GPU memory - overrated?

[VulkanBros]

I have used GPU-Z´s logging function to monitor memory usage in various games,
and it hits me that the highest usage is in COD:Ghosts (1.8 GB)
BF4, FarCry 3, DayZ, Metro 2033 - none of them uses more than 1.4 GB at most......

I am running with a Gainward GTX 770 4 GB Phantom and a 24" Samsung monitor (1920 x 1080)

I seems to me that a 4 GB GPU card is so much OVERKILL........can that really be right??

Will the games consume more memory in higher resolutions? Properly they will.......

 

[natr0n]

Seems to be 4GB cards are like the new standard.

Its better to have more than not have in this case.

You can always use more AA and stuff.

 

[RCoon]

I have used GPU-Z´s logging function to monitor memory usage in various games,
and it hits me that the highest usage is in COD:Ghosts (1.8 GB)
BF4, FarCry 3, DayZ, Metro 2033 - none of them uses more than 1.4 GB at most......

I am running with a Gainward GTX 770 4 GB Phantom and a 24" Samsung monitor (1920 x 1080)

I seems to me that a 4 GB GPU card is so much OVERKILL........can that really be right??

Will the games consume more memory in higher resolutions? Properly they will.......

>Not everyone is on 1080p, myself included
>New GPU's were designed with 4K monitors in mind
/thread

 

[DF is BUSY]

2gb and eventually 3gb will be the standard for 1080p gaming (with all eye candy maxxed) but of course as of right now only some games even come close to that mark. and you can always tone down your settings.

4gb cards were made for higher reso like 1200/1440/4k/etc and multi monitors (or both?)

 

[vega22]

i can hit 2.8gb usage at 2560/1600 so i think another gig might help.

edit

that's a no btw from me.

 

[dark2099]

When I saw W1zz's review of a 1GB 7850, it was maybe a 1-2 FPS less than a 2GB card at anything up to 1080P, then the 2GB started to pull away more noticeably. Basically what I figure for now, 2GB is all you really need for 1080P or anything lower.

 

[satsol]

The higher resolution you play at, and the higher in game settings you use, then the more vram you're going to use. BF4 uses more than 1.4 - heck, the developers recommend 3GB. If you have the money then buy one, as games are just going to continue requiring more, and you will futureproof yourself a bit. Though, the main thing you need more vram for is multi-monitor or if you plan to SLI your system.

 

[LAN_deRf_HA]

The people buying top end cards are playing top end games and mods on high res displays. They're the ones who hit those limits and they're the ones complaining about it on forums. For your average user you don't need a $500 card with large amounts of vram. Me personally I've been bumping up against 3 gb for awhile now, but that's ok for now because it's not necessary to cache everything like that. Idk what the exact range is but I'd say if you're hitting 3gbs you probably wouldn't notice a performance hit if you only had 2.5 gbs at least, not sure about going down to 2 gbs in that situation.

 

[happita]

GPU memory is certainly NOT overrated. When playing a game and you run out of usable VRAM, there will be very noticeable spikes in fps lag and it isn't pretty. In this day and age, 3GB of memory will keep you going good for forseeable future games at 1080p. Anything higher than that, 4GB to futureproof yourself at 1440p/1600p/4k resolutions.

 

[THE_EGG]

That's a little weird, I've seen a bit over 2GB usage when playing BF4 at 1080p. 2060mb was the highest I've seen. I noticed some monster lag spikes on my previous cards - GTX 580 - with BF4 hence why I upgraded only about a week ago.

I don't think the massive vram on some cards is overkill at all anymore. Personally I think anything more than 2GB on lower end cards (under GTX 660 - HD7870) is a bit overkill.

 

[Gas2100]

i see 2gb usage in BF4 @ 1080p, its the reason i upgraded from my 680..