Different versions of NVidia 9600m GT?

I'm not sure if I remember correctly but, I have read somewhere around these forums of a DDR2 and a DD3 version of this card.
So if DD3 is not written on the specs, that means it's the DDR2 version? What's the difference anyway? Oh, and it says 512mb if that's any indicator...

 

nVidia GPUs use GDDR2 and GDDR3 memory. GDDR3 is better than GDDR2 because it has higher frequencies and lower voltage. Memory amount past 256MB doesn't really matter for these midrange cards. What this means is you will score better and get a few more fps with the same card but with GDDR3 instead of GDDR2.

 

try to check GPU-Z

 

its very likely that the card is a ddr2 version if not mentioned by the retailer. I would ask questions first b4 purchasing because the performance difference is actually quite a bit.

 

I originally thought that the 9600m GS was the DDR2 and the 9600m GT was the DDR3... how come none of this info is one the NVidia site?? this gets more confusing by the minute hehe

how much difference are we talking about here?

oh and if the salesdude doesn't know which is which, how can I tell before buying?

 

Confusion is one of their best tactics.

Many are pissed about how pathetic the naming policies that Nvidia follows. It sure would be nice if there were some standards put in place.

 

The sales guy won't know if it's a mass retailer, or they'll say it's ddr3. In that case assume ddr2.

 

The memory type is decided by the manufacturer. DDR2 is cheaper than GDDR3 so it is more widely used.

Regarding the differences - sogogeta4 is basically correct. GDDR3 is manufactured on a smaller process than DDR2, and can run at higher frequencies.

If you're looking at an HP dv5t, it's using DDR2 memory.

 

by "can run at higher frequencies" do you mean overclocking?
I don't care about that so it shouldn't matter whichever I get right?
As for the heat, I place my notebook on a cooling rack so that should make the difference between DDR3 and DDR2 insignificant?

or would you wait it out?

 

GDDR3 cards have a higher memory clock than the GDDR2 version of the same card. GDDR2 is usually around 400MHz and GDDR3 is usually around 600 - 800 MHz. They're not necessarily better overclockers but since they usually run a little cooler they usually are.

The boost in bandwidth will make a significant difference in benchmarks and in *some* games but i would base a laptop purchase on it.