Memory Bandwidth

Memory bandwidth refers to the rate at which data is transferred between the graphics processor and graphics RAM. Mem. bandwidth limitations are one of the key bottlenecks that must be overcome to deliver truly realistic 3D environments. To deliver truly stunning 3D requires high resolution, 32-bit color depth at high frame rates with multi-pass texturing to reveal the detail found in real world environments. The memory bandwidth is defined by the RAM chips used. SDRam and SGRam have a bus width of 64 bits, when using a dual bus structure this can become 128 bits (using two memory banks in parallel. When adding another bank in parallel this can even become 192 bits. The memory chips operate at a clockspeed, usually 100 MHz. This means that the theoretical Memory bandwidth is bus width x clockspeed. Thus 800 Mb (64 bits) , 1.6 Gb (128 bits) and 2.4 Gb (192 bits). Dual bank SGRam clocked at 200 MHz will have 128 bits x 200 MHz = 3.2 Gb memory Bandwidth.

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Last Update: 8:05 PM 11/20/01