x1950 256 vs x1950 512

[Pugnate]

So is going to 512 worth it?

 

[Laminator]

At current prices, no.

 

[HannibalX]

I wish I would have gone with the 512MB version. I plan on keeping my X1950 Pro for many years and already I am already running into limitations due to memory, or lack of memory.

For instance, Quake 4 on Ultra-High quality needs 512MB of video memory. Running 1680x1050 on that setting creates very choppy game play on my X1950 Pro 256MB card. The game runs smoothly for 30 seconds or so and then gets really choppy for a period of time and then returns to smooth. This is where the card is running out of memory and swapping textures in and out of memory.

Alternately my X1600 Pro 512MB CAN run at that resolution and graphics settings smoothly, albeit at a lower frame rate of course. Because there is enough memory to cache all the textures I get continues smooth game play, with no slowdowns. Am I running at 60-70 fps? No, more like 35-40 fps but it is smooth and NOT choppy.

My point is that memory does make a difference. Look at how the GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB destroys the 320MB version at higher detail levels/resolutions. Those two cards are literally identical save for their memory size differences.

I may end up swapping my card out for a 512MB version in a month or so. Games are only going to be using more and more memory in the future.