7 recommended GPUs for 3D modeling and rendering

Choosing the perfect GPU is no easy task; not only do you have to make sure you have a specific number of threads and cores to process images, but you should also have enough RAM.

This is because 3D rendering is an active working process as you have to sit in front of your PC and continuously interact with the software. In order to actively work in 3D scenes, you need to have a suitable graphics card.

If you want to maximize your productivity and enhance your experience when using 3D software, it's crucial to have a GPU that meets your needs.

The Importance of GPUs in 3D Rendering

For 3D rendering, a graphics card is very important as it allows you to complete your work at a good speed. Rendering is usually done via the CPU or GPU, but these two types of rendering are used in different situations. 3D rendered images have become essential visual content for content producers, advertisers, and marketers.

3D rendering is basically a process that involves using software to create images. For proper rendering, you should have adequate hardware as 3D rendering is a demanding task. At first, you might think that you can use any GPU as long as it is powerful, however, after reading this article you will realize that there are more factors to consider when choosing the best GPU.

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How does 3D rendering work?

The 3D rendering process involves software, hardware, and a combination of strategy and art. For 3D rendering, you must have the right tools and hardware to get perfect results. This is the process of computer-generated 2D images, and the rendering time depends on the complexity of the image.

Most 3D rendering programs rely entirely on the GPU to form the user interface. If your graphics card is too old or underpowered, you must upgrade it, otherwise you won't be able to complete your 3D rendering tasks efficiently.

Which GPU is better: AMD vs. Nvidia?

If you compare graphics cards for 3D rendering, NVIDIA is in the lead. The brand has partnered with Intel to focus entirely on GPU technology for 3D rendering requirements. AMD, on the other hand, focuses on manufacturing CPUs and GPUs. NVIDIA has a strong position in this market, but that doesn't mean there aren't AMD graphics cards to consider.

Both NVIDIA and AMD produce "reference designs" for their graphics cards, which are standardized versions of the cards built around a specific GPU. These reference designs are sometimes sold directly to consumers by NVIDIA (sometimes AMD does the same). However, these designs are mostly copied by third-party card manufacturers such as ASUS, MSI, EVGA, and Gigabyte.

Top GPUs for 3D modeling and rendering

As mentioned in the previous section, there are two brands leading the market. NVIDIA and AMD produce graphics cards in various price ranges, specifically ranging from $300 to $3,500. Here are our top picks:

1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti – Editor’s Choice

CUDA cores: 4,352
Base clock: 1,350 MHz
Boost clock: 1545 MHz
Floating point operations per second: 13.4
Memory: 14GT/sec
Memory bandwidth: 616 GB/sec

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti review

I've been using an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti for a while now, mostly for 3D rendering tasks, and let me tell you, this card is a beast. In my experience, it's definitely the first choice for anyone serious about 3D work or gaming.

The cooling system is excellent. It features dual-fan cooling and a full-length vapor chamber that covers the PCB. I've had long rendering sessions and this card really held its cool. I didn't experience any overheating issues, which can be a relief when you have a tight deadline and can't afford any downtime.

But what really sets this card apart are its RT and Tensor cores. The older generation didn't have these, but they made a significant difference in performance. RT cores are great for real-time ray tracing. I've been able to render scenes with natural shadows and complex real-time lighting scenes that look incredibly realistic. Honestly, it's like having a mini supercomputer on my desktop.

544 Tensor Cores take it to another level with AI capabilities and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) capabilities. This is game-changing technology, especially when you're working in high resolutions. Not only does it increase the resolution, it also applies anti-aliasing at the same time, making everything look extra sharp and smooth. I compared scenes rendered with and without DLSS and the difference was like day and night.

So, all in all, if you are in the market for a graphics card that excels at 3D rendering and offers a range of future-proof technologies, look no further than the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. In my experience, it's a solid investment that more than delivers on its promise and then some.

it is one of the fastest
It features deep learning technology and ray tracing technology.
It offers USB-C connectivity.
It offers high fps 4K gaming on a single card.

