CAD, or "Computer Aided Design," is where computers are utilized to help the design process in an array of different industries.
However, we're specifically talking about designing a product and documenting this design's process. It can help create detailed, accurate diagrams of the product's materials, dimensions, and much more.
You'll find CAD software used by architects, engineers, drafters, artists, and others. This software comes with many 2D and 3D software, though if you don't have a good graphics card, you're going to miss out on some incredibly realistic renderings.
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Graphics Card For CAD Compared
Image | Model | Base/Boost Clock | Memory | Bandwidth | GPU Cores | Connectors | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 667 MHz | 5GB | Up to 140 GB/s | 1024 | 4 DisplayPorts | ||
| 1188 MHz/ 1243 MHz | 8GB | Up to 224 GB/s | 2304 | 4 DisplayPorts | ||
| 954 MHz/ 1033 MHz | 4GB | Up to 80 GB/s | 512 | 4 DisplayPorts | ||
| 1784 MHZ/ 1936 MHz | 8GB | Up to 320 GB/s | 2560 | 2x DisplayPorts, 2x HDMI | ||
| 1350 MHZ/ 1770 MHz | 24GB | Up to 672 GB/s | 4608 | 3x DisplayPorts, 1x HDMI, 1x USB Type-C | ||
| 1350 MHZ/ 1770 MHz | 4GB | Up to 29 GB/s | 384 | 1x DisplayPorts, 1x Dvi-I DL |
Why CAD Requires Quality Video Cards
Ultimately, if you want the most from your CAD program(s), you need a high-quality GPU. What happens if your graphics card isn’t up to par?
Installing a quality graphics card will significantly widen your CAD programs' capabilities, no matter whether you're rendering 2D or 3D designs.
Buying Guide: Choosing Quality GPU for CAD
At this point, you may be asking yourself: "What specs do I need for CAD?" This can be the confusing part, so we've broken it down into easy-to-digest points to run through for the best results possible.
CAD Software Compatibility
Usually, the easiest way to go about choosing the best GPU for CAD is to go off of your software. Ensure you check the system requirements for the application(s) you're using and use it as a base.
If you can get better specs than that, that's even better. Also, consider the design of said software. For example, a multi-threaded program would do well with multiple cores. Make sure the memory capacity is large enough to run the latest features of your software program(s) as well.
Workstation Monitor
You should also ensure that the connections available on your new graphics come with those compatible with your workstation monitor. Even think about possible assemblies or redesigns at a future point in time.
CAD Project Size
What is the average size of the projects you're working on? This will also have a considerable influence on the specs you should aim for with your new graphics card. Try to opt for at least 8GB of RAM, but if you can get it a bit higher, you'll probably find you can handle larger or more complex projects.
CPU and GPU Balance
Both are crucial to optimum performance, though when it comes to 3D work and graphics-related tasks in general, the GPU takes the lead. Processing speed, however, is much more likely to bottleneck than memory.
Graphics Card Features
Brand (Nvidia vs. AMD)
These are both excellent products, though when we really begin to compare graphics and versatility, Nvidia wins. They place more of a focus on GPU tech, offering the ideal GPU-CPU balance. However, when it comes to CAD, we can't go all out and say Nvidia is the best through-and-through as AMD offers some great solutions as well.
GPU Cores
Thousands of cores can be built into a single chip, which is necessary for all necessary computations to even render the graphics and design projects you have. In this case, the more, the better your graphics are going to be – however, you don't need to go for the maximum cores to get great results.
GPU Clock Speed
Measured in Megahertz (MHz), this will be the graphics card’s speed in non-stress testing uses. The higher the rate, the higher the number of pixels that can be processed per second by the graphics processor.
Memory & Bandwidth
The memory bandwidth is essentially the speed of video RAM, measured in GB/s. The more bandwidth you have, the higher the quality and speed of the images produced will be.
Thermal Design Power
The cards we use today often cannot be powered by the system alone. Instead, they'll usually require 6-pin connectors, and the higher the configuration of the card is, the more power it demands. However, it's important to note that mid-range alternatives can typically be powered just fine solely by the system.
