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I've Always Wondered...

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Why does it seem like mobile GPUs get more VRAM than their desktop counterparts?

 

For instance, a GTX 770m has 3GB of VRAM, whereas the desktop 770 only has 2GB. The GTX 780m has 4GB of VRAM, but the desktop 780 only has 3GB. Is this for a particular reason? It seems like it should be the other way around.

 

Thoughts? Anyone else ever wondered this, or am I completely looking past something?

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Marketing.

Laptop gamers tend to know less about specs and just buy whatever looks good. 

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Bigger numbers sound better to the general consumer.

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Posted

its the memory bit logic

 

mobile GTX780m is similar to the GTX760 desktop which has a 256bit memory bus

 

so it either 2GB or 4GB

 

 

GTX770m has a 192bit memory bus 

Budget? Uses? Currency? Location? Operating System? Peripherals? Monitor? Use PCPartPicker wherever possible. 

Quote whom you're replying to, and set option to follow your topics. Or Else we can't see your reply.

 

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Does outputting or using multiple screens use a lot or VRAM? Most people as in teachers and professors sometimes do this for lectures and stuff. 

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But then why would they cut back on desktop GPUs?

Because the general consumer won't buy a GPU by itself.

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Does outputting or using multiple screens use a lot or VRAM? Most people as in teachers and professors sometimes do this for lectures and stuff.

Not really... And Nvidia knows full well that many desktop gamers use Surround... Which is a little more intensive than a teacher mirroring a PowerPoint :D

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Yeah, but their main audience (us) knows better, and would benefit more. Hmm...

For 760s, no one's going to be running higher than 1080p with it so 2GB is sufficient.

770s, same deal, but 4GB versions exist.

For 780s, the 3GB limit is a common complaint but okay for 1440p although 6GB versions will come out(eventually but no one knows). http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=06g-p4-3787-kr

 

I believe companies know their audience well enough.

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For 760s, no one's going to be running higher than 1080p with it so 2GB is sufficient.

770s, same deal, but 4GB versions exist.

For 780s, the 3GB limit is a common complaint but okay for 1440p although 6GB versions will come out(eventually but no one knows). http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=06g-p4-3787-kr

 

I believe companies know their audience well enough.

I guess, but if they can (in some cases) double the VRAM in a mobile GPU just for marketing, then they sure as hell should let my 760 have 3GB. Not everyone with an above-1080p monitor can afford a 770/780, and a 760m comes in a higher capacity version than the desktop version!
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I guess, but if they can (in some cases) double the VRAM in a mobile GPU just for marketing, then they sure as hell should let my 760 have 3GB. Not everyone with an above-1080p monitor can afford a 770/780, and a 760m comes in a higher capacity version than the desktop version!

I really doubt someone with a 760 would get a 1440p+ monitor. :P But 4GB 760s also exist.

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Oh yeah, that's right. And hey, I'm using a GT 640 on a 1080p monitor right now. I can literally play any game on ultra... In a window... at 1280*800...

If you're being serious, wow that really sucks. Hope you get an upgrade soon. :)

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Why does it seem like mobile GPUs get more VRAM than their desktop counterparts?

 

For instance, a GTX 770m has 3GB of VRAM, whereas the desktop 770 only has 2GB. The GTX 780m has 4GB of VRAM, but the desktop 780 only has 3GB. Is this for a particular reason? It seems like it should be the other way around.

 

Thoughts? Anyone else ever wondered this, or am I completely looking past something?

Only marketing. That is all.

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If you're being serious, wow that really sucks. Hope you get an upgrade soon. :)

Well my main PC in the living room has a 760, but the one in my room has a 640. The funny thing is, I rarely use the main one, and my brother uses a 760 to play Minecraft... One of these days, once I get a computer that's not low-profile, I'll swap them out :D

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I always thought it was maybe because clock speeds on core & memory are lower on Mobile gpu's due to heat.  But I m just pulling straws. lol

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