8800gts 320MB or 8600gt GDDR3 512MB?

[Hmongkeysauce]

My current system is as followed:
AMD 3800 X2
2GB RAM
6600gt OC 128MB
1 24 in LCD(reso=1920x1200)

Planning to build a new computer in a month or two and trying to decide what video card to get. I have a chance to grab a used 8800gts 320mb for a little bit cheaper than a new 8600gt GDDR3 512mb. The only reason why I'm considering to get the 8800gts is because it's a powerful card for the cheap(just in case I get bored programming, I can launch some games ). However, I'm a little bit concern about the amount of ram it has. My current rig results in dropped frames(sometimes) while viewing 1080p videos. Not only that, but I'm planning to get another 24in LCD later on for dual display. Is 320MB enough for what I want(1080P videos and dual 24in)? Or should I step up to 512MB and just get the 8600gt? What's limiting my viewing experiences? I don't game but it's nice to have the power there when needed, especially at no extra cost. I know there's a new generation of cards on the horizon, but no pricing is confirm and if anything, street prices on those suckers will be higher than MSRP for awhile. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: How loud are the 8800gts? Noise is also an issue

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: Hmongkeysauce
My current system is as followed:
AMD 3800 X2
2GB RAM
6600gt OC 128MB
1 24 in LCD(reso=1920x1200)

Planning to build a new computer< in a month or two and trying to decide what video card to get. I have a chance to grab a used 8800gts 320mb for a little bit cheaper than a new 8600gt GDDR3 512mb. The only reason why I'm considering to get the 8800gts is because it's a powerful card for the cheap(just in case I get bored programming, I can launch some games ). However, I'm a little bit concern about the amount of ram it has. My current rig results in dropped frames(sometimes) while viewing 1080p videos. Not only that, but I'm planning to get another 24in LCD later on for dual display. Is 320MB enough for what I want(1080P videos and dual 24in)? Or should I step up to 512MB and just get the 8600gt? What's limiting my viewing experiences? I don't game but it's nice to have the power there when needed, especially at no extra cost. I know there's a new generation of cards on the horizon, but no pricing is confirm and if anything, street prices on those suckers will be higher than MSRP for awhile. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: How loud are the 8800gts? Noise is also an issue

9600gt 512mb

http://www.dailytech.com/NVIDI...00+GT/article10218.htm

 

[Hmongkeysauce]

I know about the upcoming 9600gt and 9500gt, but no pricing is rumored yet. And if the 8800gt's were of any indication, prices may be higher than MSRP for awhile. Also, I don't plan to buy everything at once, so I want to purchase things as good opportunities arises

 

[Slugbait]

You can't do 1080p with the 8800GTS on that monitor.

Some 8600GT cards will do 1080p on that monitor. Some won't. It depends on the manufacturer, do your homework.

All 8600GTS cards will do 1080P on that monitor.

 

[Slugbait]

Let me clarify: I'm talking about HDCP

 

[Hmongkeysauce]

I don't think HDCP is a factor just yet since according to my knowledge(maybe limited) non of the movie studios have implemented the technology onto their discs yet. However, let me simplify the question, since i don't think it's clear. Is 320mb of video ram enough for 1080P videos and dual 24in display or do I need more?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: Hmongkeysauce
I don't think HDCP is a factor just yet since according to my knowledge(maybe limited) non of the movie studios have implemented the technology onto their discs yet. However, let me simplify the question, since i don't think it's clear. Is 320mb of video ram enough for 1080P videos and dual 24in display or do I need more?

You need to clarify the type of 1080p content. Are we talking about HDDVD/BluRay or just plain run-of-the-mill 1080p?

The Radeon HD 2400/2600 and nVidia 8600/8500 cards have advanced VC1/H.264 decode / hardware acceleration capabilities superior to that of the 8800gts 320MB -- and will substantially reduce cpu utilization over that of the 8800gts 320MB in video playback.

Your GeForce 6600 GT also has hardware acceleration and with proper config/codecs should not have a problem playing conventional 1080p content - adding a second monitor will certainly effect that but to what degree is a tough call. If you are going to do limited 'single-task' and basicly watch the video 97.5% of the time the 6600gt might pull it off ...

At issue is what you will be doing with the second monitor. Are we talking about gaming/multi-tasking on monitor 2 while you watch 1080p content on monitor 1? If so the Radeon HD 2400/2600 and nVidia 8600/8500 cards would be your best bet because of the advanced hardware acceleration over that of the 8800gts 320MB and certainly the 6600gt.