Updated on August 14, 2022
Graphics Cards for CAD in 2022: A Comparison
4 May, 2022 – Revisions made
Luke was published on Dec. 8, 2017
Tips and Advice for People Who Use CAD
CAD Graphics Cards
So, you’ve decided to get a graphics card for your CAD projects. Your initial assumption might have been that any graphics card would do, provided it was powerful—only to discover that the GPU market is much more complicated than that!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on buying new graphics cards for CAD purposes. We’ll go over everything you need to know, and then we’ll give you our best 5 recommendations for the current market.
Table of Contents
Is Nvidia leading the pack with graphics card development?
The short answer to this question has been ‘yes’ for a long period in recent history. If you’re looking at graphics card possibilities, Nvidia products are likely to make the cut. Nvidia has the most market share when compared to other brands. By collaborating with Intel, they have been able to focus only on GPU technologies while still meeting their CPU needs. AMD, on the other hand, competes directly in both markets through the production of CPUs and GPUs.
Numerous graphics card manufacturers, some of which could be considered competitors but are actually partners of Nvidia, rely on their chips from the company. Nvidia’s market dominance may be seen in our list of graphics card manufacturers.
However, this does not imply that you should disregard the rest of this article and simply acquire an Nvidia graphics card. That’s not the whole picture.
Because of Nvidia’s dominance, AMD has been obliged to focus on solutions for specialized user needs, like CAD. In many like-for-like comparisons, AMD has come out on top. This further complicates matters and requires a detailed discussion of the top CAD graphics cards. Let’s get started, shall we?
AMD, on the other hand, has set a benchmark for high-end CAD graphics cards like those compared later in this article.
What do the model numbers on graphics cards mean?
You have probably noticed that many graphics cards have a number in their product names. Let’s look at the below table showing 4 graphics cards from 4 different manufacturers, all of which use the same number in their model name.
| Manufacturer | Model Name | Further Details |
|---|---|---|
| Asus | GeForce GTX 1080 | Product specification |
| EVGA | GeForce GTX 1080 | Product specification |
| Gigabyte | GeForce GTX 1080 | Product specification |
| MSI | GeForce GTX 1080 | Product specification |
To answer your question, why are the model numbers on all of these cards the same The Nvidia 1080 GPU is used in all of the products in the above list. As a result, the same model number is used to let customers know what’s inside.
Many companies will incorporate the most popular GPU chips into their own products. As a result, smaller graphics card manufacturers have the option of not competing with Nvidia or AMD on-chip performance, but rather offering their customers another alternative in how it is delivered.
Nvidia’s cooling system may be outclassed by others that use a more effective cooling technology. In contrast, Gigabyte’s GTX 1080 utilises Nvidia’s GTX technology but has a smaller overall footprint than Nvidia’s GTX counterparts.
Do higher graphic card model numbers mean better performance?
We would realize that a 700cc engine is more powerful than a 300cc engine if we were purchasing a motorcycle. Engines are either the specified volume or they aren’t when it comes to cubic centimeters. There is a problem, though, with the numbers that appear in the names of most GPU models.
A higher model number isn’t always faster than lesser model numbers, according to the Logical Increments blog. Nvidia’s GTX 680, for example, is faster than the GTX 760 because it offers “greater raw performance.” Confused? You’re not alone, so don’t worry.
It’s important to remember that these numbers are just a component of the product name, and that they can sometimes be used to identify the GPU.
As a result, this is a cautionary tale for buyers! Do not make the mistake of assuming that the number represents the same specs as those of other brands. Always read the graphics card’s specifications before making a purchase.
Gaming graphics cards for CAD
Why are there so many gaming graphics cards?
Many of the manufacturers you come across will have a significant selection of graphics cards that are geared toward gaming. Clearly, gaming is the fastest-growing sector for graphics processing units (GPUs).
Nvidia’s gaming product revenue grew by 49% in 2017 compared to 2016. Gaming GPUs now account for almost $1 billion in annual sales for the company.
Gamers’ interest in eSports and virtual reality gaming has led to the rise of high-end graphics cards.
As a result, this increase in gaming graphics cards is fantastic news for everyone looking to buy one. Gaming and CAD users equally benefit from the advancements in GPU technology thanks to the significant investment in R&D and the intense competition between manufacturers.
Could I use a gaming graphics card for CAD?
No, but it’s a little bit of both. It is possible to use a gaming graphics card for CAD work, however keep in mind that not all game graphics cards are appropriate. SolidWorks, for example, often requires an Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro graphics card to run.
It is best to have a separate gaming and CAD machine in order to have the best of both worlds when it comes to your GPU. However, for many users, this is simply infeasible. It’s a shame, therefore, that CAD-optimized graphics cards aren’t up to the task of rendering graphics-intensive games.
