topic Re: Graphics card requirements - reasonable options for hobby user on a budget? in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Graphics card requirements - reasonable options for hobby user on a budget?

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 02:00:00 GMT

I am a hobby user looking for reasonable performance on moderate sized projects. I want to add a discreet graphics card that won't drive me crazy - I find the integrated graphics I've been using now are not really up to the task. Lots of lags, occasional hangs.

Integrated AMD Radeon R3 Series Graphics in A-series / E-series APU, Max. shared memory 4GB

The least expensive cards I see mentioned on the forum are around $250, not much at all for work but out of my budget. It's also 5x more expensive than the motherboard that kinda sorta comes close to working for me so I'm hoping there is a decent lower price option. Minimum HW requirements are tricky, sometimes they just say what won't catch fire.

What models, specs or categories should I look for or avoid? I know nothing about graphics cards as integrated have worked for what I've done for many years.

I will replace my motherboard and cpu in 6-12 months, taking care of that side.

Thank you!

Re: Graphics card requirements - reasonable options for hobby user on a budget?

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 02:35:35 GMT

Don't be scared to go second hand. I have done that a few times and all has been good. It either goes or it does not. Aside any cooling fan, there is not much to go wrong. The correct graphics driver is important.

Don't be tempted into the best "game card" for your dollar, that will not necessarially give you the best for CAD work.

Of the AMD realm, the FX series cards have proved to be very good in the past.

Re: Graphics card requirements - reasonable options for hobby user on a budget?

daniel_lyall — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 05:24:17 GMT

2 gig middle of the road model I have the game version AMD Radeon HD 7670M it's out of date now but works fine

Re: Graphics card requirements - reasonable options for hobby user on a budget?

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:27:55 GMT

I m on a gtx 960m, pretty low benchmark compared to low tier desktop cards but fusion runs great.
I second going second hand. I m still gaming and playing battle field 4 on my 6 year old AMD HD 4890 card but you can probably find it for free second hand by now.