AGP Question: What does "memory interface" mean

[Athena]

When I'm looking at cards at Newegg, I can specify the memory size and the memory interface. What does that mean? Is it a constraint set by the slot on the motherboard or...?

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

ddr, ddr2 gddr3 im guessing..

 

[aka1nas]

The memory interface is how wide the memory bus on the card is. I.E. 64, 128, or 256 bits wide. Wider memory interfaces are generally found in higher-end cards usually provide more memory bandwith for the graphics card. It's the same principle as dual channel RAM on a motherboard. Having more memory bandwith helps when you are running higher resolutions or using bandwith hungry settings such as Anti-Aliasing.

 

[Athena]

Originally posted by: aka1nas
The memory interface is how wide the memory bus on the card is. I.E. 64, 128, or 256 bits wide. Wider memory interfaces are generally found in higher-end cards usually provide more memory bandwith for the graphics card.

Thank you aka1nas. So it applies to the relation between the onboard memory and the graphics processor on the card...rather than to the transfer of data between the card and the system? In other words, can I use a 128 or 256 bit card when the system specs say "AGP expansion-card connector data width = 32bits?

 

[aka1nas]

Yes, the memory interface is the bus between the GPU and the video RAM. It is independent of the AGP or PCI-E bus. If you are looking for a fairly high-end card, then currently you would probably want something with a 256-bit memory bus, though of course that alone doesn't mean a card is fast.