2.Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super

CUDA cores: 2,560
Base clock: 1,605 MHz
Boost clock: 1,770 MHz
Floating point operations per second: 9.06
Video memory: 8GB GDDR6
Memory clock: 14 GT/s
Memory bandwidth: 448 GB/sec

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Review

After using the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 for a while, I have to admit it's a great choice. The transistor count is off the charts, and it runs just fine in games that support ray tracing like it's no big deal. I used to have to compromise on quality settings on older GPUs, but now, I can enjoy all the visual delights of games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control without missing a beat.

Also dabbles in 3D rendering and architectural visualization. This card is more than just a gaming workhorse; it can handle complex rendering tasks like a walk in the park. Of course, if you're looking for absolute top-tier performance, you might want to look at higher-end models with more cores. But for my needs, the RTX 2070 is definitely enough.

When it comes to the core, this card doesn't have as many options as the top options, but it does offer an excellent balance of features and value. It's like having a sports car that can also tow a trailer; it has the power and tricks to handle complex viewport-related tasks with ease. For me, viewport performance is crucial, and this card delivers on that with its anti-aliasing, AO, and in-viewport SSAO capabilities. Everything looks smoother and more realistic.

Let’s talk about zero-freeze technology. I can't stand a noisy computer, especially when I'm engrossed in a creative project or immersed in a game. This GPU ensures that my environment remains as peaceful as a Zen garden. The fan even stops spinning under low load conditions, ensuring my device stays quiet when it doesn't need to roar.

Overall, I'm very happy with my Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070. It's a great all-rounder that offers performance and versatility at an affordable price. It may not be the first choice for absolute power, but it's a strong contender in its own right.

Its energy consumption is low.
It runs quietly.
Stable overclocking.
RT and Tensor cores ensure future proofing.

3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super – Best for Gaming

CUDA Core: 3072
GPU base clock: 1650 MHz
GPU boost clock: 1815 MHz
Video memory: 8GB GDDR6
Thermal design power consumption: 250 watts
DisplayPort output: 3
HDMI output: 1

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Review

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super is indeed an impressive graphics card. When I originally upgraded from the RTX 2080, I was skeptical about how much of an improvement "Super" would really offer, but let me tell you, the difference isn't just in the name.

First of all, the technical prowess of this card is outstanding. It features 3072 CUDA cores, compared to the RTX 2080's 2,994. While this may not seem like a huge difference on paper, you can feel it in performance. Whether I'm rendering complex 3D models or playing demanding video games, everything seems to run smoother and faster.

15.5 Gbps memory bandwidth is another significant improvement. The VRAM upgrade effectively future-proofs the card to a certain extent, ensuring you won't need to look for a new GPU anytime soon. I was able to run multiple tasks simultaneously without any noticeable lag, which is a huge plus for anyone in the 3D rendering or video editing world.

The RTX 2080 Super also introduced me to FrameView, a software feature that I found extremely useful. FrameView provides real-time data on frame rate, frame time, temperature, and GPU usage.

It can even break down the card's power consumption, which can be extremely valuable if you understand your system's energy usage. This level of monitoring helps me understand performance bottlenecks in my system and make more informed choices when optimizing settings.

If you're like me and like to push your hardware to its limits, the RTX 2080 Super has you covered. Overclocking this bad boy is a breeze. Thanks to its efficient cooling system, I was able to achieve higher clock speeds without having to worry too much about overheating.

So if you're on the fence about jumping into Nvidia's Turing series of GPUs, I'd say now is the perfect time, especially the RTX 2080 Super. It offers a powerful set of features, improved performance, and better value for money compared to the RTX 2080. After several months of use, it has proven to be a reliable workhorse for 3D rendering, gaming, and even everyday tasks. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile graphics card, you can't go wrong with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super.

