6800GT 128mb vs 256 mb

[BenJ]

I am looking at getting a 6800GT card soon, and was wondering what the performance difference was between cards with 128mb and cards with 256mb.

Can anyone shed some light as to what circumstance the extra 128mb ram might be required.

I don't play the latest FPS games but like RTS and driving games.

I run two monitors in normal use.

Any advice appreciated.

Regards
BenJ

[r3b0rN]

256MB will last you longer, games are becoming more demanding. People who play D3/HL2 at 1600x1200 4xAA/8xAF probably require the 256MB. But you dont play FPS games, so it's not really required. But then what Racing/RTS game even requires a 128MB 6800GT?

[chainbolt]

Originally Posted by BenJ

I am looking at getting a 6800GT card soon, and was wondering what the performance difference was between cards with 128mb and cards with 256mb.

BenJ

For playing in very high resolutions you need 256 MB. I don't think it;s necessary to have 256 MB for any of the current games, you also often loose overlocking potential (the more RAM the less headroom), unless you want to keep your card for a couple of years, I don't think you need 256MB.

[Nhutty]

i would look at the extra cost of the added 128mb ram. if it isn't much more then get the 256 to make your card more future proof down the track

[chainbolt]

Originally Posted by Nhutty

i would look at the extra cost of the added 128mb ram. if it isn't much more then get the 256 to make your card more future proof down the track

256MB are actually only a few $$ more. It would be more a matter of availibility and overlocking for me.

[BenJ]

It would seem to me then that as I don't play games that may require a 6800GT then I might stick with my 5900XT, until I move from my AXP platform to a A64 PCI Express platform mid way through the year.

Regards
BenJ

[Oblong Cheese]

3DMark results for my 128Mb 6800GT, here.

[plato]

One thing people tend to forget when comparing 128mb and 256mb GT's is the frequency of the RAM.

It is not just an issue of comparing the same ram in different allocations. The ram on a REAL 6800GT is of a much better standard. The performance difference you see has more to do with the higher frequency of the core and the memory on a true 6800GT as opposed to the amount of ram. Granted when you really start smashing the card the extra ram plays its part also.

To answer your question - a 6800 even in its 128meg form is a very good card.

Also take into account your current system. I have a 6800GT coupled with a XP3000+ and my CPU holds me back considerably. You would be better off getting a 128meg 6800GT which would be less CPU limited - ie the cards power is more aligned with your current setup.