I am considering upgrading my graphics card to better my gaming experience. I have been reading about the difference in DDR3 and GDDR3 and what necessitated the need for GDDR3, along with the differences in voltage and heat generation. Since (as the G denotes) the GDDR3 memory is specific to the graphics card, is there a question one should have concerning the compatibility to one's computer and whether upgrading to a graphics card that has GDDR3 tech is going to cause problems with a system that uses DDR3 memory on the main board?

If you are considering this for that Getaway system & considering what type of games you are into and the type of card you are looking to buy, you should think about your PSU, the RAM & the CPU, especially if you are planning on buying a high end graphics card, but anything is better than the IGP that you currently have. All the above named components work together to ensure a smooth gaming experience. I see you have a BTX board in that system and I'm not exactly sure how much RAM you got, but the el-cheapo PSU has to go too, if you want a decent card and you intend to play more of the recent games. Now that you know, it's doesn't end with just slapping a card in that box, if you need further help ask. Someone should help you out not very long afterwards. Goodluck!

To answer your question directly, the memory use on the graphics card has no bearing on the rest of your system. As long as the card uses the same interface as your machine has it will work (assuming you have sufficient power, cooling, etc). Michael J