#Desktop graphic card benchmark list software#
#Desktop graphic card benchmark list Pc#

#Desktop graphic card benchmark list software#

Software such as SolidWorks, for example, will typically only work well with an Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro card. You can use a gaming graphics card for CAD work but be warned that not all gaming graphics cards will be suitable. With massive investment in R&D and tight competition between manufacturers, the improvements in GPU technology are beneficial for gamers and CAD users alike.Ĭould I use a gaming graphics card for CAD?

Moreover, this growth in gaming graphics cards should be considered good news for any GPU shopper. They now take roughly $1 billion in sales per year purely from gaming GPUs.ĭue to the growth in eSports and the interest in Virtual Reality gaming, the prominence of gaming graphics cards is unlikely to be a fad. In 2017 Nvidia increased its revenue from gaming products by 49% compared to 2016. This is a simple case of supply and demand it is an indication of gaming is the highest growth market in GPU sales. You will notice that many of the brands you come across will have a prominent offering of gaming-focused graphics cards. Why are there so many gaming graphics cards? We’ll take a quick look at why they have become so prominent, and the reasons why they may not be a great choice for CAD. However, whilst they often come with impressive specs, there are several key factors that differentiate them from workstation graphics cards for CAD. The popularity of gaming graphics cards is difficult to ignore. Always carefully read the specifications of the graphics card you’re considering. Therefore, this is a case of buyer beware! Do not assume that the number indicates the same specifications as other manufacturers. These numbers should be thought of as nothing more than part of the product name, which in some cases identifies the GPU being used. For example, Nvidia’s GTX 680 is faster than the GTX 760 as it has ‘“more raw performance” than the 760.’ Confused? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Unfortunately, the numbers used in most GPU model names do not relate to any real-world measurement.Īs the Logical Increments blog explains, it isn’t always as simple as a higher model number being faster than other lower model numbers. The cubic centimeters measurement can’t be gamed the engine is either the stated volume or it isn’t. If purchasing a motorcycle, we would know that a 700cc engine is more powerful than a 300cc engine. Meanwhile, the GTX 1080 by Gigabyte, for example, uses Nvidia’s GTX technology but is unique in being much smaller in overall footprint than the Nvidia equivalent.ĭo higher graphic card model numbers mean better performance? Some companies may simply offer a preferable cooling system to that of Nvidia. This gives smaller graphics card manufacturers the option not to compete with Nvidia or AMD on-chip performance, but instead to offer their customers another option in how it is presented. Many brands will use the GPU chips of the market leaders, packaged in their solution. Therefore, they use the same model number to inform the users of what’s under the hood. So, why do all these cards reference the same model number? In the above list, all products are using the same GPU produced by Nvidia: the Nvidia 1080 GPU. Let’s look at the below table showing 4 graphics cards from 4 different manufacturers, all of which use the same number in their model name. You have probably noticed that many graphics cards have a number in their product names. What do the model numbers on graphics cards mean? So, let’s delve in!Īnd as I’ve updating this post over the years, I have seen how AMD have set a standard for high-spec CAD graphics cards such as those compared later in this article. This muddies the water and justifies a lengthy post on the best graphics cards for CAD. And, in many like-for-like comparisons, AMD has come out on top for certain uses. Nvidia’s domination has forced companies such as AMD to focus on solutions for specific user requirements-CAD being one of them.

However, this doesn’t mean you should skip the rest of this guide and purchase an Nvidia card. See our list of graphics card manufacturers for an insight into Nvidia’s stronghold in the market. Nvidia also provides the chips for many graphics card manufacturers who could be classed as their competitors, but, in reality, are their partners. In comparison, AMD directly competes in both markets by producing CPUs and GPUs. Their strategy has been to focus purely on GPU technology by partnering with Intel for their CPU requirements. If comparing market-share alone, Nvidia is the dominant brand. There is little doubt that if you’re comparing graphics card options, an Nvidia product will be on the shortlist. Source.įor a long time, in recent history, the short answer to this question would be ‘yes’.

#Desktop graphic card benchmark list Pc#

AMD’s market share for the PC graphics card market in 2013 to 2015.