So what does video memory really do for me?

[superspiffy]

I've never really understood what video memory is good for. How would 256 mb vs 512 mb affect me when doing:

-3D work
-video editing
-playing games

and what if I have an extra external display attached when doing the above task?

Is there any situation where having more video memory is crucial?

 

[akm3]

It all depends on the apps you are running, if you don't know that you need the bigger amount, then you don't.