256MB vs. 512MB?

What is the benefit of a 512MB video card over one that has 256MB?
I'll be running Vista, designing graphics and have a many applications
open at once. However, there won't be any large amount of animations or
gaming.

Thanks

The benefit is you don't kick yourself when you outgrow the 256MB card and enp up getting the 512 anyway.

Instantly, you'll get twice of any benefits there is.

It's basically visual quality and clarity. Go to a computer store that has demos of both and you will see the choice is easy, oh yea plus the price difference.
256mb video cards can go from $199-$350 and 512mb video cards are roughly $300-$600 all depending on manufacturer and rebates.

Found some cards you may consider if price is no object.
512mb + 2gig combo
A gig for over kill
A card for watercooled systems, and its vista ready
As above without the water cooled feature
These are mainly wish list items, but if you have the cash go for it.

If you're worried about vista ready... Wait until vista comes out, THEN purchase a new card. It will be soon.

Cost is also a factor, for most users a 256mb card would be worth the cost savings, but you said you are going to be doing graphic design, that will put an extra toll on the card, especially if you do any rendering, for that use I would definatley recommend spending the extra cash now and getting the 512.

Like jobert said the benifet is you won't kick yourself later.

The memory on the card has nothing to do with the quality of it, or a better image then 256mb

All it means is,, now instead of 256mb to store textures when playing games using DX9 ,,, it will use 512mb to store textures,

This means it wont run choppy, and it wll be smooth,

This all matter on the game your playing,

There many 256mb cards that are faster then 512mb cards,

There are a lot of cheap 512mb cards,

@ the end,, it all matter if your gonna use high rez textures,, then it takes up more memory, the more memory you have the less it will hitch and have to use hard drive,

I suggset get a good 256mb card,,

THe 512mb is of no benefit to you, inside windows desktop,

If your gaming, u wont see a difference, but there could possibly be less heck up,, just depends on game,

gl buddz,