Graphics Cards for 3D modelling, rendering etc.

[slipperyslopez]

I'm looking at buying a laptop for 3D modelling and rendering (Rhino 3D, 3DS Max, SketchUp, V-ray, etc.), 2D CAD (AutoCAD and Microstation) and Adobe (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator).

I don't want to spend more than I need to, how important is a separate GPU for these applications? Would the money be better spent getting a laptop with more RAM/faster CPU, or is the GPU also helpful?

Thanks

 

[Rozzy85]

GPU is only important if you're going to use a specific renderer (iray for example) that can utilize it. Most renderers do not and will use the CPU so spend the most on that, memory and a decent motherboard first. For viewport rendering is doesn't matter much and even a low end card or APU will cope perfectly fine. Most applications will slow down from a complex scene long before the GPU becomes a bottleneck. I also wouldn't recommend a laptop due to heat output but ultimately that's your choice.

 

[panda_uk]

Personally I wouldn't get a laptop for 3d work as you'll be frustrated with the slow render times. If a laptop is necessary then I would get a gpu render engine like octane and get an external gpu box.

 

[slipperyslopez]

I need a laptop as I need to be able to move around and work in different locations, however rendering is only part of what I do and I have access to a render farm at one of my sites if needs be.