GPU 512 or 1GB

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by Knuck1ez, Mar 28, 2009.

  1. Knuck1ez

    Knuck1ez Regular member

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    I just got a 23" monitor and its resolution is 1920x1080 and I was wondering do I need a 1GB graphics card for this resolution? I currently have a 4870 still in box for my next build thats still under refund warranty, and was wondering should I trade it for a 1Gb 4870. I have a 4830 in my pc now and I can see a little difference (not noticable) and worried if I needed more memory..
    thanks
     
  2. aa_mir198

    aa_mir198 Member

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    If you planning on running games in high resolution (1920x1080) then you MIGHT have to upgrade that card to one that can handle the resolution, but from what I have heard the 512MB isn't half bad when it comes to running things in high res.

    BTW It would be best to go for a second opinion because I my self would rate my knowledge of PCs 7.5/10
     
  3. krj15489

    krj15489 Active member

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    Alot of games coming out right now will use more than 512mb at high resolutions. I have been playing Stalker clear sky with a 8800gt with 512mb and it was almost unplayable at 1280x800 because of lack of vram. but with my new gtx 260 i can almost max it out 1920x1200 because of more memory. I would get the 1gb version because it will play newer games alot better.
     
  4. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Remember nVidia cards have much poorer memory management than ATI cards, so need a bit more VRAM to compete. In general, 512MB is sufficient for pretty much any game at 1920x1080 unless you use Anti-Aliasing. If you use AA in any demanding game, I strongly suggest the 1GB card.
     
  5. Knuck1ez

    Knuck1ez Regular member

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    okay so basically the 512 is good unless I play say... Crisis at high? Aversge games would run the same regardless of the vram?
     
  6. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    I think you might even be alright with Crysis, at least on High, if not Very High. 2560x1600 is where you'd get problems. Like I say, no AA and you'll probably be OK.
     
  7. Knuck1ez

    Knuck1ez Regular member

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    Great, I keep forgetting... I currently have a 4830 which I play crisis on mostly high with now and get hardly any lag at all so a 4870 really shouldnt have any problems...
    thanks
     
  8. Shamb1es

    Shamb1es Regular member

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    You'll do alright with 512. I wish I would have gone with 1 GB though as several of my games have hi-res texture packs available that can cause me some pain.
     

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