HD3650 256MB DDR3 vs 512MB DDR2

Warthog1975 · Sep 19, 2008

Hi,

I've got a second PC that I use when mates come around so we can play LAN games. The current card is a 7300GT 256MB, which has become vastly outgunned and needs to be put out of it's misery.

Since it's not used all the time I didn't want to spend megabucks on a new card, and have settled on the 3650 as being the price/performance level I'd like to stick to.

My question is this - should I take the 256MB DDR3 version or the 512MB DDR2?

Logic dictates that the 256MB DDR3 should be my choice, but I'm a little unsure because I'm running this card with a 22" screen (1680x1050).

Does the resolution I'm running at mean that I should perhaps opt for the 512MB DDR2? Any advice would be appreciated!

xfire · Sep 19, 2008

Welcome to the forums
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Diamond/HD_3650_1GB/
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Diamond/HD_3650_1GB/23.html
That might not have helped much but its a start.

mdm-adph · Sep 19, 2008

Always pick DDR3. Always.

And 256 MB of graphics RAM should be a problem -- I know someone who routinely games on a 24'' LCD (1900x1200) with a 256 MB 8600 GT, and everything works fine. Granted, it's not like they're playing Crysis or something, but it seems to work just fine for them.

Jansku07 · Sep 19, 2008

What processor? AGP or PCI-E? I'd take the HD4670, because it costs only 20$ more, but it's two times faster http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127383 If you're taking the HD3650 I suggest the 256MB model, because HD3650 never uses the full 512 memory (i've got a 3650 256MB GDDR3 and I've read all the 3650 test there is).

The_Real_DeaL31 · Sep 19, 2008

no offense Warthog1975 the 3650 sux ass, is within the exact same speeds as my old 2600pro 512mb ddr2. most games run at at 1024,768, anything higher is not playable, you/re better off getting a 4650, there fairly close to the speeds of the 3850. btw i know this i've own a 3850, and man other cards, dont waste your money get the 4650

wolf2009 · Sep 19, 2008

Warthog1975 said:
The current card is a 7300GT 256MB, which has become vastly outgunned and needs to be put out of it's misery.

Lol , I find that funny .

When was that card meant to run some games ?

Wasn't it more of a HTPC card ?

The_Real_DeaL31 · Sep 19, 2008

was that towards me wolf

Deusxmachina · Sep 20, 2008

mdm-adph said:
Always pick DDR3. Always.

And 256 MB of graphics RAM should be a problem -- I know someone who routinely games on a 24'' LCD (1900x1200) with a 256 MB 8600 GT, and everything works fine. Granted, it's not like they're playing Crysis or something, but it seems to work just fine for them.

Why always DDR3? If the price is similar, I think I'd generally take the extra 256mb of memory.

However, specifically for a 3850, maybe the card isn't fast enough to fully take advantage of the extra memory. Would think it would like to have more than 256, though. Like 384.

Xazax · Sep 20, 2008

because DDR2 512mb will much too slow to even use the extra 256mb!!

If at all possible buy the HD4670 GDDR3 now that is a good GPU!

Warthog1975 · Sep 20, 2008

Thanks, but..

Thanks for the advice so far - the reason I haven't chosen the 4650 or 70 is that they're currently unavailable here in South Africa. The next card up is the 3850 512MB DDR3 - should I be looking at this, or wait for the release of the 4650?

Machine spec is an Athlon 3500+ AM2, with 3GB DDR2-800 RAM runinng on a Nvidia 430 chipset. Next month I'm upgrading it to an Athlon 5400+ dual core, which should sort out any CPU bottleneck issues.

Don't want to spend too much cash though - as I mentioned this is a PC I use for my mates to play at my house.

Technofuzz · Sep 21, 2008

you should definitely wait for an HD4650, they are the same price as the HD3650 (512mb) GDDR3, and pack more bang for your buck, being equivalent to the HD3850 and all....here in the US both of the cards are only $70.

mdm-adph · Sep 22, 2008

The_Real_DeaL31 said:
no offense Warthog1975 the 3650 sux ass, is within the exact same speeds as my old 2600pro 512mb ddr2. most games run at at 1024,768, anything higher is not playable, you/re better off getting a 4650, there fairly close to the speeds of the 3850. btw i know this i've own a 3850, and man other cards, dont waste your money get the 4650

Funny -- I play games like Half Life 2 with my 3650 at 1280x1024, with all settings turned to max and 2x AA and 8x AF. :wtf:

DrPepper · Sep 22, 2008

Go with the 256mb imo

Technofuzz · Oct 2, 2008

I do agree with mdm, however, i do have an HD3650 and i can play NFS

S and grid at 1280x1024, the HD3650's are good card, just that an HD4650 packs more of a punch for the same price, but if you don't want to wait, it is a win-win situation

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HD3650 256MB DDR3 vs 512MB DDR2

Warthog1975

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