GPU query for Archicad 26

[woodson]

I'm building a PC for a client who uses Archicad 26 (moving to 27 when released at the end of the year). I've poured over all the recommended specs, and have a decent build lined up for him (i7-12700, 32GB RAM running at 3200mhz, NVME drive), but where I'm struggling to decide a little, is with the GPU. His request was for a Quadro P4000 (8GB), but this is essentially end of life and not available at all where I am (NZ), so as an alternative, I've been looking at the RTX A2000 (6GB). Graphisoft recommended GPU specs for Archicad 26 are 4 GB VRAM.

Ideally, he'd also like to use Redshift for rendering, but the recommended specs for that, GPU-wise, are $$$. As he doesn't want to go the route of "gaming specific" Geforce cards, and he doesn't have an endless budget, I'm now considering the RTX A2000. Not a beast of a card by any means, but I'm hoping it'll do the trick? The A2000 looks like it's comparable (and superior) to the P4000 which as I say, was his "basic" GPU wish list option that he gave me. His current machine, which I built him 7 years ago, is running a i7-7700K paired with a P1000, so I believe this is a solid upgrade.

Doesn't seem the 12GB variant of the A2000 is available over here at the moment, and the next step up would be the A4000, which is over double the price and a little out of budget.

Just wondered if anyone had experience with the A2000, 6GB, and if it's a solid enough choice for medium sized projects? I've also seen the T1000 8GB at a similar price point, but looks like this is even more entry level than the A2000 (even with the 2 extra GB of VRAM).

Thanks for your time reading this, and would really appreciate any tips.

[Miha_M · Accepted solution]

As for Redshift usage the requirements are stated here: Redshift for Archicad – Graphisoft

The RTX A2000 is on the lower end considering Redshift rendering, but with Cuda Compute Capability 8.6 it should work. I don't know if the 6GB version would do the job as the minimun spec are 8GB. Maybe the 12GB version would be better.

However NVIDIA recommends the RTX A3000 or RTX 3060 on entry level and the RTX A5500 or RTX 4080 16GB for better performance with Redshift.

[Miha_M]

With the RTX 3070 or RTX 3070ti or even RTX 3080 available at lower or equal prices and some benchmark results upon each of those outperforms the RTX A4000, maybe that would be the better price-performance decision?

[ryejuan]

are there any different from a gaming card vs a professional card GPU? 🤔

[jamesMorris]

Drivers and support. But even "gaming" GPUs offer "Studio" drivers that are more conservative. 

In the end it all depends if what work he wants to do in ArchiCAD. An A2000 has less ray tracing cores for path tracing than a 3060 and 6GB will only work for very small projects. I would recommend a RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation with 20GB RAM.

Of course a 3060 12GB or a 4090 would offer more bang for the buck, but if he wants a Pro card, he has to pay the price. 

[woodson]

Thanks very much for all your time and experience, folks. Much appreciated.

[ryejuan]

then its a matter of preference if your getting a Pro card since both can do the same task. 😁