8800GT: 256, 512, or 1gb for 24" monitor for gaming and HD

[Franklinwallbrown]

Which one is better or would you recommend an SLI?

I found a 1gb 8800GT for the same price as most 512s. The 256s are about $200 (1 is 199.99 after MIR), so someone could probably get me to go 2x SLIed 256s if they could convince me of the gains, but I don't know about two 512s.

 

[keakar]

Which one is better or would you recommend an SLI?

the 256 is out, forget it its only for computers not needing much video performance.

the 512mb should serve all your needs but since your going 24" lcd then you might benefit from 1gb. the 1gb card you linked before is the best overall fit, its only $50 more than the cheapest 512mb cards and it will have better cooling with not being crowded into sli.

weather you go sli or not use the accelero s1 cooler for it. its very low profile and fits nicely in sli tight space.

 

[PrudentPrincess]

Franklin why don't you just make one thread for all these questions?
I would recommend 512mb just because its all you need for the native res and I don't think the 1gb version is as good of a deal for price/performance.

 

[Franklinwallbrown]

I try to get all these questions on one thread, but then everyone stopped coming to it.

But the 1gb I found is only $20 more than the cheapest 512 I could find. Where is that 512 that is $50 cheaper than the 1gb?

 

[niko084]

Well the way I see it, even at 1920x1280 the 1gb 2900xt is barely faster and I mean BARELY faster than the 512mb version in application, and that has a 512bit memory bus...

The 8800GT only having a 256bit bus.... Is that even going to really be able to use 1gb of video ram... Considering a 128bit wont use 512...

So it would use more power cost more and maybe give 1 fps increase in some applications...

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/palit_geforce_8800_gt_super+_1gb_review/page6.asp

Take a look here the 1gb Palit 8800GT is actually showing slightly slower than the 512mb little brother even in 1920x1200.
Even at 2560x1600 they score hand and hand...

 

[keakar]

i would like to add that you are very smart to take your time and not rush into buying something on impulse, that is not something that is easy to do. you should have an extremely well matched top of the line computer that is second to none. the cost does add up but what your getting will be a wonderfull system. good luck!

 

[Franklinwallbrown]

So, wait, umm...I don't get it. Could you maybe explain that in dept and slower. THanKS.

Thank you very much. I am cheap, so I want to make sure I get my monees worth.

 

[keakar]

Franklin why don't you just make one thread for all these questions?
I would recommend 512mb just because its all you need for the native res and I don't think the 1gb version is as good of a deal for price/performance.

this is a good point because all you gain is extra memory and maybe, just maybe, a very tiny increase in frame rates. your not really going to get any performance boost that you would notice but in bench testing you would see better numbers. overall even though it looks like you dont have a need for it the price is attractive so its sort of a coin flip and for me, not knowing the card maker is a deal breaker because of all the unknowns. when buying an expensive card you have to consider who makes it. a $250 EVGA 8800GT or a $250 BFG 8800GT are good companies known to stand behind the lifetime warranty they give you and that is very important. i know nothing of this Pilat brand but it looks to be a european brand card so it could be good but i cant say just think about whoever you buy the card from should be around and stand behind the warranty

 

[niko084]

So, wait, umm...I don't get it. Could you maybe explain that in dept and slower. THanKS.

Thank you very much. I am cheap, so I want to make sure I get my monees worth.

Basically the card only has a 256bit memory bus. This controls the bandwidth of the bus to access the memory on the card.

A 128bit memory bus will not use 512mb of video memory and shows very minimal improvements over 256mb of ram.

So can a 256bit memory bus use 1024mb of video memory?
Beyond that is the 8800GT fast enough to use 1024mb of video memory?
Maybe in SLI you might take advantage of it a bit, that is if the memory bus can use it.

In the link I posted, they are pretty much showing that the 1024mb memory version is a complete waste even at the highest of resolutions seen in 30"+ monitors.

So that would lead me to believe 1 of 2 things, either the card can't use it because its not fast enough, or the memory bus wont use it. In either case, it shows that its a waste and nothing but marketing.

 

[Franklinwallbrown]

Very convincing argument. So, on to the 2x 256s or 1x 512.

 

[niko084]

Very convincing argument. So, on to the 2x 256s or 1x 512.

Eh thats a hard one, honestly myself with that size monitor, I would get a single 512mb and if you want more later add a second one.

I just don't think 256mb of video ram is going to be enough to really keep up.

 

[keakar]

Eh thats a hard one, honestly myself with that size monitor, I would get a single 512mb and if you want more later add a second one.

I just don't think 256mb of video ram is going to be enough to really keep up.

i agree, 512 and you can always add another later if needed

 

[Franklinwallbrown]

K, it's settled then. Here it is unless you have a cheaper one in mind?

 

[niko084]

Thats a nice card, EVGA makes good solid cards and is a great company to deal with " if " you have a problem.

 

[Franklinwallbrown]

I love saving money! & getting the most out of my money!

 

[DaMulta]

The palit 1GB card also stays half as cool as the other cards. And also has it's own PCB design.

It's worth the extra 20 dollars, and if your going to get a 24" monitor your going to want that 1Gb of memory for AA.

Also at the end of that

UPDATE: NCIX USA now sells the Super+1GB for $295.16, placing it a few dollars below Palit's own MSRP. At this price the card is just $15-$30 more than factory OC'ed cards from BFG and Galaxy. If this price holds true, it would definitely make the Palit 1GB a better value, especially considering it's unique cooling and the addition of HDMI.

 

[keakar]

K, it's settled then. Here it is unless you have a cheaper one in mind?

get this vga cooler for that card: ARCTIC COOLING Accelero S1 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186016

and if you think you need extra cooling get this:ARCTIC COOLING Turbo Module Sleeve Dual VGA Fan http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186021

but that cooler works so good you wont need the fan unless your case has bad airflow

dont forget this, its way better than the stock cooler and it works so good you dont need a noisey fan

 

[candle_86]

1gb is overkill right now, but its time is comming.

in 2000 we got 64mb of vram, but it wasnt useful till 2001, in 2002 we got 128mb but it wasnt useful till 2003, in 2003 they upeed to 256 which was useful then and there which was amazing, then in 2004 we got 512mb but that amount just now shows as being useful, id say 1gb wont be useful for a few more years at least.