HD 7790 - any benefit in the 2GB version for image processing?

boren

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Dec 13, 2009
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I'm debating between the three Sapphire HD 7790 versions - 1GB one fan, 2GB dual-x (two fans) and 2GB (one fan). I intend to use the card for image processing using DxO Optics Pro 8 (which uses OpenCL) and some light gaming. Coming from a passive cooled 7900 GS I appreciate silence and hope that none of these cards is going to be too noisy.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks! :)
 

Soulkeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 23, 2001
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I'm unfamiliar with "DxO Optics Pro 8" but i'd personally opt for a 2GB card if the price difference is small (just for futureproofing if nothing else).
Assuming you aren't approaching the 7850 prices, else get that.

I saw the 1GB version on sell the other day for $139 before $10 rebate.
It looks like newegg wants $170 for the 2GB version, this is too high imo considering you can get 7850's on sale for about that price.
 

Bateluer

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Jun 23, 2001
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I don't think the 7790 is really fast enough to effectively use 2GB. Perhaps if you're prone to using a lot of texture mods to increase the detail in games, the extra ram would help out. From a gaming perspective, anyway.

I don't know what DxO Optics is though, so I can't comment.
 

boren

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Dec 13, 2009
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DxO Optics Pro is the RAW conversion software, similar to Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture. It utilizes the video card to accelerate the conversion, using OpenCL. Is that the kind of thing that larger memory would be beneficial for?
 

Soulkeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 23, 2001
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DxO Optics Pro is the RAW conversion software, similar to Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture. It utilizes the video card to accelerate the conversion, using OpenCL. Is that the kind of thing that larger memory would be beneficial for?

Even if you are using images larger than 1GB the software is likely working on the image a bit at a time or optimized for systems with smaller memory in mind (ie: APUs or budget cards).

Personally I think you'd be fine with 1GB or 2GB 7790 or 7850.
Just get whatever is in my budget, or look for a good deal.
 
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boren

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Dec 13, 2009
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Personally I think you'd be fine with 1GB or 2GB 7790 or 7850.
Just get whatever is in my budget, or look for a good deal.

Yeap, I bought the 2GB 7850 and it works great. Conversion times are down to 1/3 of what they were with the old card, so very happy with it.

Thanks again for the advice.