512 mb vs 256 mb - does it really matter?

Question

Im looking for a new video card, and I see 90% have 256 mb of video memory, a fe whave 512 mb, is this really a big deal, what exactly is the performance difference?? doest his mean that twice as much of the video calculations are done on the GPU without using system memory>???

Answer 1

If you are heavy into playing the latest and greatest 3-D games, then, yes it may very well make a big difference.
The performance difference is that the GPU, oops CPU, (Central Processing Unit or Microprocessor) does less of the video calculations and can concentrate on other instructions the program throws at it.
With 256 or 512 MB you should be OK, but if you are in doubt, start reading this answer from the top again, ;-)

Answer 2

Depends on what you do on your PC. If you just do the normal web browse, email, talking on AOL instant messenger or yahoo....then 256 wont really hurt you. Even tho 512 is the comfort zone. If you like to download stuff an do a little more...then 512. 1GB and 2GB is mainly for people who play games or like to do alot on there PC.

Answer 3

Generally a better video card will have more memory. I.E. 8800GT has 320MB Ram, the 8800GTS has up to 512MB and the 8800GTX has 768MB of ram.

Their are a lot of other factors to consider when purchasing a video card. Check out toms hardware for reviews and info on what it all means

Answer 4

It does matter if u r going to play HD (1920*1024) type image. Larger memory will give GPU leverage its capability to prepare image frame in advance for displaying. Usually 256MB is good enough for 1024*768* 32bit color type LCD

Answer 5

Are you sure your laptop can handle a video card upgrade? Most can't.

Answer 6

You should get the 512MB instead of the 256MB because it can hold more.