Rather of guessing which gaming graphics cards would function best with your CAD software, do some research and find out for sure.
When it comes to shooting zombies, the Asus Strix GTX 1070 is said to function well with AutoCAD.
Though Nvidia’s Quadro K1200 graphics card has been excellent for CAD work, I doubt it could handle even the most basic 3D games.
Will my graphics card be ‘future-proof’?
“Unlikely to become outdated” is the definition of “future-proof” technology. Hence, the answer is a matter of opinion. Depending on how you intend to use it, you may or may not consider your graphics card to be outdated.
When it comes to online browsing, a 10-year-old graphics card may still be excellent. However, if you plan to conduct any kind of graphically demanding work, you may want to upgrade.
In order to keep your CAD PC as future-proof as possible, the best suggestion is to get the most expensive model that you can. The GPU will last longer if its requirements are high.
Graphics cards benchmarks and why they matter
If we didn’t include benchmarks in our guide to graphics cards, it wouldn’t be complete. Automated tests are known as benchmarks, and they are carried out through the use of specialized software. In order to measure the GPU’s performance and workload, this software will run particular activities.
In order to avoid subjective debates about the best graphics card for a specific application, these benchmarks are essential There is empirical data on a GPU’s performance that can be found. Using Cadalyst’s benchmarking program, you can even run your own tests.
It is not uncommon for benchmark tests to reveal unexpected results. Nvidia’s Quadro M6000 graphics card was put through its paces by Tom’s IT Pro. When it comes to 2D rendering, the M6000 placed in third place, even though it surpassed the competition in 3D rendering. In the following graphs, you can see these results in action.
Benchmark test results for the Nvidia Quadro M6000 with 2D and 3D AutoCAD rendering. Source.
Certified graphics cards for CAD
With the help of some of the most important software producers, we now have an easy-to-use guide to the best graphics cards for CAD software. The software developer refers to these as “certified devices.”
Your purchase will be considerably more secure if the graphics card you’re contemplating is compatible with the applications you intend to use.
Below you’ll find a list of all of the devices that have been officially certified.
Software
Developer
Certified Devices
Ansys
Ansys Inc
ArchiCAD
Graphisoft
AutoCAD
Autodesk
Bentley MicroStation
Bentley
CATIA
Dassault Systèmes
Chief Architect
Chief Architect, Inc.
Creo
PTC
FreeCAD
Open source
Inventor
Autodesk
Revit
Autodesk
Siemens PLM
Siemens
SolidWorks
Dassault Systèmes
No, we don’t have any software that we need. We’d love to hear from you.
OpenGL-based FreeCAD doesn’t offer a list of recommended models, although their program is open source. As a result, we have linked to Nvida’s OpenGL-enabled devices.
Don’t neglect the rest of your PC
It’s pointless to spend money on the best graphics card if your PC can’t handle the workload.
If you’re looking to construct the perfect CAD PC, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to do it. Researching compatibility with all of your PC’s components may take some time, but it is well worth the effort.
Comparison: Our top graphics cards for CAD
That being said, we’ve selected our favorites for your consideration. Graphics cards that can be used for both 2D and 3D CAD work are on our short list. We’ve referred to their compatibility with AutoCAD (2D) and SolidWorks (3D) as a manner of expressing their suitability (3D). Autodesk’s and SolidWorks’ official hardware recommendations are where we got our information on this product’s suitability.
We assume that you don’t have a problem with virtual reality support. We don’t have widespread acceptance of this need yet, but I’m confident that in a few years, this post will need an update to reflect that.
We’ve also made an effort to keep prices as low as possible while still providing high-quality options. All of the alternatives are priced under one thousand dollars. Yes, you could spend $4,000 on a great graphics card, but included that in our comparison wouldn’t benefit the majority of readers and would be overkill for 99.99 percent of CAD work. In addition, while we provide a general idea of the cost for each option, keep in mind that prices might vary widely depending on the specifics of each option.
We’ve also compiled separate listings for AMD and Nvidia, the two most popular GPU manufacturers. As a result, if you’re devoted to a particular brand, you may compare their greatest possibilities directly.
As a final touch, we’ve rounded up the best Nvidia and AMD solutions we could find.
