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128 bit vs 256 bit GPU??

Post Date: 2007-12-24
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CougarX6 View Drop Down
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Posts: 154 		  Quote CougarX6 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: 128 bit vs 256 bit GPU??
    Posted: 24 Dec 2007 at 6:40pm
I had to pick another video card for my new rig because the Promo Price one I picked was gone.  DS suggested an 8600GTS 512mb (thought it was a great card and comparable to the one I had picked).... but it only has a 128 bit interface.  So I was thinking about kicking it up to the 8800GT which has the 256 bit interface.
 
I know enough about computers to be dangerous.... but I'm clueless on this...
 
What's the difference between the 128 bit and 256 bit interface??
And how important is it to gaming... framerates etc??
 
Thanks!
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Dec 2007 at 7:09pm
The memory interface/bus determines how fast data is sent to the memory. You can picture it as a street... the wider the street is, the more vehicles it can handle.

It determines what resolutions and settings you will be able to handle.

Definitely go with a 256 bit card. I would suggest either the Radeon HD3850 256mb ($179, same price as 8600GTS) or Geforce 8800GT 256mb ($209). Both cards perform a lot better than the 8600GTS.


Edited by skyR - 24 Dec 2007 at 7:10pm
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CougarX6 View Drop Down
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Posts: 154 		  Quote CougarX6 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Dec 2007 at 7:23pm
Originally posted by skyR

The memory interface/bus determines how fast data is sent to the memory. You can picture it as a street... the wider the street is, the more vehicles it can handle.

It determines what resolutions and settings you will be able to handle.

Definitely go with a 256 bit card. I would suggest either the Radeon HD3850 256mb ($179, same price as 8600GTS) or Geforce 8800GT 256mb ($209). Both cards perform a lot better than the 8600GTS.
 
Thanks Sky... couple more questions though..
 
Don't see a 256mb 8800GT on the Configurator... guess they can get anything I ask for?  Is the 256mb sufficient or is it worth it to get the 512mb?
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Dec 2007 at 7:45pm
You can call them and ask for it.

The amount of memory needed depends on your resolution. 256mb should be enough for resolutions up to 1600x1200 without AA turned on.
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CougarX6 View Drop Down
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Posts: 154 		  Quote CougarX6 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Dec 2007 at 7:48pm
Originally posted by skyR

You can call them and ask for it.

The amount of memory needed depends on your resolution. 256mb should be enough for resolutions up to 1600x1200 without AA turned on.
 
The 256mb will definately be enough then.
 
Will call them first thing on Wednesday.... hopefully haven't confused them too much already.
 
Thanks for the info!
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Zoom12 View Drop Down
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Posts: 0 		  Quote Zoom12 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Dec 2007 at 2:29pm
yup the higher the bit interface the more data that can come through. Check out this sapphire series 2900 pro has a bit interface of 512! For the price it has great specs,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102706

however the 8800 line is also very nice even with a smaller bit interface you got the backing of the best gfx card manufacturer in the world nvidia.
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CougarX6 View Drop Down
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Posts: 154 		  Quote CougarX6 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Dec 2007 at 3:22pm
Thnx for all the input!
 
Went with the 8800GT 256mb card (I don't work with large screen res or use any AA) and you guys got me one quick.... and apparently it's sitting there humming away in Stage 2! (Order #5821)
 
Hoping it tests well and will ship soon!
 
 
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