Hi, I am thinking about buying one of these graphics cards today, but will the memory on it really be a problem and will I actually have a drop in performance compared to the 640mb version?
It is not the memory size that matters. The frequency of the card manages the speed. For example, I've had a Geforce 5600 XT of 128 MB in the past. Replaced it by an ATI Radeon 9600 XT of 128 MB. That last card was much faster than the previous one.I should say, between 256 and 512 MB of VRAM would be enough for this 8800GTS.
It seems to compare very favourably in most cases, only at super high res on certain titles seem to be a potential issue. Im actually thinking of getting one myself. Heres a review - TrustedReviews - nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 320MB Edit - And apparently there is virtually no difference when it comes to F.E.A.R nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 320MB – Halving the memory :: TweakTown
I am gonna get the 640MB version anyway Because in the long run it might matter for example If a game takes up 512mb of Vram then its gonna be laggy with only 320mb of Vram.