256MB vs 512MB 7600GS graphics card

[JKimbo]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the if the extra 256Mb will make a lot of difference in games?

I am looking at the following cards:

256MB Gigabyte 7600GS

512MB Gigabyte 7600GS

Thanks

[Steve B]

what games are you planning on playing?

[SiM]

The 512mb one has a faster gpu speed... So I suppose that will make a difference too...

[sawyen]

The 512mb one has a faster gpu speed... So I suppose that will make a difference too...

but nothing major that a simple button in Nvidia Panel coudnt fix.. not worth the premium IMO.. 7600GS will struggle to use all 256MB anyways..

[oralpain]

Nothing that uses more than 256MB of video memory will run at an acceptable speed on such a card.

[JKimbo]

thanks for the replies.

would the extra memory make any difference in vista? i heard that the aero interface would do better with the extra memory.

[colinloves]

Good question that I also want answering.

Say, Oblivion. What would the extra memory give? How noticable would it be?

[dodgybob]

I would have thought that getting a 256mb 7600gt would provide more power than a 512mb 7600gs, it would only be a few quid more:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=457256

Are you looking at these because they have no fan? Make sure you compensate with good airflow in the case as that heat still has to go somewhere. Might be worth asking around as to how noisy the fan is on that card since if it's quiet in 2D and allows you to turn your case fans down you might be able to run your system quieter overall even with the extra fan.

[JKimbo]

Are you looking at these because they have no fan?

Yea i'd prefer it without a fan. like to keep my pc as quiet as possible!

on a side note does anyone know if there is a fan controller that can manually control the fan speed on a graphics card? would something like this do it?

[dodgybob]

Most graphics cards these days allow you to control the speed of their fan through software. The fan automatically runs slower in 2D mode and then ramps up as it gets hotter in 3D mode. With my x800xt, ati tool allows me to set the fan speed for different temperatures, I think riva tuner may be the equivalent for nvidia cards but i'd get someone to confirm that.

[JKimbo]

Most graphics cards these days allow you to control the speed of their fan through software. The fan automatically runs slower in 2D mode and then ramps up as it gets hotter in 3D mode. With my x800xt, ati tool allows me to set the fan speed for different temperatures, I think riva tuner may be the equivalent for nvidia cards but i'd get someone to confirm that.

thanks but at the moment i've got a very old FX 5200 PCI (don't have the money to upgrade) and im just looking for a quick fix to make it quieter. i was contemplating just unplugging the fan but im a bit worried that it might overheat!
*has visions of computer on fire*

so instead i thought i would just buy a cheap fan controller to bring the noise down. but i don't know which one to get which is why i need your help. any ideas?

[Fabula]

Gigabyte do a passively cooled 7600GT. It is quiet...

And having 512meg on a 7600GS is pointless. It doesn't have the power to deal with it. If there was a game or program that would benefit from the 512, the card itself wouldn't cope with it.

I've seen 512meg 7300s. That is even more pointless.

[sawyen]

and 512MB X1300... hooo man.. that is ultra pointless.. even for professional graphics generation.. they're literally slideshows..

[chuckskull]

I'd go for a 256meg 7600GT, about the same price and will outrun the 512meg GS all day long.

Theres actually one in the for sale forum forum right now if you post a bit in the next few days you'll have access soon.

[JKimbo]

thanks for the replies you guys. they've been really helpful. i think im going with your advice and get a 7600gt. just need to find the money for it somehow!

thanks again

[colinloves]

So no game benfits from a 500meg card to date?

Only good for video work, right?