Quick Q? re: ATI Hypermemory

I saw in another post that someone said they had a 128MB GPU with 512 hypermemory. I have read many posts and ATI's website and I thought that the hypermemory feature would only use enough system ram to double the gpu's on board memory.

So my question is:
How much system ram can the gpu use and is there any way to adjust the amount used?

 

stay the **** away from hypermemory. I bought a x1600 hypermemory, and instead of it bein 256 dedicated, its 128. Not to mention the memory bandwith bein 64bit instead of 128bit. So if you can, definetly go for dedicated. Cant say im displeased with this thing though, been able to play fear while lookin gorgeous!

 

Ever.Monk is right, stay away from it. Even if you found a way to increase the amound of system memory used, it would propbably not help any. Your bottle-neck would be your GPU. It can only process and handle so much at a time, no matter how much memory you have dedicated to it.

 

I have a 128 bit 256 MB ded card running at 512 MB. It more than runs everything I play.
I am asking more for informational purposes. I was just curious after reading a post on the forum. I couldn't find the answer via search and ATI's site is vague.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=39568

Search for word "hypermemory".

 

I read that thread already and it doesn't address my question. Chaz's only comment is that a 128MB card is usually advertized as 256, and a 256 ded card is usually 512 in ads.

I am trying to find out if that is set in stone or can it vary (ie: from 0 shared to 2x the dedicated amount) Its like ATI doesn't want us to know ... hmm anyone know an email to one of ATI's engineers

Thanks for the time though Gator, I really love how helpful everyone is on this board, one of the best forums I have seen.

 

The card will dynamically allocate as much memory as it needs to perform the function requested. You cannot change the amount used, and it is controlled by ATI's closed-source code and I'm sure they won't talk.

Bottom line: If you want to play games, get a card that has at least 256MB (or 512 HM) if you can. Stay away from integrated cards as they are poor performers.

If you want to know how much RAM it can take, subtract the advertised value from the HM value (512-256) to get the final answer.

The other question: how much can a GPU effectively use?
Integrated: Less than 128MB
Low-Mid Dedicated (X1300 to the 7700): 128MB to 256MB
High Dedicated (X1800, 7900GS, and 7900GTX): MIGHT be able to use more than 256MB, so try to find a card that is 512MB (HM or not it shouldn't matter too much at that point).

It's the core of the GPU that matters more than the amount of memory used.

 

Awesome, Thanks, I knew there had to be someone here with the answer.

 

In your sig you have an S96J as do I, the S96J's X1600 has 256mb dedicated.

 

I'm curious if it's popssible to disable the hypermemory on ATI X1400?
I don't play much games and would rather enjoy having more ram.

 

I haven't seen any way to adjust, disable, or control it manually.

As much as I like my gpu it would be nice if there were settings for controlling the hypermemory ... ie: set it to none, 128MB, 256MB, or auto.

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread but wow circa nice paintjob.

 

thx

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