512bit memory bus vs 256 memory bus

[happy medium]

Anyone know when a 256 bit bus get saturated? In most games or just in general.
1600x1200 max detail ?


The reason I ask is newegg has the 2900pro 512mb, 256 bit version for 150.00$ shipped.
Would this be as fast as a 512 bit version on a 20 inch monitor or below?
Wheres is the point where the 512 bit make a difference?.

Edit: I notice the 8800gt is 256 bit also.
8800gts (g80) 320 bit
8800 gts (g92) 256 bit
8800gtx 384 bit

 

[LTG]

I would forget the 2900, the larger memory bus won't do you any good.

That's because the pixel processing power of the GPU itself is not likely to be able to keep up with your demands to the point where you benefit from it.

You can see the different memory bandwidth makes on the 8800GT vs. the 8800 Ultra, but those parts have far more pixel processing power than the 2900.

Regards,

 

[shabby]

512bit makes sense with heavy aa at high resolution, such as 4/6/8xaa at 1920x1200 and up res.
The 256bit 8800gt and 3870 will fall flat at that res, while the 8800gtx wont. The 2900 is kind of in a pickle since it has plenty of bandwidth but shoddy aa speeds compared to the geforce8.
150 isnt a bad price though, btw isnt your mobo agp?

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: shabby
512bit makes sense with heavy aa at high resolution, such as 4/6/8xaa at 1920x1200 and up res.
The 256bit 8800gt and 3870 will fall flat at that res, while the 8800gtx wont. The 2900 is kind of in a pickle since it has plenty of bandwidth but shoddy aa speeds compared to the geforce8.
150 isnt a bad price though, btw isnt your mobo agp?

I'm researching a new build.
Price performance perspective... 2 overclocked 2900 pro's to 2900xt speeds in crossfire for 300 bucks sounds real nice if you have the psu.
I take this setup would be faster then a 8800ultra for only 300 bucks?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: happy medium

Originally posted by: shabby
512bit makes sense with heavy aa at high resolution, such as 4/6/8xaa at 1920x1200 and up res.
The 256bit 8800gt and 3870 will fall flat at that res, while the 8800gtx wont. The 2900 is kind of in a pickle since it has plenty of bandwidth but shoddy aa speeds compared to the geforce8.
150 isnt a bad price though, btw isnt your mobo agp?

I'm researching a new build.
Price performance perspective... 2 overclocked 2900 pro's to 2900xt speeds in crossfire for 300 bucks sounds real nice if you have the psu.
I take this setup would be faster then a 8800ultra for only 300 bucks?

well you better hurry ... 2900p is disappearing .. quickly .. 'used' will soon be you only choice if you are going that route.

2 x2900p oc'd > XT would be pretty fast and no disadvantage compared to the [old] 8800 GTS-640 series - except power/heat and noise at load

i was thinking of getting a 2900pro 512/512 for my own possible X-fire route but they are getting harder and harder to find. i may pair my 2900xt with a 3700 or just wait to see what is coming as i don't feel at all disadvantaged at 16x12 in ANY dx9 game.

 

[happy medium]

Just out of curiosity, could you crossfire your 2900xt with a 150.00$ 2900pro 512mb, 256bit and see no disavantage at 1680x1050? Is it even possible?

Edit: I know your psu can handle it, I helped you pick it out last year.:thumbsup:

 

[zeroburrito]

edit. sold out =[. on to the topic. you won't notice a difference.

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: shabby
512bit makes sense with heavy aa at high resolution, such as 4/6/8xaa at 1920x1200 and up res.
The 256bit 8800gt and 3870 will fall flat at that res, while the 8800gtx wont. The 2900 is kind of in a pickle since it has plenty of bandwidth but shoddy aa speeds compared to the geforce8.
150 isnt a bad price though, btw isnt your mobo agp?

I beg to differ, my 8800GT is rock solid in ut3 max settings 1920x1200 8x forced AA 16x AF.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: zeroburrito
edit. sold out =[. on to the topic. you won't notice a difference.

not sold out....134.00$ after 15$ reabate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102717

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: happy medium
Just out of curiosity, could you crossfire your 2900xt with a 150.00$ 2900pro 512mb, 256bit and see no disavantage at 1680x1050? Is it even possible?

Edit: I know your psu can handle it, I helped you pick it out last year.:thumbsup:

no disadvantage?
... there is probably some performance penalty - although probably tiny
-it's a decent PS .. especially for the cheap price i got it at ... i sure could use the latest connectors, though

i believe i can Xfire my 2900xt with 2900pro or 35/3800 series
- the slower card goes in the 4X PCIe slot

i am just not so sure i care to go Xfire at all ... why?
-for DX10?

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: soccerballtux

Originally posted by: shabby
512bit makes sense with heavy aa at high resolution, such as 4/6/8xaa at 1920x1200 and up res.
The 256bit 8800gt and 3870 will fall flat at that res, while the 8800gtx wont. The 2900 is kind of in a pickle since it has plenty of bandwidth but shoddy aa speeds compared to the geforce8.
150 isnt a bad price though, btw isnt your mobo agp?

I beg to differ, my 8800GT is rock solid in ut3 max settings 1920x1200 8x forced AA 16x AF.

LOL no it's not.

If AA was actually working, you'd see a massive fps hit.

You can get get AA to sorta work in UT3, but there are still a lot of jaggies, & the game becomes basically unplayable. (20 fps)

 

[Arglebargle]

I don't think the 2900s will crossfire with the 3xxx series card. I was researching this recently, and found what looks to be definitive charts that said 'No' http://ati.amd.com/technology/crossfire/charts.html