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3d workstation graphic cards

Hi guys & bently folks:

  Since we're all very devoted to the new luxlology engine, I'm pretty sure they're are some new 3D workstation graphic cards in the market that can help us reduce the pain when doing big animation/complicated architectural exteriors/interiors. Are there anyone here using this kind of graphic card or may the bentley guy gives us some suggestions on those products that might go well with bentley products? i'm looking for

Product
Quadro FX 560

Graphics Bus
PCI Express x16

Memory Size
128MB GDDR3

Memory Interface
128-bit

Memory Bandwidth
19.2 GB/s

Display Connectors
DVI-DL+DVI-SL+HDTV

Dual Link DVI
Yes (1)

Number of Slots
1

3D Primitive Performance
Geometry (Triangles/sec.)
Texels per Second/Fill Rate

140 Million
2.8 Billion

SPEC Results
3dsmax-03
Catia-01
Ensight-02
ProE-03
SW-01
UGS-04


and

ATI FireGLTM V3350
Memory Configuration 256 MB
Memory Controller Interface 64-bit
Memory Bandwidth 6.4GB/sec
Geometry Engines 2
Pixel Shader Processors 4
Shader Model Support 3.0
Display Output Connectors 2 DVI-I
Dual Link DVI Outputs -
Stereo 3D Output -
HD Component Video Output -

These two cards are quite good in terms of the value , not too expensive, what do you guys think?  I know there are some 3D workstation graphic card can support Direct X 9.0 and 10.0 . What's the difference between these two version?

 

Thomas

 

  • FWIW, for a "general" idea as to how such things perform, you might want to take a look at the MicroStation Graphics Benchmark to view results of other users and to evaluate and compare your system.

     

      

  • Well

    1. Quadros (mine >  4600/5600) are NOT the best idea (value for results) for DX driven 3d adventures. The new Quadro (4800) maybe does cut the mustard but I'll suggest to look on DX "game" stuff. Quadros ARE worthy (every penny)  when we deal with dedicated drivers for specific CAD apps (best is the US made UGS NX5 wonder MCAD thing, CATIA is second). 

    2. I don't like game cards - I confess, but with regard DX based API's ....well there's no other logical choice. In an ideal world (according me, he he) B should stick to that good old OpenGL thing (every other CAD vendor....etc etc etc)

    3. ATI does the fantastic HD  4870 (don't invest in CrossFire) and NVidia the GeForce 280 (don't invest on SLI). Quadros are fantastic in GPU based renderings (CUDA, Gelato and the likes) , but that's another - sad - story. Parallel GPU ideas...erm...work...in theory (when they do, that is, he he).

    4. I don't expect big things with your stuff - I'm afraid.

    5. further study

    http://www.3dprofessor.org/

    http://www.fudzilla.com/

    http://www.xbitlabs.com/

    http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/

    http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/11/05/first-look-sapphire-radeon-hd-4850-x2-2gb/1

    http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/11/10/winter-2008-graphics-performance-update/1

    http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/12/01/what-hardware-should-i-buy-dec-2008/1

    PS: get an Intel P58 based mobo (for i7 stuff etc etc).

    Be the Force (the GPU one) with you.

     

  • PS: for "Quadros" read...erm... NVidia Quadros AND ATI FireGL (ProFire by now), that is : OpenGL "oriented" CAD cookies (with an average price around 1-2K).
  • Peter,

    Are you aware of cards which support both DX and OpenGL or is this a no no?

    I have apps that prefer Open GL and others DX . 

    Regards

     

    Ken 

     

  • Ken Thomson:

    Peter,

    Are you aware of cards which support both DX and OpenGL or is this a no no?

    I have apps that prefer Open GL and others DX . 

    Regards

     

    Ken 

     

    Ken

    EVERY pro OpenGL card (Quadro, FirePro) support DX as well (for that reason...erm...I spend all my hard earned cash for things the likes of 4600/5600 etc). That said the Quest3D (DX) on my Quadros > MAMA MIA > incredible performance

    The same can't be said for the game things. Reason? The money (*3)  that you paid for the pro stuff (NOTE : same GPU in most of times) goes to OpenGL per app driver optimization (and support). Obviously if Mr Oblivion (a gamer, that is) reports a bug to NVidia....erm...well...you can imagine the real-life results. Now, imagine the inverse > a team designing a Fighter Plane with CATIA/UGS ...

    On the other hand the // stuff ( SLI and/or CrossFire) they don't work well on pro level cards - because they are developed for the gamers.

    On the other hand the GPU based renderings (best : Maya 9) they do work OK in pro cards.

    All in all 

    1. If your OpenGL app IS NOT listed in the drop down list (pro cards) > save your cash.

    2. try a ATI HD 4870 (not the X2 option)