GPU vs VRAM: GTX 650 Ti 1GB vs GTX 650 2GB

Hi all,

Current rig:

Intel Core Duo E8200
Chipset G31/ICH7 PCI-e slot 1.1 x16
4GB DDR2-800
Sapphire HD6670 512MB PCI-e 2.0 working @ PCI-e 1.1
Windows 7 64-bit​

To upgrade the graphics card I have 2 options: Gigabyte GTX 650 2GB or Gigabyte GTX 650 Ti 1GB. Both are approximately same price.

Which one would you recommend? Would you choose GPU 650 TI (+performance) or GPU 650 (+VRAM amount)?

Considering it is going to be plugged into a PCI-e v1.1, I have been told it's better to choose the option with the highest amount of VRAM possible to avoid bottlenecks. What do you think?

It's expected for moderate gaming, 2010's video games mostly, maybe something newer @ average settings.

Thanks!

 

I would repurpose it into something else and buy something a bit more substantial instead of sinking money into a cheap GPU.

It could live on as a NAS or a router instead in a dark quiet place.

If there's a sticking point to not upgrading to a new rig then I would probably go with the 2GB option but also look for more DDR2 as that ups the performance with shared resources.

 

lol, yeah point taken, but I guess the not-upgrade constraints are present and are non-negotiable I'm afraid..

the topic about the DDR2 has naturally been addressed in the first place, and the maximum allowed by the motherboard has already been reached (4GB), no room for more upgrades at this end...

Ok, I'll take one vote for the 650 2GB then
Thanks!

 

4GB doesn't get you much these days. Even W7 wants more than that typically. Linux might be a boost though w/ less bloat while running things but, I'm not sure your games would work with it. Linux though opens the door to making it a router or NAS w/o fiddling with Windows to make shares.

2GB GPU should improve resources though when gaming and take less system memory from the DDR2 pool while gaming.

 

Id say go with the 650 ti