128MB vs 256MB

The notebook I was looking to purchase has a x1600, but only 128MB. It says it is dedicated 128MB.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this card vs a 256MB one.

If I only play games at native resolution or 800x600, is the extra 128MB going to make a big difference? Am I only looking at a 5FPS lose or less?

If there is only going to be a very low FPS difference between the two, than I might just get the 128MB one anyways. I would not go any higher than native resolution anyways. I do not play games any higher than 1024x768 on my desktop, so I know I would not go very high on a laptop.

I am more concerned about how the resolution size will effect the cards? Is this the biggest factor in determining the FPS between the two?

 

I would go for the 256MB X1600 if at all possible . . it is considerably faster than the X1600 128MB, at least in benchmarks. How much better it is in real-world gaming, I can't tell you, but for modern games, you are going to want 256MB. 128MB will work, but you won't be able to put the settings or resolutions at high.

I was playing Counter-Strike: Source earlier - I have a 256MB X700. Playing at max settings, 1280x1024 res, I had 6MB of video memory free . . it is worth it to go with a 256MB card.

 

What program lets you monitor your VRAM useage? Is it through ATT?

 

TwilightVampire your mobility x700 05 score is OH SO CLOSE to my desktop 9800pro vmodd air score (AXP) within 40 points lol, it took a desktop x700 and 2.3ghz A64 to get decently past it, good score =)

http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=1641010
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=991648

im not sure if 512mb of ram was holding my 9800pro back (I doubt it) but it shows how powerful the x700 core is as that 9800pro had a LUDICROUS mem bandwidth advantage (almost twice as much).

 

Take the 256mb at all costs, it is much better.

 

Yes, through ATT. Go Tools & Options, On Screen Display - make sure the box "Enable OnScreen Display" is checked under General Settings. Then go to the FlashOSD tab, and under 2 Line, enable Free Video Memory, Free Texture Memory, and System Memory Used by Process.

The 9800 series did have high bandwidth - I have a 9800XT in my desktop. Bandwidth is 23.4GB/s vs. the Mobiliy Radeon's 11.2GB/s. Quite a difference. The X700 does one heck of a job with a 128-bit bus though. I almost beat the 9800XT with my X700.

 

I have the 128mb version ad I am able to play modern games at decent res(1280xXXX, I play bf2 at the highest res) and med-high settings without lag. Im know I could put the details higher, but I have never really noticed a difference of med vs. high...when using a decent res that is. The 128mb card benmarks at 2700-3000 and the 256 does 3800-4100. Granted those are approximate scores. Either card will give you what you want, but if you can find the 256mb and afford it then go for it. My laptop was the only laptop I could afford with dedicated graphix, and the 128mb x1600 in it is the fastest card you can get for under $1750....at least what Ive seen(open for correction).