Graphics card

[---MAD---]

Hey guys,

Is there any point in buying a 1GB graphics card?

They are quite expensive atm but I was wondering is there a point? I doubt games will have requirements of 1gb until probably 3-4 years..

MAD

[ComputerVitals]

Only the person who wants to have bragging rights.....

I have a 128ddr, 512 Turbo cache Nvidia card.
I have no problems running Flight Simulator X
Note: This is not with full graphics, I maxed everything out, then dropped 2 of them one notch.

I say if you are going to buy one for gaming.. 512 will be plenty.

[---MAD---]

Thats great news, I can save a buck or two .

[ManagerJosh]

If It is DX10 ready, yes. Otherwise no.

[Wayne Luke]

Yeah.. Upcoming DX10 games can probably use 1GB in processing screens. Just from the amount of detail that is available. Other than that, get the cheaper version with less memory.

[---MAD---]

Yeah.. Upcoming DX10 games can probably use 1GB in processing screens. Just from the amount of detail that is available. Other than that, get the cheaper version with less memory.

The guy at the PC shop said its 850 dollars for the 1gb card.

[ManagerJosh]

For what? DX9? DX10?

[---MAD---]

I haven't ask but will do next time I visit them.

[Wayne Luke]

You can get a nVidia 8800GTS with 640 MB of RAM and DX10 support at Newegg.com for about $440.00.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143092

Want DX10 support at a cheaper price go with something like:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130086

It only has 256 on board memory but pack your board with 4 GB of RAM and it will borrow system memory if it needs it. All cards will. If you plan on keeping the card for a while and playing upcoming games, then DX10 will be a good investment.

[---MAD---]

Ok thanks a lot for the links and details .

MAD

[JakeS]

Or you could go to a some computer fairs (not all will be this cheap) where I've seen 512's up for as cheap as £10 brand new, in box, sealed.

[Wayne Luke]

512 MB on board or can access up to 512 MB? There is a difference and you have to be careful. Also what interface was it? What version of Direct X did it support and what GPU did it have?

All key considerations to take into account if you want to play games.

[---MAD---]

Can graphics card actually use up system ram too? So if you get a 512 and have say 2gb ram, it uses 1gb or w/e from it?

MAD

[Wayne Luke]

Yes... Both AGP and PCI-E slots can utilize System Memory. How much, depends on the card architecture. This is how integrated graphics work. They are AGP-based GPUs hardwired into the motherboard. Aside from that they are pretty much the same as a pop-in card.

[JakeS]

Can graphics card actually use up system ram too? So if you get a 512 and have say 2gb ram, it uses 1gb or w/e from it?

MAD

Yes, take a look at a laptop, most laptops use the system ram as the graphics processor, their for the more you want the graphics to be the less ram windows gets. (usually changeable by bio's)