VRAM difference on the same chip (BF3)

[iceman1575]

Trying to decide between two refurb Mac's, both 2012 models. One has the 2.3 quad core, 4GB RAM, and he 650M GPU with only 512MB GDDR5 VRAM. THe other ($300 more) has the 2.6 quad core, 8GB RAM, and the same chip with 1GB of GDDR5. I don't plan on doing anything CAD or media editing wise, but I will be playing graphics heavy games like Battlefield 3, GTA4, Starcraft 2, etc. is the additional RAM on the GPU going to make a big difference with games? Most of it will be on the laptop itself but I do plan on using my 26" Vizio TV as well, and I read that having the extra VRAM helps at full resolution,

[Neckbeard]

the RAM on GPU's is only for resolutions, hence why the cards that are meant to be dual monitored (7990/690) have like 2GB. BUT, you want the one with 8gb or regular ram. and to be honest, i highly doubt you are gonna be able to run BF3 smoothly ://

[iceman1575]

the RAM on GPU's is only for resolutions, hence why the cards that are meant to be dual monitored (7990/690) have like 2GB. BUT, you want the one with 8gb or regular ram. and to be honest, i highly doubt you are gonna be able to run BF3 smoothly ://

I'm not looking for ultra, high res, 60fps gameplay. 30 will do fine for me, maybe a bit more. I can play it now on my current computer at medium settings locked at 35fps with occasional drop (only on 48/64 player maps), and I'm on a 2.0 Sandy Bridge quad core, 12GB DDR3, and a 560M, but I'm needing a Macbook for audio recording