than enough for gaming under 1280x1024.

 

[alidan]

isnt stalker one of those games that kills fps?

i mean the benchmark for it and my little brothers quad computer, at 1024x768 (a resolution that should have no problem with considering his card) only goes at 16fps. i just consider that game a scaled down version of crysis graphics wise.

 

[hallowed_dragon]

First for understanding how much GPU memory you need, you need to understand when that memory it is used.
The GPU memory is used to store the frames generated. Now, the size (MB) of those frames varies depending on the actual resolution and the effects used on the frame. Bigger resolution means higher size for the frame. Same goes for details like AA, AF and so on.
For resolutions up to 1680x1050 a 512 MB card will be enough even with the highest details enabled. Higher resolutions will need more RAM.
Seeing that you use only 1280x1024 resolution I would recommend the 512 version, but if you plan to change the monitor in the future for a bigger one or the 1 GB version is only a little bit more expensive then go for that one.

 

[alidan]

i have a gforce 6800 ultra and with tourchlight, i can get it playing at 80fps at 1920x1200.

are you sure that is just what the memory is used for?

 

[hallowed_dragon]

i have a gforce 6800 ultra and with tourchlight, i can get it playing at 80fps at 1920x1200.

are you sure that is just what the memory is used for?

Yes.

 

[alidan]

than i must be missing something because that game at that res on 256mb of ram shouldn't be possible at that fps in what you said

 

[hallowed_dragon]

than i must be missing something because that game at that res on 256mb of ram shouldn't be possible at that fps in what you said

I only explained the process in very low detail.
Check this out: GPU

The RAM is usually used to temporary store complete frames. The higher the image size the larger the needed RAM for it is. After a period of time all the frames are outputed on the screen. Depending how many frames where stored you will get the FPS. The problem is that with low RAM and high detail+resolution you are in fact limiting the quantity of frames that can be stored.

 

[hallowed_dragon]

This article will explain better than my lazy a$$.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-ram-4870,2428.html

 

[seerwan]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-ram-4870,2428.html

The ONLY difference between 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB of Video Ram is the MINIMUM FRAME RATE.

However, 1 GB is always advisable and recommended. Furthermore, you are playing an extremely GPU-intensive game, so 1 GB is advised.

Also, I'm not sure if a 1 GB 5750 will Crossfire successfully with a 512 MB 5770 (they might need the same video ram size, research that).

In any case, I advise 1 GB, IF YOU MUST BUY A 5770...

My PERSONAL recommendation is to sell the 5750, and use the combined funds to purchase a single 5850; it will work ABOUT as good as a 5750 and 5770 CFed, with less power-sucking, no heating issues, and less wiring problems. Also, a single card always works better than CF'ed or SLI'ed cards.

Thats a link to GPU benchmarks, so some research and decide, bro:-

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/graphics-cards,1.html

Good luck.

 

[hallowed_dragon]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-ram-4870,2428.html

The ONLY difference between 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB of Video Ram is the MINIMUM FRAME RATE.

However, 1 GB is always advisable and recommended. Furthermore, you are playing an extremely GPU-intensive game, so 1 GB is advised.

Also, I'm not sure if a 1 GB 5750 will Crossfire successfully with a 512 MB 5770 (they might need the same video ram size, research that).

In any case, I advise 1 GB, IF YOU MUST BUY A 5770...

My PERSONAL recommendation is to sell the 5750, and use the combined funds to purchase a single 5850; it will work ABOUT as good as a 5750 and 5770 CFed, with less power-sucking, no heating issues, and less wiring problems. Also, a single card always works better than CF'ed or SLI'ed cards.

Thats a link to GPU benchmarks, so some research and decide, bro:-

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/graphics-cards,1.html

Good luck.

The difference is not only on min FPS. It affects the average as well and sometimes the whole gameplay (see GTA4).
Also I agree a 5850 is the best you can get.

 

[arcticking]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-ram-4870,2428.html

The ONLY difference between 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB of Video Ram is the MINIMUM FRAME RATE.

However, 1 GB is always advisable and recommended. Furthermore, you are playing an extremely GPU-intensive game, so 1 GB is advised.

Also, I'm not sure if a 1 GB 5750 will Crossfire successfully with a 512 MB 5770 (they might need the same video ram size, research that).

In any case, I advise 1 GB, IF YOU MUST BUY A 5770...

My PERSONAL recommendation is to sell the 5750, and use the combined funds to purchase a single 5850; it will work ABOUT as good as a 5750 and 5770 CFed, with less power-sucking, no heating issues, and less wiring problems. Also, a single card always works better than CF'ed or SLI'ed cards.

Thats a link to GPU benchmarks, so some research and decide, bro:-

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/graphics-cards,1.html

Good luck.

Err.. I was never planing on using Crossfire?
If you read my post that started the thread I said that I was planning on selling the 5750 ^_^.
Might as well wait and gain money to reach that 5850

 

[arcticking]

Best answer selected by arcticking.