New System Memory and Video Card????

[LXIX]

Help!!
I'm trying to buy a new system and I have to say I'm a bit confused. Can anyone tell me, is DDR Ram or Rambus Ram better?(faster?) Also I was thinking about a GeForce 3 Ti 500 video card. Would this be good for Z-brush or should I consider something else? Hey Pix, if you have an opinion about which card works best with your software would you please let me know?? Thanks to all in advance.
Tony

[Kathy]

See if you can get the GForce 3. You'll save money (it's been out a bit now) and loose nothing as far as technology.

RAmbus is great at moving large chunks of data quickly.

DDR (which is what we have) is great at moving LOTS of little pieces back and forth quickly.

[LXIX]

Kathy, thanks for a quick response. But I am still slightly confused. Given what you told me above which type of memory would work better with progs like ZB, Bryce 5, and Truespace 5? I'm not sure how these programs access memory, in large chunks or little bits. Thanks again.
Tony

[Kathy]

I suggest you go to www.tomshardware.com

the information is GREAT.

I have a GForce 2Ultra 64 card. I have DDR. I can successfully run ZBrush, 3DS Max, Maya, Poser Bryce5 and Photoshop with NO problems. ZBrush flies on my box. Even in 3000 X 3000. (Get LOTS of RAM, the more you have the happier Z is)

I would suggest DDR. (The "faster" idea is VERY much affected by other forces, it really depends)

Intel says their P4 can only use Rambus. (I don't buy that statement)

My suggestion:

Build your own computer, buy DDR and try to find that GEForce 3. But DO visit Tom's Hardware .com

That is my hardware bible.

Hope this helps!

[LXIX]

Kathy, thanks for the link. That site was very helpful. I believe I too will be going for the DDR Sdram. Thanks again
Tony

[Kathy]

No problem Tony.

Wise choice.

Have fun putting it together.