8800GT 256MB OK or 512MB necessary

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pgaster

[H]ard|Gawd
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May 17, 2008
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I have an opportunity to get an 8800GT 256MB for folding, but I am not sure if the 256MB of memory is sufficient for the newest work units or not. How much RAM is in use while folding?
Should I hold out for a 512MB card or is the 256MB fine?
 
Does the 256MB card have the same memory system or is it gimped? I think the 512MB 8800GT has a 256-bit memory connection and I think 256MB buffer size would be fine so long as the bandwidth is all there. If it has 128-bit memory, don't get it. If it is still 256-bit, then it is probably ok but I don't know about the newest units.
 
The question we need to ask is what do you plan to pay for it, that's the only way we can tell you if it's Worth it

You will be able to fold on it, but compare the price to it's ppd and then you'll have it's worth
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I can't speak for the 256MB cards but I have a 1GB 8800GT and it performs identically to the 512MB cards with every WU. Now, 256MB is a lot smaller and some WUs do use quite a bit of memory, so you might see a performance hit.
 
I would say it depends on the price. Even if the 256MB card might incur a performance hit, if the card is cheap enough it might be worth it to go that route anyway. But nowadays, it's not that hard to find a used 8800GT for $50-60, so unless the discount is substantial, I would hold out for a better deal.
 
yes there will be a performance hit on the 8800GT 256mb cards vs the 512 because the WU will not fit on the cards video memory.. especially if your running windows vista/7 which will use between 75-150mb of video memory.. windows xp uses 29mb with a single display and 49-50mb with dual displays.. (numbers are based off both my rigs at home 1 running XP and 1 running windows 7 32bit.. the WU's will use between 250-400mb of ram depending on the WU...
 
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