The need to dissipate heat efficiently is crucial to the health and performance of these cards. Coolers are effective in keeping them from overheating, slowing down, and even GPU failure.
Design
Consider the ports available as well. Most will come with DVI ports, which are versatile as you can convert them to both VGA and HDMI with basic adapters if you'd like to connect to additional monitors. If you're using more modern monitors, make sure the card also has a DisplayPort (DP) connection.
You may be wondering about aftermarket vs. reference coolers, as well. The former is known to be the quieter and cooler alternative. However, reference coolers move all heated exhaust air out of the back of the case, which is also beneficial.
Form Factor
None of the other specs matter if your card doesn't work with your motherboard and case! Make sure the slot size is compatible with your PC build and that you have enough free expansion slots and physical PCIe slots on the motherboard.
Price & Warranty
Chances are you're probably not here to spend as much money as possible. Instead, you want the best balance of affordability and quality. To get there, you first need to come up with a budget for yourself. Once you have that guideline down, you can narrow down your options based on the specs above.
It's also important to look at the warranty that comes with your new graphics card. A good warranty can save you quite a bit of cash, so if it comes down between two similarly priced items, it's always a wise move to go for the pricier one with longer coverage.
6 Best Graphics Cards For CAD Reviewed
1. NVIDIA VCQP2000-PB Quadro P2000
- Chipset: NVIDIA Quadro P2000
- Video Memory: 5GB GDDR5
- Memory interface: 160 Bit
- Max. Resolution: 5120 x 2880, support 4x...
Best Graphics Card for CAD
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 667 MHz |
Memory | 5GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 140 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 1024 |
Chipset | NVIDIA Quadro 2000 |
Connectors | 4 DisplayPorts |
To start things off, we have the VCQP2000-PB Quadro P2000 Nvidia graphics card for CAD. Remember when we mentioned looking for a nice balance of features and performance? Well, you have that right here, with this card offering the “sweet spot” for 3D CAD.
It comes “equipped with advanced visualization and simulation capabilities to meet the needs of the most demanding professional workflows,” says Insight.
With 75W, you don’t have to worry about any more power required than what the PCIe bus can provide. Based on the Pascal GPU architecture, it’s incredibly efficient as well. With 1024 CUDA cores, you can expect lightning-fast rendering and very detailed designs, for even the most complex projects.
If you compare it to other good graphics cards for CAD, you may notice that it comes with slightly less memory: 5GB. However, that didn't have a huge effect on performance, and we found it quite powerful.
While it's also not as small as some other cards in the Quadro line, it still has a low-profile form factor that makes excellent use of its footprint and does well with more compact workstations. The four DisplayPorts make it possible to connect up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz, making it very versatile.
Adding to that, you can connect two Pascal-based Quadro Gp100's with the brand's NVLink technology to further scale performance with a solid 32GB of HBM2 bandwidth memory.
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2. AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100
Performance redefined - Features for a truly immersive experience
- Bus Type: PCI Express 3.0 x16
Best Graphics Card for CAD
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 1188 MHz/ 1243 MHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 224 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 2304 |
Chipset | AMD Radeon 7100 |
Connectors | 4 DisplayPorts |
Nvidia may be the leader in GPU sales currently, but we highly recommend you take a look at the AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100. When tested with SolidWorks, it hit the ball out of the park in visualization and simulation.
The single-slot form factor it comes with means it has a small footprint perfect for compact workstations and if you need to install another PCI add-in card in the future.
If you're also trying to get a VR-capable CAD workstation on a budget, the 7100 could be a nice solution. However, it works with just about any CAD tools you may need or want for years to come. Thanks to supreme build quality and powerful heat sinks, it’s one of the most long-lasting cards. Backed with a generous 10-year warranty, AMD makes sure of that.
We found very similar GPU performance to the Nvidia cards, even when RealView and Ambient Occlusion effects were turned on, helped out by the speedy 1188 MHz base clock speed, and 8GB of memory. However, when graphic detail was significantly increased, we did notice a bit of slowing down.
