If you are wondering, which one is better, an older gpu model with 4gb memory or a newer gpu model with lower memory, here goes:
Case Example: ATI R270 4gb vs ATI R280 3gb
Which one is better?
The newer R280 with lower memory is better. Because you do not need that extra 1gb unless you are running on multiple monitors at the same time (Like on 3 or more monitors). If you are only using 1 or two monitors, the R280 is more than capable to run the task.
Newer gpu models also have better graphic quality than older models despite the memory. Hoping that more memory will give you better graphic is wrong.
Newer gpu also have more features and better drivers. For example, the R280 has mantle api as an option to directx. An older gpu (older than R270) although advertised with lots of memory might not have the better technology than newer gpus.
Technology evolves all the time, so newer is usually better.
Newer models also have game specifics performance improvement drivers, for example: one of the R280 driver released around sept 2014 can help play newly released AAA games (Dragon Age Inquisition n more) with improved framerate n graphic performance.
The R270 might also have some if not all of the perks of R280 since they are closely related, both in the R series and considering that 280 is the direct successor of 270. But that does not mean 270 excell in terms of graphics than 280 since it has more memory.
R280 being the successor must have better components and better technology than its predecessor, or else it wouldn't be called the successor for nothing.
The gpu company must develop newer n better technology each year to beat their competitor. R n D dept must have worked so many hours into developing a new model/product.
That is why a newer model is usually better.
Case Example: ATI R270 4gb vs ATI R280 3gb
Which one is better?
The newer R280 with lower memory is better. Because you do not need that extra 1gb unless you are running on multiple monitors at the same time (Like on 3 or more monitors). If you are only using 1 or two monitors, the R280 is more than capable to run the task.
Newer gpu models also have better graphic quality than older models despite the memory. Hoping that more memory will give you better graphic is wrong.
Newer gpu also have more features and better drivers. For example, the R280 has mantle api as an option to directx. An older gpu (older than R270) although advertised with lots of memory might not have the better technology than newer gpus.
Technology evolves all the time, so newer is usually better.
Newer models also have game specifics performance improvement drivers, for example: one of the R280 driver released around sept 2014 can help play newly released AAA games (Dragon Age Inquisition n more) with improved framerate n graphic performance.
The R270 might also have some if not all of the perks of R280 since they are closely related, both in the R series and considering that 280 is the direct successor of 270. But that does not mean 270 excell in terms of graphics than 280 since it has more memory.
R280 being the successor must have better components and better technology than its predecessor, or else it wouldn't be called the successor for nothing.
The gpu company must develop newer n better technology each year to beat their competitor. R n D dept must have worked so many hours into developing a new model/product.
That is why a newer model is usually better.