Video memory qunatity used by DX9 games

[dror]

How much video memory will HL2 be using per level/segment? What about Doom3? I'm looking for an upgrade to last one year, without a lot of stuff going outwards from my AGP.. and then back again one year later
So, should I get a 256MB card or is 128MB enough for these games?

Thanks, Dror.

 

[CJP]

I think you should consider the 256 mb cards if your system is fast enough to drive them. What I mean is that the extra 128mb on the 256mb cards really shines at high resolutions like 1600x1200 with AA and AF on. With a slow cpu you'll bottleneck those cards and it wouldn't be worth the high price you pay for them. I've got a 2 year old Pentium 4 1.8ghz system so I just went with a 128mb card (Radeon 9800np). It plays current games great and I think it'll do ok with HL2 but I'm really not sure how it'll handle Doom. If Doom is your target you could consider waiting 4-5 months for the next generation cards from ati and nvidia (r420 and nv40) which I'm sure will handle Doom no problem.

 

[Pete]

The only 256MB 3D cards worth buying (fast enough to make use of the extra memory) are over $300. I'd forget about 256MB for any card under $300--concentrate on GPU and memory speed, instead.

A 128MB 9600 Pro (400/300) is a far better buy than a similarly-priced 256MB 9600 "Pro" (400/200).

You can always lower texture quality to avoid stuttering on a 128MB card, but you won't be able to OC the memory on that 256MB card to match the speed of the 128MB one. Speed trumps useless RAM below $300.

 

[dror]

My system will be 875 based so bottlenecks would not be an issue.
How ever I have a 17" monitor so I'm not palnning on a res higher then 1024x768.. In that case, will I need over 128MB of Video memory to run (Let's go for the extreme) Doom3?

 

[DaveSimmons]

No, and you probably couldn't get good frame rates above 1024x768 for Doom3 and HL2 anyway.

> the 256mb cards really shines at high resolutions like 1600x1200 with AA and AF
True for Quake3-based games, but D3, HL2, Halo, most everything else new coming out will be unplayable at that resolution.

So 256 MB makes sense if you have a 19"+ display and want to play last year's games at super-high resolution.

 

[dror]

One of the many contributions to the fact HL2 and Doom3 will not be playable at ress higher then 1024x768 could be not enough video memory... Correct me if I'm wrong. Please.

 

[FearoftheNight]

nah....more like not enough shader processing power....bottle neck is not memory bandwidth

 

[dror]

Guys, it boils down to this:
If you had endless funds, would you waste 100$ on extra 128MB on your 9800pro? Will it make ANY noticable diffrence in Doom 3 or HL2?
Yes/No answer please

 

[chazzheatherly]

Can you imagine the nerds that said: "64 mb is fine for today's games, you don't need 128 mb?
Duh.
I am going to get a 256mb card. Do the same. The old guard always hold on to yesterdays technology, don't they? Guarantee you, you crank the eye candy up on high and enable 32 bit color, and you will be glad you got 256 mbs.
Cheers, Chazz

 

[chazzheatherly]

Bye the way - has anyone here played HL2? No. Then how can they say the extra 128mb will hurt framerates?
It is like saying an extra 100 horsepower will not make your car go faster. An extra 60 lbs of muscle on a 36 inch waist will not make you any more attractive to women. An extra 10 million in your bank account will not attract girls.
Being good looking and dumb as a doorknob will not get you on "Joe Millionare?"|
Hello! These guys that think 256mb is a waste probably think the world is flat!
Cheers! Chazz

 

[THUGSROOK]

the world is flat

 

[chazzheatherly]

It is round, old man, and games want every bit of that 256mb.
And so does Nascar. Can you tell me who was won the most races this season?
In the Winston Cup? I did not think so. Hint: It ain't the points leader.
A coockie to the first person with the right answer!

 

[CJP]

For my part I never said 256 was a waste, just that it wouldn't make sense to spend the $700+ Can. on a 256mb Radeon 9800XT card for my system (1.8ghz p4). Of course you're right, if you've got a fast system and the cash you'll see a real benefit from the 256mb cards. They definitely won't be slower and they'll be more futureproof. Even slower systems will do better, just not by as much.

 

[chazzheatherly]

I was talking mid level 256mb add on.
And - as we in Fort Worth, Texas head into the Nascar and IRL weekend - who? has won
the most races in the Winston Cup this year?
Hint: Cell phones!
Yeah, I got tickets! Going Nascar truck racing!
Comon, this is a no brainer!

 

[Mem]

Guys, it boils down to this:
If you had endless funds, would you waste 100$ on extra 128MB on your 9800pro? Will it make ANY noticable diffrence in Doom 3 or HL2?
Yes/No answer please

I would wait until HL2/Doom 3 is out then buy the fastest card(they`ll probably have 256mb anyway) and you would also have reviews out as well,right now I would not go with 256mb unless the extra $100 means nothing to you.