just ordered an evga560ti 2GB. I have some questions.

[Anarchist420]

Do any games use more than 2GB of graphics memory with absolute highest quality settings (although with 4 aa samples rather than 8) at 1680x1050?

Also, they don't have a high failure rate, do they? I heard they run hot, but I'm going to force the fan to stay at 100% all the time and I'm going to replace the stock tim with AC MX2 at least on top of the heat spreader. I may even reduce the core/shader clock 1/8 and reduce the voltage somewhere from 6-15 mv (I would imagine that would be about right).

I'm upgrading most of my system, but I need to find another Voodoo5 MAC PCI first as I damaged the one I have by trying to get the heatsinks off. I'm also going to need to buy 2 more licenses, one for 7 32bit and one for 7 x64. I just hope that I don't have to buy a Hazro 27 in glossy monitor (the model number ends in C), but I will if the hdmi->miniDP adaptor doesn't work with the voodoo5. That monitor won't be much of an upgrade other than for compatibility because it's pretty much the same as my Apple 24 other than it has a higher res, slightly less input lag (still not low enough though since I'll have to turn on vsync as it's not 120 Hz), slightly higher contrast, and lower g2g response time.

Keep your eyes peeled in 3 weeks for what I have now at super low prices in AT FS/T.

 

[lehtv]

Do any games use more than 2GB of graphics memory with absolute highest quality settings (although with 4 aa samples rather than 8) at 1680x1050?

No. Most games don't use more than 1GB.

 

[dpodblood]

At that resolution the only way you would need more than 2GB would be if you were using some extreme texture mods. Also I don't think forcing the fan to run 100% all the time would be a good idea. That will just cause the fan to burn out quicker, and then the card will die for sure. Unless you're overclocking just run the fan at default speeds and make sure you have adequate case airflow.

 

[toyota]

it is basically a waste to get a gtx560 ti 2gb unless doing sli. you could have bought a faster gtx570 for the same price or cheaper.

 

[Anarchist420]

At that resolution the only way you would need more than 2GB would be if you were using some extreme texture mods. Also I don't think forcing the fan to run 100% all the time would be a good idea. That will just cause the fan to burn out quicker, and then the card will die for sure. Unless you're overclocking just run the fan at default speeds and make sure you have adequate case airflow.

Don't Rage and GTAIV use more than 1 GB?

Why would the fan burn out if quicker @ 100% if that reduces heat?
Thanks for the advice about though

 

[happy medium]

it is basically a waste to get a gtx560 ti 2gb unless doing sli

So your saying a 6950 with 2gb of memory is a waste too? Just about the same performance, especially if you give the 560 a little overclock.

Considering the 5870,gtx560ti and 6950 are all in the same performance bracket, I guess the same could be said for all?.

 

[Anarchist420]

it is basically a waste to get a gtx560 ti 2gb unless doing sli. you could have bought a faster gtx570 for the same price or cheaper.

The GTX570 doesn't have enough VRAM though.

 

[toyota]

So your saying a 6950 with 2gb of memory is a waste too? Just about the same performance, especially if you give the 560 a little overclock.

Considering the 5870,gtx560ti and 6950 are all in the same performance bracket, I guess the same could be said for all?.

its a waste when a faster gtx570 can be had for the same money.

 

[toyota]

The GTX570 doesn't have enough VRAM though.

at 1680x1050 it most certainly does. at 1920x1080 you are going to want more gpu power than a gtx560 ti has to run settings that need more than 1gb. in other words for a game like BF 3 at 1920x1080, you will run out of gpu power with a gtx560 ti before the 1gb becomes an issue.

 

[happy medium]

at 1680x1050 it most certainly does. at 1920x1080 you are going to want more gpu power than a gtx560 ti has to run settings that need more than 1gb. in other words for a game like BF 3 at 1920x1080, you will run out of gpu power with a gtx560 ti before the 1gb becomes an issue.

What runs out of gpu power first, a stock 6970/gtx570, a gtx560ti @ 980 core, a 6950 at 980 core?
I would say they are about even performance wise.

If more than 1gb is justified for the 6970/gtx570, why not with the gtx560ti/6950 overclocked?

 

[toyota]

What runs out of gpu power first, a stock 6970/gtx570, a gtx560ti @ 980 core, a 6950 at 980 core?
I would say they are about even performance wise.

If more than 1gb is justified for the 6970/gtx570, why not with the gtx560ti/6950 overclocked?

