GPU Vram question

[KING_OF_SAND]

I am not to big when it comes to GPUs but I know more vRAM the better at higher resolutions. My question is in SLi. I have a GTX570 1.2gb and 1.2 is a tad small and I plan to get a 2560x1600 display here soon, and 1.2gb is VERY small. If I add a second 570 will this help with the lack of vram? I know I will get faster overall performance BUT higher resolution gaming is RAM hungry.

I understand (sortof) that having both cards will not double my vram so what does it do and how will it (if any) benifit me to have another 1.2gb of vram?Or will I have 2 GPUs with only 1.2gb of usable VRAM?

 

[Toxcity]

In fact you will not double your video memory. Each card will have an identical copy of the current memory used. So really you will only have 1.2GB still.

 

[Master&Puppet]

Take a look at alternate frame rendering.

Basically the cards take it in turns to render frames, or lines on the screen, so each card has less to do, however because each frame is still a full image each card must still be large enough, ram wise, to handle the frame. It is not like gpu1 can 'borrow' gpus2s ram to handle more stuff.

There are variations on it but I think that basically describes it.

Since 1080p takes up 1.5gb in battlefield 3 at 1080p; for your resolution I'd expect you need a 3gb card. You'll probably be over 2gb vram usage.

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

So if I got a 2.5gb 570 will I have 2.5gb of total video RAM?

 

[Master&Puppet]

So if I got a 3gb 570 will I have 3gb of total video RAM?

Correct! But i thought the 570 was a 1.3/2.5 card? 580 does up to 3gb?

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

Correct! But i thought the 570 was a 1.3/2.5 card? 580 does up to 3gb?

I edited it.

 

[S_I_N]

both cards would have to be the 2.5Gb versions bro it will always default to the lowest cards specs so if you ran a 1.2Gb and a 2.5Gb version it would still only be 1.2Gb

 

[Master&Puppet]

ah, lol. Yea If you want to keep with Nvidia then the double ram 5xx series will be the way to go. The 680 release is only 2gb and I really don't think that will give you much headroom, if any, at 1600p.

 

[SmoulderingCircuits]

Might as well get a higher end card anyway - I don't think Vram alone would cut that resolution

 

[Master&Puppet]

both cards would have to be the 2.5Gb versions bro it will always default to the lowest cards specs so if you ran a 1.2Gb and a 2.5Gb version it would still only be 1.2Gb

Ah I thought KOS meant single slotting a 2.5gb. SIN is right if you meant you were trying to mix cards. It's the same with gpu speeds - if one is running at 900 and the other at 950 then the faster card will work at 900...

If I were you I'd sell your 570 and get a 7970.