Updated on August 14, 2022
The best graphics cards for SolidWorks to buy this year.
SolidWorks requires a good graphics card for high performance, rendering, analysis and a real-view mode. However, not everyone knows how to choose the best graphics card for SolidWorks. I have tested dozens of GPUs and selected the top 6 options.
Top 6 Best Graphics Cards for SolidWorks
- EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti – Our Choice
- PNY Quadro RTX 4000 – Solid performance
- ZOTAC GeForce RTX 2060 – Full backplate
- PNY Quadro RTX 8000 – Ideal for professional 4k+ rendering
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 – Easily overclocked
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 – Good quality
I have personally tested all these graphics cards on this list and can confidently say that they are compatible with all versions of this software. Here’s the list of the best GPUs you need to consider if you want to run SolidWorks.
1. EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
CUDA Cores: 4352 | Core Clock: 1350 MHz (1545 MHz boost) | Memory: 11GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 616 GB/s | Power Connectors: 8-Pin | Outputs: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Type-C
- ✚ Supports 4K gaming at 60fps
- ✚ DLSS with great potential
- ✚ A new benchmark for single-GPU performance
- — Pricey
Rating
Because it has DLSS technology, this is the greatest graphics card for SolidWorks, and it is twice as fast as the GTX 1080 Ti. It also provides greater picture quality. This GPU has a lot of power.
Furthermore, it’s future-proof, as the majority of game engines are expected to incorporate DLSS in the near future. Using ray-tracing, this graphics device can load programmes more quickly. Therefore, this is a very valuable card that will grow in value over time.
2. PNY Quadro RTX 4000
CUDA Cores: 2304 | Core Clock: 1215 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 416 GB/s | Power Connectors: N/A | Outputs: DisplayPort, USB Type-C
- ✚ Copes with advanced tasks
- ✚ Works well under heavy loads
- ✚ Easy to install
- — Expensive
Rating
3. ZOTAC GeForce RTX 2060
CUDA Cores: 1920 | Core Clock: 1365 MHz (1680 MHz boost) | Memory: 6GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 336 GB/s | Power Connectors: 8-pin | Outputs: DisplayPort, HDMI
- ✚ Two cooling fans
- ✚ Full back panel
- ✚ DLSS and ray-tracing features
- — Doesn’t support NVLink
Rating
4. PNY Quadro RTX 8000
CUDA Cores: 4608 | Core Clock: 1395 MHz (1770 MHz boost) | Memory: 48GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 672 GB/s | Power Connectors: | Outputs: DisplayPort, USC Type-C
- ✚ Advanced 4K+ rendering
- ✚ Hardware encoding and H.265 decoding
- ✚ Data modeling, NASA AI software
- ✚ Cooling in both directions
- — Not enough adapters in the box
Rating
If you’re looking for professional 4K+ rendering, hardware encoding, and H.265 decoding, this is the best graphics card for SolidWorks. This card makes it simple to execute data modelling and run NASA’s artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The Quadro RTX 2080 Ti is the top of the line model in this series.
A maximum of 250 watts of heat can be dissipated by the cooling system. In this manner, the casing should have enough ventilation. Temperatures can be cooled both ways, not just in a straight line from the slot cover.
5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
CUDA Cores: 2304 | Core Clock: 1410 MHz (1710(OC) MHz boost) | Memory: 8 GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s | Power Connectors: 8 pin | Outputs: DisplayPort, HDMI
- ✚ Amazing entry-level 4K performance
- ✚ Easy overclocking
- ✚ Has RT and tensor cores for ray-tracing
- — No RT and DLSS in games
Rating
6. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080
CUDA Cores: 3072 | Core Clock: 1650 MHz (1815 MHz boost) | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Memory Bandwidth: 496 GB/s | Power Connectors: 6 pin + 8 pin | Outputs: DisplayPort, HDMI
- ✚ Robust 1440p and 4K performance
- ✚ Extremely speedy
- — Expensive
- — Minimum headroom for overclocking
Rating
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
OUR CHOICE |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
ZOTAC GeForce RTX 2060
BUDGET CHOICE |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
SUPER PREMIUM |
|
How to Choose the Best Graphics Card for SolidWorks?
Having a good GPU is essential. Errors, crashes, and slowness can all be the result of it, depending on how well it’s implemented.
High-end and low-end cards are available (sometimes, multiple high-end GPUs). The majority of CAD applications require graphics cards in the mid-range price range. It will meet your performance requirements. Select an entry-level card for simple design jobs if you are looking for a low-cost solution. Keep in mind that a graphics card can be more expensive than the rest of your system. In this case, a high-end graphics card isn’t necessary because it won’t have a substantial impact on PC performance. When making a decision, think about how it will be used in the future. For activities like photorealistic rendering, animation, and simulation post-processing, some applications have greater needs. Post-processing CFD fluid flow, displaying streamlines, and particle flow all require an expensive graphics card.
In the case of 3D modelling, a video card with hardware OpenGL acceleration provides exceptional performance and stability (refresh, rotate, zoom, pan).
Strong-end graphics cards are associated with high performance, but they cost a lot of money to purchase. If you want the best performance, you may want to invest in a faster CPU and a solid-state drive.
If you need to run SolidWorks, you should avoid graphics cards designed for games or multimedia apps. At a high frame rate, they display only a few polygons on the screen. Other prerequisites apply to CAD software. There should be a lot of polygons in your model. High frame rates aren’t necessary because images don’t need to change quickly. SolidWorks will run more smoothly if you use a high-quality graphics card and driver.
Because SolidWorks doesn’t use the second graphics card, it’s not a good idea to acquire two.
FAQ
Does SolidWorks require a powerful graphics card?
Nvidia Quadro and AMD RadeonPro graphics cards are required to run the OpenGL engine in this software. When paired with a low-end processor, a high-end graphics card will underperform.
— Is it possible to run SolidWorks with a 2GB graphics card?
GPU memory requirements for SolidWorks are low. In most cases, 2 GB is adequate. You’ll need a bit extra if you want to watch the largest assemblies in 4K. It is important to note that GPU RAM is critical for improving performance and addressing CPU bottleneck concerns.
• What is the greatest graphics card for 3D design?
The NVIDIA GPUs are recommended for people who plan to do a lot of 3D graphics work. The RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2080, RTX 2070, and RTX 2060 are the best GPUs.
How should I choose a graphics card for streaming?
With the GeForce RTX 2080, you’ll be able to play select games at 1440p at 1080p with ease. NVIDIA hardware encoding can also be used to stream heavy games.
