128 vs. 256

[KillyKillall]

So I'm looking into buy either the BFG 6800 128 for $299 or the BFG 6800 256 for $399. I pretty much game with Counter-Strike: Source, HL2-style games and will be mainly playing EQII when it releases. Will I notice the difference relaly between the 2 based on the amount of DDR? How would this come into play or where would I notice it? FPS?

 

[Mrvile]

256-bit GPUs run higher resolutions better. But if you're only planning on playing in 10 by 7, the 128 will work. I'd still get the 256 regardless though, it will run much better.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
256-bit GPUs run higher resolutions better. But if you're only planning on playing in 10 by 7, the 128 will work. I'd still get the 256 regardless though, it will run much better.

He's talking about the amount of RAM, not the access to it Mrvile.

256 will not "run much better" in general, you have to consider the speed of the RAM, the game and the settings.

As always, more/faster=better

 

[VIAN]

256MB of VRAM allows you to use higher resolution textures and higher AA/AF settings if your fillrate and bandwidth allow.

256 will not "run much better" in general, you have to consider the speed of the RAM, the game and the settings.

Like he states, it won't be of much use if the RAM speed sucks.

 

[Cawchy87]

Are you sure you don't mean a 6800 GT 256? I haven't seen a plain 6800 with 256mb of ram.

 

[RussianSensation]

If you are going to spend $399 on a 6800 with 256 mb of RAM, just get 6800GT 256mb of RAM then.

So if you want a comparison here are 4:

Digit-Life
The Fastest Graphics Cards of Summer 2004
XBitLabs Latest - this will let you easily compare 6800 128mb and 6800 gt 256mb

MASSIVE REVIEW - this one has precisely what will interest you the most: 6800 128mb, 6800 256mb, 6800gt 256mb

The only 6800s that are not GTs and come with 256mb ram should have GDDR3 ram. But on the safe side, liek I said if you are going to play at high resolutions, spend $380 on 6800GT then.

 

[fbrdphreak]

The 256MB ram will make a diff in Doom 3 but that's about it, for now. IMO, the GT is the best bang for the buck card in the $300-$500 price range to "future proof" as they call it. Sub-$300, I say either 6800NU or 660GT depending how much you want to spend.
For the OP, if you're considering between two 6800's, get the GT if you got the money. Thank me later 😉

 

[BFG10K]

If you are going to spend $399 on a 6800 with 256 mb of RAM, just get 6800GT 256mb of RAM then.

Agreed. More RAM is better but if you pay too much for it you're better off getting the faster card to begin with.

 

[KillyKillall]

Thanks for the info guys...Just ordered the PNY 6800 GT.