Graphics Aperture size

[Outflying]

Hello all,

Could someone please explain what this is and what should it be set at in bios? 64? 128? 256?

I have asus p4g8x and 9700pro.
1 gig memory

THANKS!

 

[jiffylube1024]

Typically Graphics Aperture size is set to ~1/4 of your system memory, usually 64MB+. It should also be at least as big as the amount of video memory you have on your video card. I'd say 256MB would be perfect for your machine.

 

[sash1]

Apeture size is the amount of system RAM shared with the video card to process texturs and such. Too much can slow down your system, but at the same token, too little may not be sufficient for you graphics card. Obviously with 1Gig of RAM this won't be a problem for you.

It is normally rule of thumb to use 1/4 of system RAM for your apeture size, so I would suggest 256Mb.

~Aunix

 

[Outflying]

Thanks for the fast response! This site rocks!

 

[sash1]

Originally posted by: Outflying
Thanks for the fast response! This site rocks!

Yes it does. And welcome to teh forums! hope you enjoy your stay!

~Aunix

 

[Bad Dude]

Can anyone gives us a ling to read more about?
Thanks.

 

[BFG10K]

The rule of thumb is to leave it at 64 MB, going to 128 MB or 256 MB only if you have problems which you can't solve otherwise.

 

[TheRealShaman]

You could try looking about Aperture Size at the "Definite Bios Optimization Guide" ( http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=1 ) which is exactly what the name implies..
Here is a direct link to the specific section: http://www.rojakpot.com/showBOG.aspx?bogno=23

 

[glugglug]

Set the aperture size as small as you can (even if that is 0) unless you are doing professional graphics rendering (not games).

The aperture size is the amount of system memory the card will use for AGP texturing if it runs out of space on the card. No game uses enough textures to cause this to happen (unless you're using an old 8MB card or something) because the swapping between the card and system ram would be too painfully slow for any game.

 

[WarSong]

Here is an interesting article about this: Tweak3D.net. They only test with a TNT2U and a GF3ti500 though.

 

[Metalloid]

I usually don't go along with the "Rules of Aperture Size." I suggest you try every setting and whichever provides the best performance is the one you stick with.

 

[BFG10K]

Set the aperture size as small as you can (even if that is 0) unless you are doing professional graphics rendering (not games).

That is unwise as you'll disable AGP and put your card into PCI compatibility mode. Then you'll get performance levels akin to software rendering.

The aperture size is the amount of system memory the card will use for AGP texturing if it runs out of space on the card.

While technically true the setting controls more than just this factor.

No game uses enough textures to cause this to happen (unless you're using an old 8MB card or something)

You couldn't be further from the truth.

because the swapping between the card and system ram would be too painfully slow for any game.

It's much slower than local VRAM but it's still a hell of a lot more faster than PCI mode when it can use the advanced transfer modes that AGP provides, features that you disable by lowering the AGP aperture too low. If you think AGP is slow at transfering textures wait until you see how slow PCI is.