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    Gaming or Workstation GPU

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Dekabal, Mar 28, 2011.

  1. Dekabal

    Dekabal Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm looking at getting a new laptop for college, one that can do some gaming(mainly Just Cause 2 power and below) and video editing when I found a post that said that a workstation class GPU can game as well as a gaming GPU but still handle other applications better than a gaming GPU. Is this valid?
     
    Dekabal, Mar 28, 2011
    #1
  2. MahmoudDewy

    MahmoudDewy Gaming Laptops Master Race!

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    I have no problem of being corrected ... As far as I know workstation GPUs are clones of consumer GPUs so if you use consumer/gaming driver the workstation GPU will perform on bar with its consumer counterpart ... but you will get the advantage of using the professional drivers when you need to which consumer GPUs can't get due to "I think bios restrictions"
     
    MahmoudDewy, Mar 28, 2011
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  3. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    I would say that you do not need or want a workstation GPU. You want a consumer GPU.

    A workstation GPU might perform basically the same as its consumer counterpart IF you wrangle the consumer-class drivers onto the card. However, the cost of the workstation card is going to be significantly higher than its consumer equivalent. Further, I don't think you will get any benefit out of it given your current intended use.
     
    masterchef341, Mar 28, 2011
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  4. TomJG90

    TomJG90 Notebook Evangelist

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    I do a lot of CAD etc on my 5870 and it does it pretty well. A workstation GPU could do that too but it will be just way more expensive and not worth it. I'd just have a gaming GPU.
     
    TomJG90, Mar 29, 2011
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  5. Kevin

    Kevin Egregious

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    The ATI FirePro M7820 is the only one with a good amount of cost effectiveness.

    Nvidia's high-end Quadros are ridiculously priced.
     
    Kevin, Mar 29, 2011
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  6. Loki0wn

    Loki0wn Notebook Enthusiast

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    Depends on price. I just bought a nVidia 560ti ($250) and its probably the best bang for the buck card on the market.
     
    Loki0wn, Mar 29, 2011
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  7. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    notebook forums move along
     
    Karamazovmm, Mar 29, 2011
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  8. MrFong

    MrFong Notebook Evangelist

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    Whether you get a professional GPU like a Quadro or Firebird depends on your needs. Workstation GPUs will push out pixel-perfect frames at lower framerates, with 24-hour support and solid warranties, but at a very high price. Gaming GPUs are better for gaming in that they typically give you better framerates, but won't necessarily draw perfect images, which may be a problem for some types of professional work.
     
    MrFong, Mar 30, 2011
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  9. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    Do we get cars with notebooks too? I always wanted that 80's beauty!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    Karamazovmm, Mar 30, 2011
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  10. MrFong

    MrFong Notebook Evangelist

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    Whoops. Is that a car? Got a little confused with the DBMS. Was, of course, referring to the... FirePro.
     
    MrFong, Mar 30, 2011
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  11. TomJG90

    TomJG90 Notebook Evangelist

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    lol epic error :D... I still find my 5870M good enough. If you really want some workstation features you can softmod it to M7820.. Someone did that on asus forum.
     
    TomJG90, Mar 30, 2011
    #11