Great for 1440p and 4k.
It has the fastest GDDR6 clock.
It's cheaper than the original RTX 2080.
FrameView software is very useful.

4.AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200

Processor: 3584
Base clock: 1,200 MHz
GPU boost clock: 1,530 MHz
Computing units: 56
Memory size: 8 GB
Memory bandwidth: 512 GB/s
Cooling: Active
Thermal design power consumption: 230 watts

AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 review

When I first unboxed the AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200, the eye-catching blue casing immediately caught my attention. It's a vibrant, beautiful departure from the drab tones we're used to seeing in professional-grade hardware. And, oh, that fan with the "R" in the center isn't just beautiful, it's gorgeous. This is a workhorse, but I'll discuss that later.

The WX 8200 is a longer card, so a full tower case will definitely be needed to accommodate it. It's also a dual-slot card, so make sure you have two slots available on your motherboard. But once those space requirements are met, installation is a breeze.

The card features 3,584 graphics core stream processors with a base clock speed of 1200 MHz and a boost speed of 1500 MHz. I tested it using my usual 3D rendering and design software suite, and let me tell you, its performance is as impressive as the numbers show.

For those who need a variety of display options, this card won't disappoint. The WX 8200 offers a variety of connections, supporting up to 4K displays, three 5K displays, and even a single screen with resolutions up to 7,680 X 4,320—all at 60 Hz. Whether you're working on complex design tasks or just want an immersive multi-monitor setup, this card has what you need.

The WX 8200 is aimed at professionals and architects, basically anyone who does 3D rendering or uses high-end graphics software and applications. My own experience is consistent with this emphasis. As an architect, the card's efficient handling of software like Autodesk Revit and 3ds Max feels like a dream. I've used the Nvidia Quadro P4000 before, and I can safely say that the WX 8200 has proven to be more efficient for the various tasks I perform on a daily basis.

One of the reasons for its excellent performance is its architecture. The card is based on AMD's latest VEGA architecture and uses 14nm FinFET process. This technology essentially gives it the ability to deliver strong performance for 3D rendering tasks, something I can personally vouch for.

All in all, the AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 is a powerful graphics card for professionals in the field of 3D design and rendering. Its eye-catching design is backed by powerful performance specs, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their workstation's graphics capabilities. If you fit its target demographic and have the space for it, I highly recommend considering the WX 8200 for your next upgrade.

It has multitasking capabilities.
It is equipped with super GPU computing power.
It facilitates running modeling and GPU computing simultaneously.

5. Nvidia Quadro P5000 – Best for 3D rendering

CUDA Core: 2560
GPU memory: 16GB GDDR5X
Maximum power consumption: 180W
FP32 performance: 8.9 TFLOPS
Graphics bus: PCl Express 3.0 x16

Nvidia Quadro P5000 review

The Quadro P5000 is based on Nvidia's Pascal architecture, a major advancement in computer graphics technology. From the moment I installed it, this card felt like a technological powerhouse. The build quality is excellent and it's clearly designed for professionals who need the best possible graphics rendering and processing power.

The key metric for me is render time, and let me tell you, the Quadro P5000 does not disappoint. It reduced my 3D rendering time by about 60%. While performance may vary depending on the system it's installed on, my experience shows that this card is a monster when it comes to rendering tasks. Complex projects that would put other cards to shame are beyond the reach of the P5000. This kind of performance is extremely valuable when you're working on deadline-intensive projects and every second counts.

The Quadro P5000 comes with 4x DP 1.4 + DVI-D DL display connectors, a feature I find very useful. I run setups with multiple monitors to manage large-scale simulation and design workflows. The ability to run simultaneous displays (4 direct displays and 4 DP 1.4 multistreams) makes my workspace feel limitless. Creating realistic environments is not only feasible but also efficient.

Although it's primarily aimed at 3D rendering and professional design, I tried the Quadro P5000 on other tasks as well. Video editing, data analysis, and even some casual gaming (yes, that's what I do) are all handled effortlessly. This is a versatile card that can meet a variety of professional needs.

