Nvidia GT 640 2GB graphics card

I received a quote today for a new computer build, and frankly, I am beginning to have some reservations regarding the specifications, specifically concerning the graphics card. I noticed it was released last summer and utilizes 2GB of DDR3 memory. My primary concern is whether this is a sufficient choice, or if I should be looking for a model equipped with GDDR5 instead. After spending about ten minutes researching the matter online, I find myself somewhat confused because it appears that the exact same Nvidia card is being produced by several different manufacturers, even though they all utilize Nvidia technology. 😕

Consequently, if anyone could offer a recommendation for a sensible graphics card suitable for both gaming and video editing, I would be most grateful. Given my focus on video processing, the processor included in the build is an Intel Core i7-4770 3.40.

As a side note, the system includes 16GB of DDR3 RAM, which I assume is adequate. Is there any reason to seek out DDR5 in this context? Or am I mistaken in thinking that DDR5 might not be applicable here, perhaps meaning I should only be concerned with GDDR5?

Thank you. 🙂

You won't get much out of a GT 640; honestly, nothing from Nvidia is really worth it unless you step up to a GTX 650 Ti Boost or a GTX 660.

Maybe look at a GTX 650 if you need Nvidia specifically for video editing, though it’s probably overpriced for what it actually does—it's still pretty weak for gaming.

The difference between DDR3 and DDR5 memory
Don't even bother looking at DDR3; it’s ancient history now...
just like crimsonstag84 suggested

In that case, is there a particular model you would recommend, and could you provide an approximate price point for it?

Furthermore, how would one characterize the performance difference between standard DDR5 RAM versus DDR3?

System RAM on the motherboard isn't the same thing as the VRAM on your graphics card, and I think DDR4 won't really be the standard until next year... maybe a GTX 660 would be your best bet for $433 from that link above.

But you didn't mention a budget, so I'm kind of flying blind on what to recommend 😛

My budget is strictly capped at $6,000

I have received a quote for a system featuring an Intel Core i7-4770 3.40, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, and an Nvidia GT 640 for $1933

While I am fully aware that the system memory is distinct from the video memory, I found myself questioning whether any superior alternatives to DDR3 currently exist 😁

The graphics card remains the most confusing component because the combination of VRAM capacity, clock speeds, and the distinction between 128-bit and 256-bit memory buses makes it quite difficult to discern which specifications truly matter

Seriously though, who on earth suggested pairing an i7 and 16GB of RAM with a weak GT 640? You won't even be able to run a basic video smoothly, let alone tackle any actual demanding games.

Honestly, you might as well just lay out the entire quote so we can actually see if it's overpriced... because from where I'm sitting, it definitely smells fishy to me.

jadesailor said:So I got a quote today for a new PC and honestly, the more I look at it, the less I like it. My main hesitation is the GPU... I see it came out last summer with 2GB of DDR3 memory. Should I stick with that or hunt for one with GDDR5? Spent ten minutes Googling and I'm still lost since there are so many different manufacturers making basically the same Nvidia cards. 😕

Can anyone suggest a decent card for gaming and video editing? I've got an i7 in there for the editing work.

P.S. It has 16GB of DDR3 RAM, which I assume is fine. Is there any point in looking for DDR5? Or does that not even exist—is it just GDDR5?

Thanks 🙂

If you're using this for work, the PC will get its money's worth. Looks like your budget is $2000

How are you paying? Cash or credit?

I have drafted this configuration specifically for gaming and video editing, keeping in mind that the primary focus requested was video processing. We immediately ruled out the graphics card after some research, leaving the rest of the components as they stand. I suspect the final cost will depend on whether we pay via credit card or cash, so please provide two separate quotes—one for both methods—aiming for a total in the neighborhood of $5,800 to $6,000.

