128mb or 256mb videocard best for 2007FP

cockeyed

Senior member
Dec 8, 2000
777
0
0
I was going to buy a 6600GT 256mb to run a 2007FP, but do I really need more than 128mb?

Is more video memory better to run at the native res 1600x1200?

What performance would be improved by the extra 128mb video memory?

Why would I want more video memory?

Computer use: light gaming (Tiger Woods Golf), internet, photo editing.
 

Amplifier

Banned
Dec 25, 2004
3,143
0
0
256 is almost a waste on the 6600gt. If it's near same price go for it, but a 7600 gt 256mb would be a better value for ~60 more ($185).
 

cockeyed

Senior member
Dec 8, 2000
777
0
0
I found a Chaintech 6600GT 128mb ($115) at the egg so I think I might order it. After more research, I noticed that the 256mb card has a slower memory clock (900mhz) vs the (1000mhz) on the 128 model. This card is going to go into that Dell 5150 hot deal machine. I'm looking forward to getting everything and want to get it right the first time.

For some strange reason, I thought that 256mb video would be better for running 1600x1200. I thought I had read that somewhere a long time ago.

Thanks for the input!
 

v8envy

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2002
2,720
0
0
The 6600GT doesn't have enough memory bandwidth or GPU oomph to make use of 256M when gaming. For 2D work, your frame buffer is 1600x1200x32bpp (4 bytes per pixel), which works out to 7680000 bytes, or roughly 7 megabytes. A 32 meg card is plenty for 2D work, even driving two monitors.

If you had a higher end (higher memory bandwidth and GPU oomph) card like the 6800GT or better you would definitely see better gaming performance at higher res with more memory. Enthusiast level cards like the X1900XT and 7900GTX may even benefit from 512 megs.