SLI Video Cards?

Question

I was wondering which is more important, memory or memory type, would 512 mb ddr2 be better than a 256 gddr3?

I'd appreciate some insight on the whole topic, what is the significance of ddr2 and ddr3 and what does G mean when added to either.
Also, how do i know if my motherboard is compatible with gddr3 or ddr2?
Thanks

Answer 1

All the graphics card ratings are very confusing. A card can have speedy memory, but a slow grapics processing unit (GPU) or unstable drivers that crash your computer all the time or aren't compatible with Windows Vista.

Take a look at the PC World chart. They have great graphics card reviews that take into account all of the above and more.

Answer 2

GDDR2 or GDDR3 whether it fits---The two will fit just like any other vid card. It's the slot that counts, If you have more than one type, pcie, I do not think there any SLI r crossfire AGP cards and certainly there are no PCI cards. You did not tell us which mb you have. You need TWO pcie slots and a case that is the correct size. You need a FULL size case or larger, NOT midsize. Another thing to consider is your power supply These cards have extra power dongles and their fans will drop voltage across your board. I recommend at LEAST 500w for a sli 650 or more is better. You'll also need adequate case fans, perhaps even supplemental fans or upgraded cooling.

I would NOT worry so much about the quantity of ramm, although thatis usually an indicator, I'd worry about pixels, shaders, pipe, etc. As far as ddr2, I think they meant gddr2, they just label it differently. ddr3 is better than 2 but there are too many other factors.

Why buy a vid card now unless there is a killer deal? Directx10 cards are coming down in price and more models are being released.

Toms hardware has a good section of info on vidcard technology. Both the two guys above me have good advice.

Answer 3

What you mainly need to look at is the GPU speed. RAM is secondary but the video card manufacturers want you to think that's whats important. Look for the fastest GPU (Graphics Processing Unit... basically the CPU for the graphics card) and you'll be happy. Look at how many polygons it can compute per second.. these are the important things.

Now secondly and to youru question id go with the 512 DDR2. More is always better and DDR2 is just fine as well has been around longer and is more stable. Also look at the FSB or Front Side Bus of the card. The faster the better.

You also want to have at least 2 gigs of RAM In your machine to get as much out of the graphics card as possible. :)

Here is info on Gddr3. its memory just for graphics cards...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDDR3

Oh... and get Nvidia.. not ATI. Nvidia is a better brand in my experience.