Workstation for school: Graphics Card
 

Hi guys,

I'm looking to build a new workstation for school but I'm stuck on the graphics card issue. From what I was told alot of my work will consist of AutoCAD as well as a little bit of 3D rendering. (I have to confirm the 3D rendering part again though)

My 2 choices are the GTX 560 Ti or the Nvidia quadro 600.

I've been researching on the autodesk forums along with others and there isnt really a clear answer as to which is better.

Alot of people say the GTX performs just as well with CAD as the quadro, but its not on Autodesk's certified list, but then others go and say the list is always outdated etc and that everyone is switching to Geforce anyway due to quadro being more expensive... this is all pretty mind boggling:okay:

Any insight?

Side note: For those that might ask, I dont really plan on gaming

Autodesk recommends Quadro. They mention hardware acceleration that's not available with other cards. From what I understand, GeForce is fine for the 2D stuff, but the Quadro shines when you step up to 3D.

Invest in Quadro. For 3d modeling nothing beats it, not even my Gtx570 can match my work's old quadro in terms of solid works performance. I would assume the same performance difference applies to auto desk cad software.

Everything just runs smoother on a quadro in relation to cad programs. After all, workstations are the target market of the cards.

Quadro's are specifically designed to work with 3D and CAD programs. If you don't plan to do much gaming this would be the best option. 560ti would be a compromise.

invest in the quadro cards. I learnt from supporting a lot of CAD users that normal gaming video cards just won't cut it. also ATI cards are a huge no as well when running CAD

Yup, for strictly AutoCAD, I would spend my money on the Quadro as it'll go a long way.

Thanks everyone, I spoke with a friend who has taken my program and according to him its mostly 2D drafting, unless you take the architectural option in 2nd year in which there is a bit of 3D work involved; however not too sure how complex it is.

I'll most likely be going with the quadro 600