7600 GS - 256 or 512 ?

[bruinwar]

PNY 7600 GS 256mg PNY's site lists the memory as: 800MHz Memory Data Rate (effective)

PNY 7600 GS 512mg PNY's site says: 540MHz Memory Data Rate (effective)

Which would be the better card? Would the faster memory be better than the extra room for textures?

TIA!

 

[BernardP]

It is not the first card I see with a slower but bigger memory buffer.

There is no doubt about this one. The 7600GS is a low-midrange card. There is no additionnal performance to be gained from a 512 MB memory buffer. The chip doesn't process enough data to fill such a big buffer. In fact, the 512MB model is probably slower because of the slower memory speed.

512MB looks good on marketing blurbs, that's all.

As you can see on the PNY web site, both cards are unavailable. There is currently a transition period for 7600GT and 7600GS cards, as newer models with the die-shrinked 80 nm G73 chip are starting to come out. The new models are priced lower and have a better frequency/power consumption ratio. A couple of examples of the newer 80 nm cards:

Asus 7600GS TOP

MSI low-profile 7600GS with HDMI connector

 

[mozirry]

I would save yourself 20 bucks and get the cheaper one.

at 169.99, your better off getting something like a 7900GS

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130056 = $159.99

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: mozirry
I would save yourself 20 bucks and get the cheaper one.

at 169.99, your better off getting something like a 7900GS

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130056 = $159.99

that or a 7600GT.

 

[bruinwar]

Thanks guys. I concur.

In all honesty, this is not for me, I got a 6800GT & skip generations as a rule. Friend of mine needs to upgrade & is stuck with AGP & a very lean budget. He is also stuck with Tiger Direct as he has a gift cert for them.

Merry Xmas!