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    gpu or cpu?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by lucif3rka, Dec 27, 2007.

  1. lucif3rka

    lucif3rka Notebook Enthusiast

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    Which one is more important when using CAD programs and 3D modeling?
    a better gpu or a better cpu? how much difference does the limitation of max 3 or 4 GB make?

    I have to decide between these two:

    E6600, Geforce 8600M GT 512 GDDR2, max 3GB
    and T7500, Quadro NVS 320M, max 4GB (also 25% higher price)
     
    lucif3rka, Dec 27, 2007
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  2. Kwakkel

    Kwakkel Weirdo

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    For CAD and 3D modelling (definitely if it's for work, and not just to play a bit with it :) ): go for the Quadro. No discussion possible :)
     
    Kwakkel, Dec 27, 2007
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  3. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    how about a simple reverse engineering, look at the system requirements of the CAD and 3D modelling tools that u will be using, see what they recommended and go from there

    more ram is always good, on cpu and on gpu, if $ can justify the upgrade - but dont forget a faster drive and a clean environment, they all go hand in hand.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Dec 27, 2007
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  4. Ingvarr

    Ingvarr Notebook Deity

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    Most of mainstream CADs and 3D modelling are CPU-bound.

    Hovewer, already professional 3D renderers exist that explicitly run on the GPU (i.e. Gelato).

    So it depends on exact software combination you intend to use.

    More RAM will be good in any case.
     
    Ingvarr, Dec 27, 2007
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  5. lucif3rka

    lucif3rka Notebook Enthusiast

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    well, I'm studying architecture, so it will be for "professional" use..
    I'm using AutoCAD and Cinema4D, the recommended requirements for both are really not of much use.
    As far as I know, both applications use gpu for the so called editor view. In AutoCAD, my current Radeon Mobility x700 does the job. It only has problems with OpenGL in Cinema4D. Imo the rendering uses mostly cpu power, so that's of more importance to me, not the previews.. My boyfrend's a bit OC E6300, 2GB ram and 7300GT is really sufficient.

    So, is a 2.4GHz/1066MHz worth the sacrifice on behalf of the Quadro?
     
    lucif3rka, Dec 27, 2007
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  6. lucif3rka

    lucif3rka Notebook Enthusiast

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    no one knows?
     
    lucif3rka, Dec 27, 2007
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  7. Ingvarr

    Ingvarr Notebook Deity

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    It looks like these two notebooks are roughly identical in terms of features and price. Different features balance each other out, so its hard to tell what is better.
     
    Ingvarr, Dec 28, 2007
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  8. eyecon82

    eyecon82 Notebook Deity

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    it is best to do both...but if you just wanted to do 1....upgrading cpu will just save you a few seconds per minute. However, upgrading GPU will proabably have the best benefit
     
    eyecon82, Dec 28, 2007
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  9. frazell

    frazell Notebook Deity

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    The best thing for you to do is to look at the programs you plan to run and see what the company who makes it is recommending you focus more on.

    As the Nvidia Quadro series is designed for CAD and 3D Modeling, but I can't say which chip is better for your needs specifically.
     
    frazell, Dec 28, 2007
    #9