which graphics card for 3d modelling

[alastair84]

Hi my friend wants me to build a computer for him to use with 3d modelling applications.
The programs he wants to use are autodesk maya, viewfive and z brush, amongst a few others.
I went to the autodesk maya website and could only find Quadro FX cards under the "recommended nvidia graphics cards" section.
I would like to know what difference there is between the Quadro FX card and a normal gaming card e.g. like a 4870. (I assume its because the quadro fx range are made for CAD applications......)
But basically i wanted to know if it would make any difference if i put a 4870 card in the machine to a quadro fx card in there to the rendering speed of those gfx applications he wants to use.
The system will have a q6600 chip in it and my friend will only be using one monitor.

 

[alastair84]

thanks. cool.....
it shows a £200 9800 gtx almost level with a £600 quadro fx 3700 in Maya 2008....
think i'm gonna put in a 4870 then....im sure my friend will also play games too!