The Nvidia Quadro P5000 is undoubtedly an expensive high-end graphics card, but if your work requires top-notch graphics performance, it's worth every penny. Reduced rendering times, combined with the ability to create vast multi-monitor visual workspaces, make this card a valuable asset for professionals in the 3D rendering and simulation industry.

It handles all CAD tasks with ease.
It keeps the entire device extremely quiet even under high workloads.
It keeps the GPU very cool when under full load.
It's responsive and good for 3D modeling and rendering

6.Nvidia Quadro P4000

CUDA Core: 1792
GPU memory: 8GB DDR5
Memory interface: 256 bit
System interface: PCle 3.0 X 16
Maximum power consumption: 105W
Display output: 4x DisplayPort 1.4

Nvidia Quadro P4000 review

As a 3D rendering professional for many years, I'm always looking for gear that will give me that extra edge. The Nvidia Quadro P4000 is one such game changer. After using this card for a while, it’s time to share my experience.

The first thing that caught my attention was the power efficiency. The card's maximum power is 105W, which is much lower than other cards in this range. This is a huge plus for me because it lowers my energy bill without sacrificing performance.

This card is a beast when it comes to display power. With the P4000, you can display up to 5K on a single card. But that's not all, using Nvidia's Quadro Sync 112 technology, you can configure up to 32 4K monitors by connecting multiple P4000s in a single system.

Tested with four 4K monitors, the seamless synchronization is stunning. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for professionals who rely on multiple high-resolution displays for their work.

Another feature I appreciate is that the P4000 requires only one PCIe slot. This is great for people like me who run systems that don't have a ton of available slots. The four 1.4 DisplayPorts are an added bonus and give me plenty of freedom to connect.

The P4000 comes with a stylish heatsink that covers the entire graphics card, effectively dissipating heat even during intense 3D rendering tasks. I've been in meetings that lasted several hours and not once did I have any heat-related issues.

The P4000 comes with 8 GB of GDDR5 video memory, delivering on Nvidia's promise that the card will perform well under extreme workloads. Render times have improved significantly since I switched to the P4000, and I've noticed a smoother overall workflow.

Finally, let’s talk about cost. At just a few hundred dollars, this card is an absolute steal for mid-range users. This card is an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your 3D rendering setup but don't want to spend too much money.

The Nvidia Quadro P4000 lives up to its name. It's energy efficient, has impressive display management capabilities, and is powerful under heavy workloads. For those working in the 3D rendering field, this card is a reliable, cost-effective solution for the most important needs.

No overheating issues.
It's very responsive and fast.
It is very suitable for 3D rendering.
It is designed for professional applications.

7.AMD Radeon RX 570

Processor: 2,048
Video memory size: 4 GB GDDR5
Memory bus: 256 bits
Thermal design power consumption: 150W
Process node: 14nm
Interface: 256 bit
GPU clock frequency: 1300 MHz
Memory clock frequency: 1750 MHz

AMD Radeon RX 570 review

The RX 570 is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the RX 470. Both cards feature 32 ROPs and come with 4 GB GDDR5 memory. What makes the RX 570 a better choice for me (and probably you) is its improved clock speeds and core specs. These improvements make the RX 570 a more powerful rendering machine, although it consumes a bit more power. Compared to the RX 470, the card has a thermal design point of 150W.

The card's design is simple and clear, almost understated. A black plastic cover surrounds the unit, with a heatsink underneath. I like the fact that you can see the metal fins through the fan blades; it gives it an industrial feel while providing solid cooling performance. The compact design is complemented by an 8-pin power connector and an illuminated ROG logo, which adds a nice aesthetic without screaming "gamer gear."

