is 512MB 8600M GT = 256MB 8600M GT + 256MB TurboCache?

Hello,

I was wondering if the performance of a 512MB card for a 8600M GT would be the same if I had a 256MB 8600M GT and added 256MB through TurboCache. In paper, the second would have 512MB just like the first one, however, would it give me the same performance?

thanks

 

First, you might want to check the (6800) in your Topic.

Anyway, that specific card, the 8600m GT has a tough time using up 512MB of video memory. First of all, the one with faster memory (GDDR3 vs GDDR2) is going to perform better. Second, the one with more onboard vRam will perform better (512MB versus 256MB).

A card will be able to better utilize 512MB of memory if it is actually part of the card. If it is turbocaching 256MB then it's not going to be nearly as fast. Really though, the 8600m GT doesn't make great use of that extra memory. I've not heard of any GDDR3 512MB versions of the 8600m GT (correct me if I'm wrong) so I'd go first with the one that had GDDR3. If they are both GDDR2 or something, I suppose it would be a mild advantage to choose the 512MB version.

So to answer your question, no, they would not have the same performance. The 512MB card would perform better because it has all of the memory right on the card.

 

But it won't make a large difference. The Buswidth of the 8600M GT limits the performance at high resolutions where it would actually need 512 MB. And It can't use all of the 512 MB either.

 

Doesnt hypermemory/turbocache indicate ddr2 vram after seeing many reviews and replies i have never seen one pronouncing that some card with hypermemory/turbocache has GDDR3 ram. Am i right?

 

naah. G1s (GDDR3) has Turbocache. I think all the 8-series does



EDIT: w00t. 1500th post!

 

ok.

Congratz!!