DDR2 vs. GDDR3

[Wizrdwarts]

How big the performance gap for similar cards that use DDR2 vs. GDDR3?

Also, how much power can the PCI-e x16 slot carry? What's the limit before a graphics card needs a second power connector?

[TheSpark29]

Re: DDR2 vs. GDDR3

Depends on the card usually. But most of the time the GDDR3 version is notably faster. I'd always recommend the GDDR3 version. (assuming the cost isn't ridiculous)

PCI-E 1.1 can supply 75W through the slot and another 75W through a six pin connector. PCI-E 2.0 can supply 300W, but I wasn't able to find how that was distributed.

[=98=]

Re: DDR2 vs. GDDR3

DDR is different to GDDR. I assume you mean GDDR2.

GDDR3 is a lot faster than GDDR2 and isn't that expensive since GDDR4 and 5 are already about.

[Wizrdwarts]

Re: DDR2 vs. GDDR3

According to Wikipedia, GDDR2 is slower than system DDR2. DDR2 is used on lower end cards, and GDDR2 is for the rest.

Do you think it'll matter if it's a HD 3650/8600GT level card? I assume faster memory is helpful for higher resolutions, AA, AF, and maybe textures?

[TheSpark29]

Re: DDR2 vs. GDDR3

I don't know about the 3650, but you want the GDDR3 version of the 8600GT. Its noticeably faster.