Quadro FX vs GTX295

[Verbal Kint]

I was hoping that someone can help me out with a question I have. I have a user here at work who uses graphics intense engineering applications such as Microstation, Bentley Naviagator, AutoCAD etc. He is running on an HP xw4600 with the following specs:

Processor Type: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU @ E8400
Physical Memory: 3GIG DDR 2
Video: NVIDIA Quadro FX 1700

We are noticing a slow down when moving around in documents with large/detailed drawings. I am assuming the video card is the bottleneck here? We were thinking of upgrading him to a Quadro FX 3800 or 4600. I was wondering how a GeForce GTX280-295 would compare with the FX 3800/4600 when working with modeling engineering programs such as Microstation, Bentley Navigator and AutoCAD?

I have looked at comparison charts and numbers but some of things I am unsure of and would like a second opinion. It would be a lot cheaper to go the GeForce route as opposed to the FX series. Any information would be greately appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Putz]

problem is Quadro card drivers are geared for Autocad and 3d modelling apps

yes the Quadro and GeForce are the exact same card, but the quadro get their own bios and drivers for just this type of thing

In the past you could get a quadro equivalent bios and then install quadro drivers instead of spending gobs of cash on an overpriced name,

The ATI FireGL stuff is usually far cheaper too, something to look into



...Autocad will run just fine with even 5 year old quadro cards i have some of the 256 and 128 meg budget models running autocad in the office just fine, it thats slow as well something else is up

 

[paco16]

The Nvidia FX line has been around for quite some time and is really the preferred professional choice.
The new Quadros for instance are based on NVIDIA's GTX 200 series of GPUs and have similar or close to the graphical processing power of their consumer graphics cousins (So you can play a game of Crysis after work). They are also CUDA capable, which bodes well given the increasing number of applications for CUDA in technical fields.


Interesting analysis & quotes in this article.

 

[Valset]

I was hoping that someone can help me out with a question I have. I have a user here at work who uses graphics intense engineering applications such as Microstation, Bentley Naviagator, AutoCAD etc. He is running on an HP xw4600 with the following specs:

Processor Type: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU @ E8400
Physical Memory: 3GIG DDR 2
Video: NVIDIA Quadro FX 1700

We are noticing a slow down when moving around in documents with large/detailed drawings. I am assuming the video card is the bottleneck here? We were thinking of upgrading him to a Quadro FX 3800 or 4600. I was wondering how a GeForce GTX280-295 would compare with the FX 3800/4600 when working with modeling engineering programs such as Microstation, Bentley Navigator and AutoCAD?

I have looked at comparison charts and numbers but some of things I am unsure of and would like a second opinion. It would be a lot cheaper to go the GeForce route as opposed to the FX series. Any information would be greately appreciated.

Thanks

get a 8800GTX and soft mod it. you will be quite happy and save a couple grand

 

[vengence]

...Autocad will run just fine with even 5 year old quadro cards i have some of the 256 and 128 meg budget models running autocad in the office just fine, it thats slow as well something else is up

It depends on what your doing. large 2d or small 3d you'll be fine. Large complex 3D can kill systems.

 

[Griff805]

I don't know if it will help in your situation or not, but I currently have a 4870X2 and will be comparing it to the FirePro V8700 that I'll be receiving today. I also work in Bentley Microstation, specifically Bentley Mechanical. I'll do some testing and let you know the results. I've been wondering if the workstation cards will really make that much of a difference and finally decided to just try it and see.