HD 4870 capacities

[Dorkenstein]

Is it worth purchasing a 1gb version of the HD 4870 if I already have the 512 mb version or is there a better "step up" option? Thanks.

 

[vj8usa]

Look at some benchmarks (like AT's review) before you think about upgrading. What resolution do you play at? You won't see any gains in performance unless you'd make use of more than 512MB VRAM, so it's generally not worth it until you're playing at 1920x1200 or higher.

 

[error8]

I had the same idea when I first got my card, but I convinced myself that is not a worthy upgrade. First of all, the 1gb version shines over the 512 mb one, when you are using lots of AA, especially over 8X. At 4X and lower, both cards are about the same, but at 8X or more the 512 mb version chokes in a the majority of the newest titles. And of course, the 1gb outpaces the other one in high resolutions, at more then 1920X1200. The reality is that, with time, games will require more and more video ram, look at Crysis, but for the time being, the 512 mb seems enough, especially when you already bought it . If you were upgrading now, from an older card, the 1gb 4870 would have been perfect, otherwise is just a waste of money.

 

[F1shF4t]

Fallout 3 is a lot more smooth with the 1 gig card for me (1680 * 1050, everything max, 4*AA). But if you already have a 512MB version there's not much point to getting a new 1gig card (unless you get a good price selling the 512 and the 1gig only costs you a few bucks more or you have more than one comp and you just use it as an excuse to upgrade the card in the second one )