3D Graphics Mark and video memory

[xpanmanx]

Generally speaking, do graphics adapters with more memory score higher on 3D Graphics Mark tests ?

My specific question concerns a 32MB GeForce Go 5200 vs. a 128MB Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo. The Radeon system, with a clearly disadvantaged processor, and slower system memory, **humilated** the 32MB GeForce Go 5200 system - the 9600 was about 400% faster!!

Is the benefactor the GPU, or the larger video memory?

[David (PassMark)]

More memory does not mean faster processing or faster retrieval of data. With some exceptions (see below).

The speed and technology level of the GPU (Graphcic Processing Unit) is much more important. Having good device driver software and selecting the optional settings in the device driver control panel is also important for maximum speed.

More memory allows more textures (images) to be stored on the video card. If you have a 3D game then the images in the game need to be moved from the hard disk, into main RAM and then into video RAM before they can be displayed. If the games uses a large number of detailed images then the images may need to be swapped into and out of video RAM. So having a video card with a large amount of RAM can avoid some of this swapping (thus giving the appearance of increased speed). However if this loading and swapping activity is done at a non critical time (like between games levels) then you'll not notice much advantage to having more video RAM.

Having more RAM also allows you to run your monitor at a higher resolution. For example a monitor at 32bit color running at 1280x1024 resolution requires 5MB of RAM for the display. (4 bytes per pixel and 1.3Million pixels).

Also I don't think you are correct in saying that the Radeon 9600 has a disadvantaged processor. The GeForce Go 5200 is a chip made for mobile devices. They would have sacrificed the speed in exchange for lower heat output and lower power consumption. Desktop cards do not have these limitations.

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David
PassMark