1GB RAM Vs. 512MB RAM, looking for answers

[Gil80]

Hi guys.

I want to buy an ATI HD4870 instaed of my GTX9800.

Here are my questions:
1. How does 1GB is better then 512MB on the GPU? (higher resolution?)
I work @ 1600x1200 (20 inch).

2. There's the Sepphire Toxic 512MB edition, is it better then 1GB since it's OC'ed and has better cooling?

My RIG:
Intel E8500 C2D
2x2GB Corsair 4 4 4 12
Gigabyte EX38-DS4
Thermaltek 750W
Zalman 9500CNP
Vista 64.

Thanks.
Gil.

[Sparky]

From what I've read 1gb beats 512mb at higher screen resolutions with higher frame rates in gaming. Right now I'm in the same spot you are trying to decide if I really need the extra memory on a video card since my monitor is only 19" 1280x1024. The drawback I see for myself is 32bit windows inability to address over 3gb of ram. If I am understanding this correctly, with a 1gb card I'd lose some of my system ram.

As for as you second question, I always figure I can OC my own card for free. As far as the cooling, I'm not really familiar with the Sapphire card but I set up my neighbors MSI 4850 (one with cooling pipes) using Rivatuner and it runs really cool now.

[martini161]

more than 512mb is only necesary at or above a 1920x1200resolution