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3. PNY NVIDIA Quadro K1200
- Compatibility with system enclosures ranging...
- Up to 2x the graphics performance of...
- Large 4GB GDDR5 GPU memory capacity and...
- Supports AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS advanced...
Best Graphics Card for CAD Rendering
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 954 MHz/1033 MHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 80 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 512 |
Chipset | NVIDIA Quadro |
Connectors | 4 DisplayPorts |
Next up is the PNY NVIDIA Quadro K1200, which is great for 2D applications, rendering, and if you’re into gaming, it’s good for that too. Also made for working with smaller workstations, it’s still quite powerful and is compatible with system enclosures from compact SFF desktops to ATX towers.
With up to twice the graphics capabilities as competitor options, the Nvidia graphics card for CAD supports AutoCAD and SolidWorks rendering. It's actually known to be the most powerful GPU currently available in a low-profile form factor.
The 4GB GPU memory capacity and 128-bit memory interface is more than sufficient for design, even though it's considered a budget product. With 4 DisplayPorts, you also get support for up to 4 monitors – even 4K displays.
The only real downside is that if you're working predominantly in 3D, you may see some slight performance issues. Other than that, it's an excellent balance of quality and price.
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4. ASUS GeForce GTX 1080
- Brand ASUS, Series ROG, Model STRIX GTX1080...
- Interface PCI Express 3.0, Chipset...
- Retail goods are with default Gaming Mode, OC...
- OpenGL OpenGL 4.5, HDMI 2 x Native HDMI 2.0,...
Best Graphics Card for CAD and Gaming
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 1784 MHZ/1936 MHz |
Memory | 8GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 320 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 2560 |
Chipset | NVIDIA |
Connectors | 2x DisplayPorts, 2x HDMI |
The GeForce GTX 1080 is undoubtedly one of the best GPUs on the market today, “produced using Auto-Extreme Technology, an industry-exclusive, 100% automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality,” says Asus, themselves.
The brand has repeatedly demonstrated that they know how to create a high-quality video card, and this one is exemplary of all the best they have to offer.
At first glance, you'll notice its top-notch looks, with a gray-and-black color scheme and angular outcroppings, which make it look like something from the future. Contrasting perfectly are the RGB LEDs that come built into the cooler shroud.
The full-spectrum lights are sure to turn some heads, and you can even coordinate them with other LEDs in your workstation if you'd like.
The DirectCU cooler complete with 5 copper heat pipes is extremely useful in moving heat away from the chip, so even with large projects, you can count on it staying cool and working at optimum temperatures.
With the 8GB memory and 2560 CUDA cores, you can expect incredible graphics and detail, even in 3D applications. If you’re a gamer, then this is the best around, with intuitive performance tweaking and instant gameplay streaming. With dual HDMI 2.0 ports, you can easily connect a headset and monitor for 4K and VR use.
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5. NVIDIA Titan RTX
- OS Certification : Windows 7 (64 bit),...
- 4608 NVIDIA CUDA cores running at 1770...
- New 72 RT cores for acceleration of ray...
- 576 Tensor Cores for AI acceleration;...
Top of The Range
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 1350 MHZ/1770 MHz |
Memory | 24GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 672 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 4608 |
Chipset | NVIDIA |
Connectors | 3x DisplayPorts, 1x HDMI, 1x USB Type-C |
Nearing the end of our list, we have an incredibly powerful Nvidia graphics card for CAD.
The NVIDIA Titan RTX helps you “get through projects without screen lag or stutter” and comes complete with “24GB of GDDR6 memory to deliver blazing speeds,” says Best Buy.
The card seems to be gold in both performance and appearance, with a gilded color scheme that is sure to attract all the right attention. Visual aesthetics are enhanced by the sleek and smooth build, despite having a dual-slot form factor.
While it may sound like an exaggeration, this model is a jack-of-all-trades, making it an excellent option for those who will be rendering and designing 3D scenes and much more.