AGAIN, a gtx570 can be had for about the same price as the gtx560ti 2gb. the gtx570 is faster AND has enough vram for that level of gpu. if you are going to oc the others then also oc the gtx570.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Don't Rage and GTAIV use more than 1 GB?

Why would the fan burn out if quicker @ 100% if that reduces heat?
Thanks for the advice about though

Reducing heat of the gpu doesn't factor in the life of the fan burning out. A fan has a limited lifetime before the bearings wear out. Running the fan 100% will reduce the fan's lifetime.

 

[Anarchist420]

at 1680x1050 it most certainly does. at 1920x1080 you are going to want more gpu power than a gtx560 ti has to run settings that need more than 1gb. in other words for a game like BF 3 at 1920x1080, you will run out of gpu power with a gtx560 ti before the 1gb becomes an issue.

I don't need to run at 1920x1080 though. I'm also not so sure that the 570 costs less (maybe $10-30 less, but then the clock speeds are higher for the GTX560Ti). Suppose a game comes out with uncompressed textures?

I'm also okay with 30fps in many cases, or even occasionally dips to 24 fps.

 

[happy medium]

AGAIN, a gtx570 can be had for about the same price as the gtx560ti 2gb. the gtx570 is faster AND has enough vram for that level of gpu. if you are going to oc the others then also oc the gtx570.

The 570 is roughly about 25$ more, but in the Op's case at 1600x1050, a gtx570 is not needed. He could just overclock the 560ti @ 1600x1050 and get the same framerates.

Call the 2gb of memory on the 560ti insurance but in most cases not usable.
Same can be said for a 6950,5870.

 

[Anarchist420]

Reducing heat of the gpu doesn't factor in the life of the fan burning out. A fan has a limited lifetime before the bearings wear out. Running the fan 100% will reduce the fan's lifetime.

Thanks I'll just leave it at default and remove the stock TIM with a washcloth and AS remover kit, then purify the top of the heatsink and the IHS with the surface purifier part of the AS remover kit and then apply AC MX2. That should bring temps down at least 3C.

 

[toyota]

The 570 is roughly about 25$ more, but in the Op's case at 1600x1050, a gtx570 is not needed. He could just overclock the 560ti @ 1600x1050 and get the same framerates.

Call the 2gb of memory on the 560ti insurance but in most cases not usable.
Same can be said for a 6950,5870.

the gtx570 can be had for $260 which is actually cheaper than the gtx560 ti 2gb last time I looked. so AGAIN the gtx570 is the FASTER card for the price.

 

[happy medium]

the gtx570 can be had for $260

The prices went up bud, they are closer to 300$ AR shipped now, unless you want the one with a gtx470 pcb.

The gtx560 ti 2gb is about 25$ less.

At 260$ for a gtx570 , I would agree with you fully, but at 1600x1050 a gtx560 with a little overclock will match a gtx570 for less.

 

[toyota]

The prices went up bud, they are closer to 300$ AR shipped now, unless you want the one with a gtx470 pcb.

The gtx560 ti 2gb is about 25$ less.

At 260$ for a gtx570 , I would agree with you fully, but at 1600x1050 a gtx560 with a little overclock will match a gtx570 for less.

I just looked and the reference Galaxy gtx570 is 260 bucks. it is out stock but they go in and out of stock all the time so it could likely be back later today or tomorrow. the non reference Galaxy gtx570 is $290 right now but it drops to $260 usually once a week.

 

[lehtv]

Since 560 Ti 2GB can't really benefit from all that VRAM on 1680x1050, and since GTX 570 is a bit overkill for 1680x1050, obviously a 6950 1GB or GTX 560 Ti 1GB would be the optimal choice. Can be had for just $200; put the money saved towards later upgrades (monitor...). But if I had to choose between 560 Ti 2GB and 570 1.28GB, I would most definitely get 570 even if it cost a bit more.

 

[dpodblood]

Since 560 Ti 2GB can't really benefit from all that VRAM on 1680x1050, and since GTX 570 is a bit overkill for 1680x1050, obviously a 6950 1GB or GTX 560 Ti 1GB would be the optimal choice. Can be had for just $200; put the money saved towards later upgrades (monitor...). But if I had to choose between 560 Ti 2GB and 570 1.28GB, I would most definitely get 570 even if it cost a bit more.

I agree, but the OP has already ordered the card. Is it too late to cancel the order and get a GTX 570 instead? Even if it costs ~$30 more I think it would be worth it. I guess it depends on your budget.