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AMD or nVidia for 3D Rendering? Need Advice

T

TechJeff

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 25, 2009
Messages
185
I am a 3D artist and have started doing my own graphic novels just as a hobby to relax. At this time, I am looking to build a new system that will either be an i7 3960X or 2 Xeon 8 core CPUs (depending on budget). The software I use are: Maya, Vue Infinite, ZBrush and C4D. Most of them recommend nVidia due to their "CUDA" core support, but was not sure of that any more. Also, I know the Quadro 5800 or 6000 cards would be the absolute best, but those will most likely be out of my price range.

So, I was wondering what is best for those out there using software like this? AMD or nVidia and if I should get a 680 (duel SLI) or 690 card? Also, I was told the new nVidia cards, while they have "CUDA" support that is very good, really are no longer good for 3D programs like the ones I use due to them being poor on 3D benchmarks that have been done. They say they are limited on purpose and pushing the Quadro cards instead and only get them if you want to game. Is this true or is CUDA and 3D rendering still very good with the 680/690? I was told AMD Radeon 7970 cards do not have the same issues and score higher in the benchmarks. However, they do not have "CUDA" support obviously, which I really need I think.

Thanks for any advice and help.
 
I believe nVidia-based solutions are far better supported, both performance-wise and fewer glitches/bugs that I have heard about, for these kinds of applications. I have avoided AMD's cards for modeling/sculpting/etc. due to hearing of a good number of issues with viewports, renders, etc., so I can't tell you from experience but just what I have read. CUDA support still speeds things up nicely, as well.

Regardless, it would be wise of you to do further research at places like polycount et al. People there will have a better idea of the facts, and won't be biased based on gaming like the enthusiasts here will be.
 
I am not sure about the answer to your question but something I have heard of that may help is that I know in the past I have read about "unlocking" or "converting" certain regular nvidia cards into their Quadro counter-parts. However, I have yet to read anything about the 600 series having this exploitation available.

Beyond that I have nothing to add to this discussion.
 
CleanSlate said:
I am not sure about the answer to your question but something I have heard of that may help is that I know in the past I have read about "unlocking" or "converting" certain regular nvidia cards into their Quadro counter-parts. However, I have yet to read anything about the 600 series having this exploitation available.

Beyond that I have nothing to add to this discussion.
Click to expand...

Please do not do this. You're only cheating yourself. Especially after investing so much in other components.

Professional cards are tailored to very specific applications. If you go Quadro, there are a number of inexpensive cards that will meet your needs. Cuda support may not be as important for you as it would probably be for someone who uses Adobe and the Mercury engine (plugin is separate from their suite and is about 500 bux alone last time I checked. Never mind that NVidia requires you own the top of the line for some of these features. Think Quadro 4000 and up.) If you cant name a specific reason for Cuda then you probably don't need it.

If you go Quadro there are two good cards for you that won't break the bank. The 400 Which is quite a bargain and the 600.

Quadro 400

Quadro 600
e the
The FirePro V4900 AMD product gives you more performance than the 600 (which is its competition.)
FirePro V4900


I would not look into the standard "AMD vs nVidia" drivers argument in the professional scene especially those coming from this forum. Normally you see very few if any complaints about professional products since they're fined tuned. They're expensive because those certifications don't come cheap and are very thorough. (We use both AMD/Quadro products that use the same Turks and GT216 GPUs here and they get the job done. Precision being the factor here as with all professional products.)

Ultimately, The applications you listed have official forums with support and that should be your first step (if you purchased this software legit.)


To be blunt, you have no business looking into expensive cards at this point based on your post.
 
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