6800 vanilla

[Ika]

How does the memory size affect the performance on a 6800 vanilla? Since it does have a 256-bit bus as well as the 6800GT core, I assume that 128mb vs 256mb won't be much of a difference.

also, I plan to unlock the disabled pipelines. does anyone know approximate success rates for doing so, and how much this affects performance?


one final thing... what does nu stand for? i've seen people talking about 6800nus, and i assume they're the same as the vanilla cards... just curious.

thanks in advance!

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

nu = vanilla

the memory will make a difference depends on resolution, you can unlock it and OC to about a gt speed i think with an aftermarket cooler

but if memory recalls they dont actually have 256 bit? dunno not about to look it up either

 

[996GT2]

I'd say the difference between DDR and GDDR3 is more significant than 128 vs 256mb on a 6800NU. The extra memory usually only comes into play at higher resolutions which the 6800 may not be able to handle with AA/AF on.

 

[Ika]

the 6800 i'm getting is 128mb framebuffer, 256-bit mem bus DDR. its the eVGA model - http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=128-A8-N343-AX&family=17.

I plan to play mostly only CS:S with it at 1280x1024 resolutions. does anyone know ~ how high i could the settings up while staying at 30-50 fps?

 

[996GT2]

If you have no other choice, then get the DDR model. However, if you had a choice, I would get a GDDR3 model and pay a bit more for it.

Also, if you can possibly get a friend to order online for you (you said something about not being able to boy off Newegg or something), then I would strongly advise getting a red PCB Sapphire X800GTO^2 or GeForce 7600GT over a 6800.

 

[Washoe]

Originally posted by: guoziming
the 6800 i'm getting is 128mb framebuffer, 256-bit mem bus DDR. its the eVGA model - http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=128-A8-N343-AX&family=17.

I plan to play mostly only CS:S with it at 1280x1024 resolutions. does anyone know ~ how high i could the settings up while staying at 30-50 fps?

This is the same card I currently have (until X1900XTX arrives next week). I doubt you can set things to maximum and still get 30-50fps. I'm content playing HL2 at varying medium to high advanced settings. AA is definitely off, I lose a lot of frames trying to play with it. AF I could possibly go 2x but I usually just set to the trilinear buffering instead. Vertical Sync I do leave on because I'm using a 24" ws monitor and it's just too much real estate to try and deal without the V-Sync.

In answer to the OP, I think there is a big difference (in 128 vs 256mb) even when the card is unlocked to 16 pipes. Sure the unlocking helps but going with 256mb is much more recommended - the 128mb cards will not keep last much longer in terms of keeping pace with current and future games.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
I'd say the difference between DDR and GDDR3 is more significant than 128 vs 256mb on a 6800NU. The extra memory usually only comes into play at higher resolutions which the 6800 may not be able to handle with AA/AF on.

This is where I have to say I disagree. GDDR1 and GDDR3 are the exact same things. GDDR3 is just lower voltage GDDR1 or GDDR2. The only differences are some internal registers and commands that do not increase or decrease perfromance. DDR3 is able to clock faster simply because it is designed to run at a lower voltage and thus produces less heat allowing it to clock higher. There is nothing magical about DDR3. DDR3 and DDR1 running at the same rate with the same timings will ahve a performance difference of 1% at most.

Many people have the miosconception that DDR1 means that it signals no the uptick and downtick of a hertz (aka wavelength) while DDR3 signals 3 times each on the up and down sides of a wavelength which is entirely false. The 3 stands for generation 3. They all function identically since they are all Double Data Rate, hence not being called Quad Data Rate and etc.

G=Graphics. All memory on graphics cards should start with G otherwise it is being incorrectly labeled
DDR=Double data rate
1,2,3=Generations 1, 2 or 3
Generation 1 Grahics ram ran at 2.5v

Generation 2 ran at 2.5v also but introduced BGA (Ball Grid Array) packaging as opposed ot DDR1s use TSOP (Thin Small-Outline Package) packaging. DDR 2 also added on die resistive termination to smooth and "clean" out currrent flow. This smoothing out the current allowed the read and write time to be more effiently used and thus allowed the higher clocks of DDR2. Also, DDR2 functions at a higher Cas latency and may introduce a AL(additional latency) into the mix a la Cas4 and AL1= effective Cas5.

Generation 3 works at 2.0v(samsung) or 1.8V(hynix, others) and creates much less heat thus allowing even higher clocks than DDR2