Okay, the amount of onboard RAM does make a difference, BUT only to a certain extent. The Radeon 9500/9600/9700/9800 cards are all superior to the GeForce 5500. More RAM allows for more texture maps to be loaded and helps with higher resolutions and eye candy. Again, there's a limit on how effective this is vs what video chip you're using. Comparing a 128MB 5500 to a 256MB 5500, the 256MB is going to pull ahead. It's like comparing my Z24 Cavalier to a regular one. I've got a 2.4L engine vs. the stock 2.2L in the standard Cav. Under normal circumstances, I can beat the standard Cav. If I'd try to race even a stock Impala or Monte Carlo, I'd loose.