EDIT: Here is my proposal:

MIDI TOWER 600/700W........................ 1 unit
MB INTEL i85, s. 1150............................ 1 unit
CPU INTEL Core i7-4770 3.40.................. 1 unit
SDRAM 8GB, DDR3-1600...................... 2 units (16GB)
HDD 1TB, SATA3-600.(Samsung SH-224DB sat Bulk Black)................ 1 unit
VGA Nvidia GT 640 2 GB/128Bit............. 1 unit
DVD-RW dual..................................... 1 unit

This represents the entirety of the information available to me, so I would appreciate it if you refrain from asking for further details regarding the RAM or similar specifications; I am fully aware that these details are somewhat sparse, and I sincerely thank everyone for their assistance. 🙂

1 x Gigabyte 990 XA-UD3, AM3+, AMD 990 x SB950, 4x DDR3
1 x AMD FX-Series X8 8320 3.5GHz, 16MB, 125W, AM3+, FD8320FRHK
1 x WD 1TB Caviar Blue HDD, 1000 GB, SATA3, 64 MB, 3.5", 24mj
1 x SILVERSTONE Strider 500W, Essential ST50F-ES AC 90-264V, 47/63Hz
1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. ATX standard
1 x ZALMAN CNPS 5X, socket 775/1155/1156/AM2/AM2/AM3
1 x ASUS DRW-24F1ST/BLK/B/AS SATA, DVD-R 24x, DVD-RW 6x, DVD+R 24x
2 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Kingston, HyperX Blue, 1600MHz, CL10
1 x MSI GTX 650 Ti Boost OC 1GD5, N650TI-1GD5/OC BE, 1024 GDDR5 192

$1886
craigslist.com
This rig handles work and gaming just fine.🙂

Furthermore, I am curious as to what the total cost would be if I were to upgrade my current processor to this i7. At this stage, I find myself leaning toward Intel, even though I am fully aware that AMD offers much more competitive pricing. My reasoning stems from the fact that their 8-core processors often demonstrate inferior performance compared to Intel's 4-core offerings, while simultaneously generating excessive heat. In my estimation, this thermal inefficiency and lack of raw power is precisely why AMD remains the cheaper alternative.

That AMD setup is actually great for video editing too—it fits your budget better, which lets you squeeze in a much stronger graphics card.

But if you’re dead set on going with an i7, here’s how that would look:

1 x Intel Core i7-4770 3.40GHz, Haswell
1 x Asrock B85 Pro4, s1150, Haswell
2 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Kingston, HyperX Blue, 1600MHz, CL10
1 x HDD WD 1TB, Caviar Blue 10EZEX, 1000 GB, SATA3, 64 MB, 3.5", 24mj
1 x XFX Core Edition 80 450W PSU - EasyRail technology
1 x Samsung SH-224DB sat Bulk Black, SATA
1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. MB standard
1 x MSI GTX650 1024 GDDR5 128 bit, N650-1GD5/OCV1, Core Clock 1071 M

$1995If you pay cash, assembly and shipping are free through the shop. Also, for your first order, definitely pick up an SSD and install your OS and main programs directly onto it.

Since you mentioned video editing is the priority, this works. It's fine for gaming, but if you were focusing primarily on gaming, I'd ditch the i7 and put that money toward a more powerful GPU instead.

jadesailor said:How much would it cost to swap my current chip for this i7? I’m leaning toward Intel right now even though AMD is cheaper. Their 8-core stuff seems to underperform compared to Intel's 4-cores and runs way hotter. That's why AMD is priced lower, right?

That isn't the main reason AMD is cheaper. There are plenty of other factors at play here...

The CPU being discussed is a total steal right now. In its bracket, AMD delivers killer performance and you can overclock it pretty heavily... just look at the threads on this forum; one guy dropped his temps by almost 20°C just by tweaking the voltage.

Unless you're doing high-end professional workstation stuff, an i7 is overkill. For casual home use and gaming, this is the undisputed best buy.

If anyone happens to snag a decent AMD FX 8320—(judging by what I’ve read in the comments here)—it’s actually possible to hit 4.2 GHz if you undervolt it down to a flat 1.3V 😵. If you get a slightly weaker chip, you might push it to 4.4 GHz at 1.4V, though it sounds like most people just haven't dialed in their BIOS settings quite right yet. Most users seem to be running either Gigabyte UD3 boards or those standard Asus models