TNT2 Differences: Memory

Memory Size

The most notable difference you'll see between product lines is the amount of RAM available on the card. You'll generally find TNT2 cards in two distinctive flavors, those with 16MB, and those with 32MB of RAM. Having more RAM is primarily important for deeper frame buffers (for higher resolutions) and most importantly, ever-more texture memory. All of this generally translates to more bandwidth and speed, and those of you who need the ultimate experience without texture thrashing should look for 32MB of RAM.

However, memory is probably the single-most expensive differentiation between any two TNT2 cards, and you can expect it to add anywhere from $30-60 onto the price tag. If you find a TNT2 (OEM or retail) for under $100, you can be sure it's a 16MB card. It can get a little confusing when manufacturers like Diamond, who only produce 32MB TNT2 cards, release 16MB versions to OEMs, which eventually get placed on the market (mainly through Internet pricing engines).

32MB TNT2 front...

...and back

Most 32MB cards will have 16 2MB modules, split into 8 chips on each side of the PCB. 16MB cards may only have 4 4MB chips, all on the front of the card. Don't count on this to be standard however, just make sure you verify that the incredible deal you've found is indeed the product you're looking for.

16MB TNT2