Isn't this a good deal?

[jordanpr]

Sapphire Radeon X800XL 512MB for 119$ at Newegg,

How much more does the X800XL 512MB give performancewise vs 256MB cards and 128 cards? And what are some other benchmarks to look for?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Very little. That card isn't powerful enough to utilize the 512 mb. Just go with a 256mb unless its the same price.

 

[Powermoloch]

X800XL 512MB showed some improvement in performance @ COD2

 

[ChiSoxFan]

I think I also remember reading articles where the 512mb version performed a little bit worse in some games. Stick with the 256 if you can get it cheaper.

 

[jordanpr]

Ah, thank you. What do you mean by "isn't powerful enough to utilize the memory?"

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: jordanpr
Ah, thank you. What do you mean by "isn't powerful enough to utilize the memory?"

as in, the card can't fill the memory fast enough before it is refreshed. this means that the card can't transmit enough graphics information to fill up the 256mb a normal card would have.

 

[jordanpr]

Ha! I don't understand then, why make the card 512MB? To attract ignorant people into thinking they are receiving a better card?

 

[Bobthelost]

That's the main reason yes 😀

 

[jordanpr]

That deal looked so delcious it almost got me ;-)

 

[Ika]

and to think, there are X1300Pros that have 512mb memory... yikes. the card can't even fill up a 128mb frame buffer.

 

[KeithTalent]

So is it only, say 1800XT and higher that actually utilize the 512mb, or are there other mitigating factors that affect this usage?

Sorry OP, not trying hijack, just interested 🙂

 

[jordanpr]

Can anyone answer the question?