Since 3D rendering is my main use case, I immediately jumped into several complex scenes. To my pleasant surprise, the RX 570 handled them like a champ. The higher clock speed really made a difference, and I saw significantly faster render times compared to my previous setup. While the RX 570 won't outperform high-end cards, for a budget option the RX 570 punches well above its weight. It's clear that this card isn't just designed for gaming, but can also handle more workstation-oriented tasks such as 3D rendering.

One thing to keep in mind is that since the RX 570 has a higher clock speed, it does use more power than the RX 470. This isn't a huge issue for me, but it's something to be aware of if you're running a power-constrained setup.

If you're looking for an affordable yet powerful 3D rendering graphics card, the AMD RX 570 should be at the top of your list. Its value for money is excellent and its simple design means it will fit into almost any building. Sure, it consumes more power, but for the performance gain, I think that's a small price to pay.

It delivers excellent 1080p performance.
It's very affordable.
It is a solid mid-range graphics card.
It can help run programs that easily read and write most animation and modeling tools.

How to choose the best GPU for efficient 3D rendering

Choosing the right GPU for 3D rendering can significantly impact your workflow, efficiency and final output quality. There are so many options on the market that it can be overwhelming to decide which graphics card is best for your specific needs. This guide aims to break down the key factors you should consider when making an informed decision.

your requirements

Before diving into specs and brands, it's crucial to assess your specific needs. Are you a professional looking for the highest quality renderings, or an amateur new to 3D rendering? Your budget, software requirements, and project complexity will all play a role in determining which card is best for you. Be sure to consider your current and near-term needs to ensure your investment is future-proofed.

CUDA kernels and stream processors

NVIDIA and AMD are the two leading brands in the graphics card market and use different architectures for processing. NVIDIA uses CUDA cores, while AMD uses stream processors. Generally speaking, the higher the number of cores or processors, the better the rendering performance. However, not all 3D rendering software supports both types of architecture. Always check software compatibility before purchasing.

Memory and bandwidth

For 3D rendering, larger capacity VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) and greater memory bandwidth are critical. This allows for faster data transfer and greater storage capacity for complex textures and scenes. Aim for at least 8GB of VRAM for mid-level rendering, while high-end professional work may require 16GB or more.

Clock speed and thermal design power (TDP)

Clock speed (measured in GHz) directly affects how quickly your graphics card can perform operations. Higher clock speeds generally mean faster render times, but also increase power consumption and heat generation. Check the TDP rating to make sure your current setup can handle the additional heat and power requirements.

Multi-GPU support

For the most demanding 3D rendering tasks, one graphics card may not be enough. Some professionals choose multi-GPU setups to increase computing power. If you're considering this approach, make sure the card and software you choose support multi-GPU configurations. Keep in mind that not all rendering applications scale well with multiple GPUs, and some may even result in diminishing returns.

Cost-effectiveness

While top-tier graphics cards offer incredible performance, they also come with a hefty price tag. Depending on your needs, mid-range cards can offer you the best value for money. Always consider value for money to ensure your investment is worth it.

Reviews and Benchmarks

Reading reviews and checking 3D rendering-specific benchmarks can provide valuable insights into real-world performance. User reviews can help identify any potential issues, such as driver issues or overheating, while benchmarks provide a quantitative measure of performance against competitors.

Why are there so many graphics cards for gaming, but not so many for 3D rendering and modeling?

Due to the growing demand, most of the well-known graphics card brands offer gaming-specific cards. The gaming industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and most GPU manufacturers derive their revenue purely from gaming graphics cards. But the good news is that most graphics card companies are improving GPU technology to make it beneficial for gamers, architects, and designers alike

Can I use a gaming GPU for 3D rendering?

The answer can be yes or no. You can use a gaming graphics card for 3D rendering, but that doesn't mean that all gaming graphics cards are suitable for the task. Some software only works with Nvidia Quadro series or AMD FirePro cards. We recommend using separate rigs for gaming and 3D rendering. But if that's not practical for you, you can go for the Asus Strix GTX 1070, which is great for gaming and 3D rendering.