Question about TI-4200/4600 video ram.

[Denithor]

I am probably going to buy an older video card (such as TI-4200/4600) for a (cheapo) system to be used for basic gaming (paired with a Celeron D so I am not expecting wonders). I have one question: on these older cards, is it better to get 64MB or 128MB of VRAM or does it make much difference? I have seen some (old) reviews showing the 64MB cards to actually outperform the 128MB versions, does this make any sense?

Thanks for the replies!
Matt

 

[bobsmith1492]

It makes sense since for some versions at least the cards with 64Mb ram actually had faster ram. With cards "that old" and slow, the extra ram is probably too slow to be well used. I'd take whatever was cheaper, with preferences on the faster ram regardless of size.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: bobsmith1492
It makes sense since for some versions at least the cards with 64Mb ram actually had faster ram. With cards "that old" and slow, the extra ram is probably too slow to be well used. I'd take whatever was cheaper, with preferences on the faster ram regardless of size.

:thumbsup:

You're not going to see much (if any) performance increase with a a GF4 128mb card versus a 64mb card based on the amount of onboard RAM. As mentioned, you'd be better off going with the faster RAM and cheaper card.

 

[Lonyo]

Plus whatever Celeron you get, it will probably hold you back.
If you don't have the system yet, then go for a cheap 754 Sempron setup, or a Socket A Sempron (depending on budget). They will be a fair bit faster.

See here

 

[carlosd]

On latest games like HL2 and DOOM3 128MB is important on these cards. Besides the 128MB version doesn't cost more much than 64MB versions.

 

[dug777]

i'd go the 128mb

texture memory is very important in modern games, i bet a 64mb ti4200 would get it's ass spanked in d3 against a 128mb...

from the benches at the time there was no discernable performance loss anywhere comparing the 64 and 128mb cards...but i've not seen a 64mb ti in benchies recently....

EDIT: the ti4200 cards are still very credible performers today, one of my mates has one and it runs farcry, d3 and hl2 very nicely indeed(providing you don't try to turn up the res or eyecandy too much ). So if u can get one cheap, jump on it Tho i'd still say get the 128mb for todays games...

 

[Denithor]

Thanks for the responses. I already have the rest of the system (pieced together off e-Bay and leftovers from other builds) including a Celeron D @ 2.53Ghz (retail HS) that was a mere $50 including shipping, so the Sempron is not an option. In this I am just looking for a cheapo system that will handle surfing/email & light gaming, so the TI-4200 seems like a great video card for this purpose. I will pick up the 128MB version based on these replies (this should allow the new user to run the latest games, albiet not at the highest settings).