Do not underestimate reminiscence bandwidth when shopping for a graphics card

In the event you’re on the hunt for a brand new graphics card, you’re probably clock charges, what number of shader cores, and the way a lot VRAM it’s packing. However don’t underestimate reminiscence bandwidth when procuring round because it may end up in sneaky efficiency impacts.

There’s a information bus connection between the GPU and the graphics reminiscence which is answerable for information transport, this is named a GPU’s reminiscence bandwidth. If the bandwidth is inadequate, a bottleneck happens: the GPU can not work effectively as a result of information is supplied too slowly.

The reminiscence bandwidth is laid out in gigabits or gigabytes per second. It is dependent upon the reminiscence sort (equivalent to GDDR6 or GDDR7), the clock charge, and the width of the info bus. The next bandwidth improves the efficiency of the cardboard, as information flows quicker between the graphics chip and reminiscence. A excessive bandwidth is especially vital for prime resolutions equivalent to 4K, which signify 4 instances extra pixels than 1080p.

Even at decrease resolutions, high-resolution textures or graphics-intensive options equivalent to ray tracing can nonetheless make heavy calls for on the reminiscence bandwidth. Moreover, the quite a few processors and cores on fashionable GPUs have to be constantly equipped with information. A bottleneck in information switch due to this fact impacts the general efficiency of the graphics card.

Restricted bandwidth typically manifests itself in stuttering and fluctuating body charges. Knowledge switch shortly reaches its limits, particularly at excessive body charges of 120 or 240 frames per second. A body limiter may also help by adapting the body charge to the accessible bandwidth although.

Digital actuality functions additionally require a excessive reminiscence bandwidth as a result of the GPU has to calculate a separate, high-resolution picture with no less than 90 frames per second for every eye. Ray tracing additional will increase the bandwidth requirement. On this case, extra brightness information needs to be transferred for real-time calculation.

Graphics playing cards are sometimes optimized for particular goal resolutions and element ranges. For instance, fashions from Nvidia’s XX60 collection are aimed toward 1080p avid gamers, whereas higher-class playing cards are designed for 1440p or Extremely HD. Inside a collection, the accessible bandwidth differs primarily within the width of the reminiscence bus.

Entry-level playing cards typically use a 128-bit bus, whereas high-end fashions are outfitted with 256 or extra bits. In case you are aiming for increased resolutions or body charges, it is best to go for a graphics card with a excessive reminiscence bandwidth. The definition of what’s thought-about “excessive” adjustments with technological progress.

Just a few years in the past, 1080p was nonetheless thought-about the premium normal, whereas it’s now normally thought to be the entry degree. Benchmark checks present a priceless information to check the efficiency of various graphics playing cards at totally different settings. They assist to acknowledge potential bandwidth bottlenecks and choose the fitting card to your wants.

Subsequent time you’re available in the market for a brand new GPU, be sure you pay shut consideration to the reminiscence bandwidth on high of every part else. It’ll assist you to keep away from potential purchaser’s regret to concentrate to this sort of technical information when shopping for a graphics card, or check it your self if doable.