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    Is there any point in spending 100 dollars to get 3GB video ram instead of 1.5GB

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by laststop311, May 3, 2011.

  1. laststop311

    laststop311 Notebook Deity

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    Consensus usually says you only need 2GB+ of video ram on 2500x1600 resolution gaming, so I'm guessing 1.5GB GT 555 is more then enough for 1600x900 resolution gaming. Is going for that upgrade 100 dollars down the toilet for virtually 0 performance increase?
     
    laststop311, May 3, 2011
    #1
  2. Paddon

    Paddon Notebook Evangelist

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    no

    char10
     
    Paddon, May 3, 2011
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  3. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    We're not 100% sure yet, as no-one on here has the 3GB card yet, but odds are no, it'll be pointless.
     
    Serephucus, May 3, 2011
    #3
  4. Brianho1337

    Brianho1337 Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think even 1 GB of video memory can bottleneck the 555M in 90% of the games out there, let alone 1.5 GB
     
    Brianho1337, May 3, 2011
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  5. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    I have the 3gb card, mines arrives today so if you guys want me to runs some benchmarks or whatever let me know and tell me how cus I'm a bit of a newb but I want to help :D
     
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
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  6. laststop311

    laststop311 Notebook Deity

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    All my research has pointed to that 1920x1080 gaming requires 1GB VRAM and 2560x1600 gaming requires 1.5-2GB. So I'm fairly certain upgrading on this laptop = total waste of money
     
    laststop311, May 3, 2011
    #6
  7. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah, I just happened to buy it before coming across this forum. I would return it and downgrade but I don't feel like waiting 3 more weeks :(
     
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
    #7
  8. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    nonono! Let's see some benches, and GPU-z!
     
    namaiki, May 3, 2011
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  9. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    Google GPU-Z and download it. Post a screenshot of the main window.

    If you would be so kind. :)
     
    Serephucus, May 3, 2011
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  10. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    Unless there is a difference between the two cards other than the size of the video memory (as far as we know, there isn't) then no. Even when games use more than 1.5GB of VRAM at 1080p and below, the other parts of the 555M will bottleneck it far before the amount of VRAM comes into play.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, May 3, 2011
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  11. laststop311

    laststop311 Notebook Deity

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    2560x1600 is the only time having over 1GB vram will ever make any noticeable impact that's what multiple benchmarking sites data has shown.

    I have crossfire desktop 6970's totaling 4GB of VRAM running to a 2560x1600 monitor and it tears up every game 45+ fps all ultra settings.
     
    laststop311, May 3, 2011
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  12. stevensonja

    stevensonja Notebook Enthusiast

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    Complete waste of money
     
    stevensonja, May 3, 2011
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  13. Uruha

    Uruha Notebook Consultant

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    So absolutely no improvements in upgrading to the 3GB model? I will only ever game in 1080p the most.
     
    Uruha, May 3, 2011
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  14. Benchmade 42

    Benchmade 42 Titanium

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    If you can get the upgrade for free or part of a discount then grab it.
     
    Benchmade 42, May 3, 2011
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  15. Mudig

    Mudig Notebook Consultant

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    Wouldn't the 3gb make the gpu heat up faster? Also, can the extra ram you have left over transfer and be used on the GPU?
     
    Mudig, May 3, 2011
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  16. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    I'm not sure what you mean by that, but if I think it's what I think you're thinking, then no.
     
    Serephucus, May 3, 2011
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  17. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    Is it free? They're asking me for a validation code...
     
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
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  18. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2015
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
    #18
  19. Charismaztex

    Charismaztex Notebook Consultant

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    It's "not responding" lol :D
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2015
    Charismaztex, May 3, 2011
    #19
  20. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    lol I need help with this haha I have no idea what I'm doing I'm a newb at this stuff......
     
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
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  21. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    hahahahaha LOL ...funny real funny :D
     
    Nand@, May 3, 2011
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  22. Jasilv21

    Jasilv21 Notebook Consultant

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    Result

    See if this helps anyone lol
     
    Jasilv21, May 3, 2011
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  23. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    Nand@, May 3, 2011
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  24. tuckrr

    tuckrr Notebook Consultant

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    tuckrr, May 3, 2011
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  25. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    just read, is a comparison...maybe give us a better idea about 1.5 vs 3 ;)
     
    Nand@, May 3, 2011
    #25
  26. j1huynh

    j1huynh Notebook Enthusiast

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    just a question. can someone help explain why the ram clock speed is 800mhz and not 1333mhz or 1600mhz?
    TIA
     
    j1huynh, May 4, 2011
    #26
  27. humjaba

    humjaba Notebook Consultant

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    I've said it before, I'll say it again. Any game or application that requires more than 1.5GB of vram will also require more pixel-pushing power than the GT555m can provide. So at 1.5GB you are limited by the processing power, *not* the ram.

    Ergo, 3gb is a waste of money.
     
    humjaba, May 4, 2011
    #27
  28. Charismaztex

    Charismaztex Notebook Consultant

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    In this case, higher does not mean better

    We really need to have the benchmarks to stop this debate.
     
    Charismaztex, May 4, 2011
    #28
  29. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    Nand@, May 4, 2011
    #29
  30. mightymax86

    mightymax86 Notebook Consultant

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    you could always run 3d mark at a higher resolution and see if it makes any difference
     
    mightymax86, May 6, 2011
    #30
  31. KSSR1211

    KSSR1211 Notebook Evangelist

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    Just thought I would bring this thread to the front to help the other two threads that are asking the same question.
     
    KSSR1211, May 24, 2011
    #31