Geforce FX 5900 256m vs 128m

[SnakeChomp]

I've been looking for a while now for some information on this topic, but I can't seem to find anything worth while. Is the extra 128 ram worth the extra money? I'm mainly looking at the Gainward 5900 128meg model as shown here but I am wondering if it is worth it to go for 256 megs as shown here. Note that I provide these links only to show the products im looking at not the store in which I would buy them. $471 is alot for the 256 meg version, and I just don't know if its worth it.

Any input from you guys? Do Doom 3 and H2 really use 256 megs of video ram? I've heard rumors but nothing I would trust.

[Edit]: Oh yeah, the 128 model looks way cooler too. 😎

 

[NYHoustonman]

For the FX 5900, the 256 MB is also the Ultra version, with higher clock speeds, so in this case it could be. For the Radeon 9800 pro, I'm pretty sure both 128 and 256 have = clock speeds.

 

[dguy6789]

the 9800 pro 256mb has ddr2 and 10mhz increase in memory, other then that there both the same, but the 10mhz increase is there to counter the extra latency of the ddr2, so they are about equal in performacne except when 256mb of mem is needed, and that wont be for a while.

 

[Corporate Thug]

i would go for the 128, even in the doom benchies, 256 didnt show any substantial improvement

 

[Vich]

Agreed, when 256 will be needed the 256mb cards will be cheaper.


-Rich

 

[modedepe]

At this point 256mb is not needed. You will know when it starts to be needed cause it will appear on a lot more cards.

 

[yaak3f]

I am pretty sure that the 256 MB is the Ultra version and the 128 isn't so there is performance difference in there. Its different from the comparison between a 256 MB 9800 Pro to a 128 MB 9800 pro (both card are very close in perfomance).