How much video memory do you need?

This should settle all the 256 vs 512 vs 1024 MByte arguements (although its quiet predictable)

8800GT 256MB vs. 8800GT 512MB vs. 8800GT 1024MB

Expreview.com - Extra Hardware News Report! » Blog Archive » [Review]8800GT, how much memory do you need？

Conclusion

Warning: Spoiler Content Click to show From the 279 test item data, it is easy to find out 512MB version 8800GT is recommended. It fully unleash the power of the G92. In all these items 512MB version lead 256MB about 76.22%. Compare 1024MB and 512MB, it is actually no gap between them if we ignore some sick games like PT Boats. You may notice there is average 10.47% boost in our test. But without PT Boat it only lead 5.5%.

Well buying a Graphics card considering VGA memory should not be one's buying criteria ! One should look at the inbuilt IMC {Integrated Memory Controller} which helps in transferring data. Lets say a 256bit GPU will work good in 256 , 320 but will even work nice on 512 VGA but a GPU with 256bit IMC and 1Gb Memory will not perform better than 512 variant .. So better buy a card seeing IMC rather with double ram or same Never buy too pumped cad like 8800GT with 1Gb memory

very true//for a 256bit card 512mb will be max amount of usable ram

If U are working on Software like 3D Max or Maya then only go for GB.

guess the bandwidth n clocks matter dan memory

More memory is better for huge displays. But those who buy 30" displays won't buy 8800GT, they will buy 8800GTX Ultra SLI.
So 1GB mem for 8800GT is useless!!!

You presume the 30" display will have a high res. It may not.

I think even an 8600GTT supports 30" rsolutions. The apple cinema HD 30" monitor has a max res of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels.

For just driving the display, any modern (7,8 series) card would do.

I was talking abt the 30" LCDs with around 2560x1600 resolution.

Of course, this comparison was done for gaming purpose and not just for display. I agree that basic cards can support 30" displays... But can they play games at max graphic settings?
Anyway, this article was for letting people know the best memory size for 8800GT which is 512MB and putting 1GB on 8800GT is similar to putting 512MB on a 8600GT : waste of money

1GB on a 256 bit is useless... maybe if it was 512Bit like the 2900XT then 1GB no prob