Legit Reviews

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.

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.

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