GPU for basic CAD work (not gaming/rendering)?

[Lintvern]

Hi,

I’m a structural engineer preparing for a new PC build. My biggest concern is what GPU type and amount of VRAM will be sufficient for my workload? In most cases I use Rhino/Revit for:

1. basic drawing, orbiting, extruding, sectioning and creating my 3D geometry (500MB-1GB not complex/architectural models).
2. 99% of the time I use Wireframe or Shaded display mode (never Rendered or any other “heavy” mode) since I just care for basic object colors (structural engineering.
3. I don’t do any rendering, work with textures and also I don't play games.
4. I plan to have 3x4K monitors (2x monitor + occasionally graphics tablet).

I know that 1), 2), 3) are mostly limited to CPU and 4) is strictly GPU.
Since I don’t have a usual GPU load, I’m wondering what type of GPU and amount of VRAM will meet my needs?

My thoughts:

1. Since my workload is basic, I assume that Consumer/Gaming GPU (GeForce, etc.) will do the job. The Consumer price/performance ratio will much higher over PRO (Quadro, AMD PRO, Arc PRO)?
2. I’m lost in VRAM amount (3x4K monitors)?

Assume:

1. the most important GPU spec for my workflow/model are the base/boost clock?
2. 8GB of VRAM will handle drawing and orbiting 3D geometry on 3x4K displays (mostly 2x4K)?
3. Don't need any CUDA, Tensor, RT cores?

Any thoughts are highly appreciated.

 

[P4-630]

"We generally recommend NVIDIA graphics cards as these, particularly the workstation class Quadro cards, are well proven with Rhino."

"Rendering in Revit only uses CPU. However, if you are working in 3d view or using shade or other graphic options, GPU will be needed to smooth the 3d browsing.
Otherwise, the gaming GPU with 2GB will be enough for any simple work."

"For a system only working with Revit, and other graphically undemanding applications, we suggest a mid-range nVidia Quadro graphics card."

 

[ir_cow]

CAD acceleration requires Quadro. Nvidia and AMD is good at locking that off in the drivers for 10+ years now. Top gaming card will perform like the lowest Quadro in CAD.