How do I tell one from another?

[gshock]

I asked some similar questions in the CPU forum and met with great response so I'll try the same here. How do I figure out what all the jargon means?

For example: ASUS EAH2600XT/HTDP/256M Radeon HD 2600XT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video

Other than ASUS. I have no idea what any of that means ... except maybe the 256 MB. 128-bit is good, but I don't know what that means either.

I just picked something. I don't have an particular allegiance to ASUS video cards.

Thanks

 

[pstang]

128 bit: is the memory bus width... 128 is kinda small, 256 bit or larger would be better

GDDR3: the type of video memory used, you have GDDR-GDDR4, kinda like for motherboards where some support DDR, others DDR2 others DDR3...it usually runs at a higher frequency and lower voltage the farther down the line you go

PCI Express x16 is the type of connection you will have to plug the card into on your motherboard (yes, there are exceptions)

Crossfire: the ability to use the card in conjuction with an identical card for increased graphichs performance (has to be supported by your motherboard also)

 

[kllrnohj]

Really with video cards I think the only way to truly tell how a card will perform is to look at benchmarks for it. Great specs doesn't always equate to a great card.

My suggestion would be to post up what sort of budget for a video card you have and ask what the best card can be had for your budget.

 

[JStudrawa]

128 bit: is the memory bus width... 128 is kinda small, 256 bit or larger would be better

GDDR3: the type of video memory used, you have GDDR-GDDR4, kinda like for motherboards where some support DDR, others DDR2 others DDR3...it usually runs at a higher frequency and lower voltage the farther down the line you go

PCI Express x16 is the type of connection you will have to plug the card into on your motherboard (yes, there are exceptions)

Crossfire: the ability to use the card in conjuction with an identical card for increased graphichs performance (has to be supported by your motherboard also)

I think he needs it broken out even more. As in 128-bit means the card grabs 128 bit chunks of data to process.

DDR3 memory is double data rate (?) generation 3. And why is less okay if bit rate is higher, etc etc etc.

I think he needs a computers 101 website possibly. Such as...

http://www.techterms.com/list/d

Alphabetic.

 

[gshock]

Okay, maybe not compuers 101. I understand the basics, but the last machine I built was with a buddy of mine. So he new what parts to select because he knew the jargon Think of it like rebuilding your car with a mechanic at your side. That's basically what I know about hardware. I know enough to put my own system together. I just don't know how to shop for what I want.

Thanks to you guys, now I do.

Cheers.