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    Same model GPU with different amounts of graphics memory???

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by allfiredup, Aug 31, 2008.

  1. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    I've seen several models of graphics cards offered with different amounts of memory. A few examples-
    ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3450/3470 (128mb or 256mb)
    ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3650 (256mb or 512mb)
    nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS (128mb or 256mb)

    How much of a performance difference (if any) does the difference in graphics memory make? For instance, the Dell Studio 17 has the 256mb ATI HD 3650 but the Toshiba P305 has the 512mb ATI HD 3650- what is the tangible difference?

    Thanks in advance for shedding some light on this for me! =)
     
    allfiredup, Aug 31, 2008
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  2. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    The difference between 128mb and 256 would be seen much more than that of 256 to 512. You also must take into consideration whether it is DDR2 or DDR3 memory on the GPU, as the DDR3 performs better. It really relies on what games you're playing, but if you want to future proof... go for the 3650 with 512mb.

    Also note that it only makes a difference for gaming and perhaps some for HD video playback.
     
    Hep!, Aug 31, 2008
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  3. stirfriedsushi

    stirfriedsushi Confuse a Cat LTD

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    are there cards with ddr3 yet??? i haven't seen one, plz show me. :p
     
    stirfriedsushi, Aug 31, 2008
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  4. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    Hep!, Aug 31, 2008
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  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Most midrange and lower cards can't use more than 256MB of memory. Most notebook GPUs are GDDR2 and GDDR3, while most desktop GPUs are GDDR4 and (a few are) GDDR5.
     
    sgogeta4, Aug 31, 2008
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  6. 660hpv12

    660hpv12 Notebook Deity

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    first part is true, most mid range card cannot use more that 256mb due to their limited bandwith, however there is only one card, the ati hd 4870 uses a GDDR5 memory, and a version of the hd 3870 uses GDDR4, most of the grahpics cards are either ddr2 or gddr3. you may have guessed it, the bigger the number after ddr the better the memory type
     
    660hpv12, Sep 1, 2008
    #6