Comparison: The top AMD graphics cards for CAD
| Product | Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200 | Yes | Yes | ~ $220.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 3100 | Yes | Yes | ~ $470.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro W5500 | Yes | Yes | ~ $490.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 5100 | Yes | Yes | ~ $650.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro W5700 | Yes | Yes | ~ $930.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
Comparison: The top Nvidia graphics cards for CAD
Here are the best Nvidia graphics cards for CAD:
| Product | Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA Quadro P600 | Yes | Yes | ~ $180.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| NVIDIA T600 | Yes | Yes | ~ $210.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| NVIDIA Quadro M2000 | Yes | Yes | ~ $250.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| NVIDIA T1000 | Yes | Yes | ~ $380.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| NVIDIA Quadro P2200 | Yes | Yes | ~ $700.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
Comparison: The top 5 graphics cards for CAD
At this point, you’ve seen our best picks from the individual GPU manufacturers. To finish up, here are our top picks from AMD and Nvidia combined.
Here are the best graphics cards for CAD
Be sure to check the detailed descriptions for each option below the list to learn more about our selections.
Quick comparison chart
In order of ascending average price.
| Product | Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia Quadro P600 | Yes | Yes | ~ $180.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200 | Yes | Yes | ~ $220.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| Nvidia T1000 | Yes | Yes | ~ $380.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro W5500 | Yes | Yes | ~ $490.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon Pro WX 5100 | Yes | Yes | ~ $650.00 | → Check availability on Amazon |
Nvidia Quadro P600
Here are the best AMD graphics cards for CAD
As an entry-level option for CAD users, Nvidia’s Quadro series is well-regarded for its reliability in the majority of CAD workloads. It has been reported that, in the creation of SolidWork, Dassault Systemes consider Quadro graphics cards. Because it lacks several of the higher-end features of the lineup, the P600 should only be used for light CAD rendering (although the P600 is cetified by for SolidWorks). For those who only do 2D drafting, this would be an excellent option.
| GPU Manufacturer | Nvidia |
|---|---|
| Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Yes (According to Autodesk) |
| Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Yes (According to SolidWorks) |
| Price | ~ $180.00 |
| Availability | → Check availability on Amazon |
AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200
In 2006, AMD purchased ATI Technologies’ Radeon GPU technology. Since the acquisition, AMD’s GPU market share has grown significantly thanks in large part to the Radeon line.
The Radeon Pro WX 3200 costs around $200, depending on the configuration, and delivers excellent performance for the money.
| GPU Manufacturer | AMD |
|---|---|
| Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Yes (According to Autodesk) |
| Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Yes (According to SolidWorks) |
| Price | ~ $220.00 |
| Availability | → Check availability on Amazon |
Nvidia T1000
Despite its ominous name, this graphics card isn’t going to come knocking on your door demanding that you give it your entire wardrobe, including your boots and motorcycle. “Power and performance in a tiny form factor,” as Nvidia puts it, characterize the T100. AutoCAD and SolidWorks have both validated the T1000 for use with their respective applications.
| GPU Manufacturer | Nvidia |
|---|---|
| Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Yes (According to Autodesk) |
| Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Yes (According to SolidWorks) |
| Price | ~ $380.00 |
| Availability | → Check availability on Amazon |
AMD Radeon Pro W5500
Our fourth graphics card is from AMD’s Radeon series, and it’s a superb one. The Radeon Pro W5500 is more expensive on average than the Radeon Pro WX 3200, which it replaces (depending on the specification you might choose). Compared to Nvidia’s Quadro P2200, AMD claims the W5500 is more efficient at running AutoCAD or SolidWorks
AMD Radeon Pro WX 5100
AMD’s Radeon Pro WX 5100 is the most expensive of our top five CAD graphics cards, but it’s still quite affordable. According to reports, the WX 5100 is capable of handling graphic-intensive CAD applications with ease.
The WX 5100 is listed by AMD as having ‘complete support’ for OpenGL-based apps like FreeCAD, which use these graphics technologies.
| GPU Manufacturer | AND |
|---|---|
| Suitable for AutoCAD (2D)? | Yes (According to Autodesk) |
| Suitable for SolidWorks (3D)? | Yes (According to SolidWorks) |
| Price | ~ $650.00 |
| Availability | → Check availability on Amazon |
Bonus: List of graphics card brands
Graphics card manufacturers that are well-known have been compiled here. Many of these firms aren’t well-known, but the items they do make are amazing.
Conclusion
First, think about what CAD software you’ll be using and what kind of graphics card you’ll need. If you look at the list of certified GPUs recommended by the software developers, you can simply limit down a selection of graphics cards that are acceptable for your CAD job.
Most importantly, don’t rely on just one good graphics card for all of your graphics rendering needs.
If you’re not sure which models to pick, the above list should be a great resource. AMD’s Radeon Pro WX 3200 and NVIDIA’s T1000, both under $500 and officially certified for use with SolidWorks and AutoCAD, are excellent sub-$1,000 possibilities. In terms of 3D rendering, AMD’s Radeon Pro W5700 at around $930.00 is a great option if you can afford it.