Doubling the memory and offering higher peak memory bandwidth than previous generations, the Titan RTX is the one to go to if you don't mind spending more cash. On top of that, you get cutting-edge Tensor Core and RT Core technology ideal for AI and ray tracing.
To keep everything operating in ideal conditions, you have dual 13-blade fans, which allow for high airflow while remaining incredibly quiet, along with a large vapor chamber. All in all, if you want the best graphics card for 3D CAD, this is it.
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6. PNY VCQK620-PB
- DisplayPort 1.2 connector
- DisplayPort with Audio
- DVI-I dual-link connector
- VGA support
Best Budget Option for CAD
Base Clock/Boost Clock | 1350 MHZ/1770 MHz |
Memory | 4GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Up to 29 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 384 |
Chipset | NVIDIA |
Connectors | 1x DisplayPorts, 1x Dvi-I DL |
Last but not least, we have the PNY Quadro K620 from NVIDIA. If you're on the hunt for CAD on a budget for the best graphics card, then this model absolutely cannot be beaten. It may not be the most robust out there in terms of performance, but it will still get the job done and even let you create large 3D models.
With a low-profile, single-slot form factor, it is great for smaller/compact workstations. However, you’ll still be able to take advantage of 384 CUDA cores and 4GB of memory. The power-efficient card comes with DisplayPort 1.2 support as well to work with super-high resolutions of up to 60H and 30-bit color.
While it may be easy on the budget, it’s definitely not cheap. The NVIDIA Quadro construction is supreme in durability and shows time and time again why it’s one of the best professional CAD options out there today.
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CAD Software Applications That Require Good GPU
CAD software is a huge help when designing something, particularly when used in industrial design, mechanical design, architecture, and much more. Each CAD model contains vital information like the dimensions, tolerance, manufacturing process, and so on. There are even some programs that let you process advanced rendering and animation!
The most popular CAD software programs are:
There are also certain software developers who support certain GPUs. For example, ANSYS works close together with NVIDIA for incredibly fast performance, and Autodesk recommends NVIDIA products as well. Graphisoft, on the other hand, likes working with NVIDIA and AMD.
Gaming Cards Vs. Professional Graphics Cards
There is quite often some confusion as to which of the two a CAD designer should use. While it's not always a rule, gaming cards are typically not the best-suited for CAD. They instead focus on quick loading and smooth frame rates for beautiful graphics as you're playing.
However, this comes at the expense of detail and speed, which is vital in CAD. On the other hand, workstation-class cards offer quicker performance, computing power, and GPU acceleration technology.
If you want the best of both worlds, check out the ASUS GeForce GTX 1080.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What does GPU benchmark mean?
This is a test that compares the speed, efficiency, and overall performance of the chipset. There are different benchmarking tools, though 3DMark is the most popular.
What do the model numbers mean on GPUs?
Generally speaking, higher numbers offer better performance. However, each differs slightly, and some may have the same model number but be from different manufacturers. These will very rarely have a big difference between them, and if they do, they're usually things like new fans or lights that won't affect performance much.
Will my graphics card for CAD be future proof?
It's hard to give a definitive answer here, as it's a little of both. We can't predict the future, so we can't say "yes" or "no" with 100% certainty. However, if you want to make the most out of its use, we recommend getting a card with the highest specs you can realistically afford.
What are the differences between integrated vs. dedicated graphics?
Integrated graphics do not come with their own CPU, while dedicated graphics cards do.
Are gaming PCs good for CAD programs?
Actually, yes! Most gaming computers will easily be able to install and run software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD due to their robust power and performance.
Where is the best place to buy these graphic cards for CAD?
Amazon is the best choice for most, as they offer quick shipping, great prices, and offer real customer reviews, so you know what you're getting.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned just about everything you could ever want to about the best graphics cards for CAD, which one will you be incorporating into your workstation? If you're still undecided, allow us to recommend the NVIDIA VCQP2000-PB Quadro P2000.
It offers the best price-performance balance on the market currently, and is incredibly powerful and reliable. However, what's most important is that you choose the model which works best for your individual needs and purposes. We hope that this guide has helped you do exactly that.
Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.