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128 bit vs 256 bit video card

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by EzCeazy, Jul 1, 2011.

  1. EzCeazy

    EzCeazy Member

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    what is the difference in performance?
     
  2. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    256 is faster.
     
  3. Dela

    Dela Administrator Staff Member

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    Generally speaking a 256-bit option is better. It refers to the width of the memory bus on the card, so a higher memory bus width means more data can be transferred between the memory and the graphics processor, running at the same speed as the lower bus width. So a 256-bit memory bus can deliver twice as much graphics data to the processor as the 128-bit at the same speed.

    This is something you should watch out for when you are thinking about buying a low-cost / budget card. Sometimes you will have to figure out whether you want more GDDR memory but with a lower memory bus width vs. less GDDR memory with a higher bus width. The first option gives you more memory, but as your games/applications pull data from the memory, it will be delivered slower over a lower bud width. The second option will give you less overall memory, but the bus width is higher, so the performance might be improved in that way.

    Do a bit of extra reading around if you are thinking about buying a graphics card, and of course, ask as many questions as you like :)
     
  4. EzCeazy

    EzCeazy Member

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    Thank you all :)
     

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