Do I Need a 512 Video Card?

[snapshot]

For graphic design & photo editing will I see any difference between a 256 & 512 card? I'm ordering a new fairly high-end computer & at least a 21in LCD. Thanks for your help!

[The_Black_Knight]

For graphic design & photo editing will I see any difference between a 256 & 512 card? I'm ordering a new fairly high-end computer & at least a 21in LCD. Thanks for your help!For graphic design using applications like Photoshop and Illustrator, you will see no difference at all between a 256 MB card and a 512. I don't even think you would need a 512 for video production.

The only reason you would need a 512 MB card is if you're doing really intensive 3d work with live rendering, or if you're a serious 3d gamer that needs all of the settings jacked up to the highest quality.

[Navian]

depending on the specs beyond the 256 / 512 mb numbers the only difference is the 256/512mb is like ram/cpu processing.. the more you have the faster your video card will process (speeds it up) the info.

what about: the interface? PixelPipelines? the max resolution? capable colors?

As far as graphic design, and photoediting, it will greatly improve the clarity and help with the graphic refreshing with the faster card, but helps to know if your motherboard can handle the 512mb card, i'm pretty sure most of them now days can, but there are still some out there that wont run with the 512.

[idaho]

Personally I don't see much difference between a 256 and 512 card. I'm powering two 21" monitors at 1600x1200 resolution and when I switched I didn't see much difference. The picture quality is about the same. I did see a difference in redraw speeds but not enough to worry about.

I would think a 256 card would be plenty unless you are planning on running dual 30" LCD at some point in the near future.

[Rocketpig]

Spend time looking for a 256 card (or even 128) that focuses on displaying accurate colors.

A 512 card (and even a 256) is overkill if you're not processing 3D imagery.