Graphic card - More GPU speed or GPU Memory?

[WolfgangScheidle9001]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a new PC this year and was wondering if it's more important that a graphics card is fast or has a lot of RAM for Maya. I've seen that the Quadros have a lot of RAM and I think you need it for displaying large scenes and particles/fluids, right?

But graphics cards like the 3080/3090 are still very expensive. Especially the 3090 is very expensive, but has 24 GB RAM, similar to the Quadros. So my question is, should I pay more attention to the speed of a GPU or the size of the GPU memory? I think there will be a TI version of the 3080 soon with 20 GB RAM also, would that be a better alternative to a 3090? What do you think?

[mspeer]

Hi!

I doubt that you will notice any difference for the provided options when working in Maya, so it shouldn't matter.

However if you would need 24 GB VRAM for whatever reason for a certain task, then you can't do this with a card with less memory.

[WolfgangScheidle9001]

Ok you are right the difference between these two cards is not that big but what about the basic question? Would you rather take a card like the RTX 2080 SUPER with 8GB VRAM instead of 3090 24GB VRAM to save the money or is it well spent?

Does anybody already have experience with the new Radeon cards like the RX 6800/6900 XT? Will they be well supported by Maya?

[mspeer]

Hi!

Everyone has different requirements, so what someone else would choose is absolutely irrelevant.

Important is only what you need (and maybe want).

So get at least what you need and maybe spend some more money if you want something "better" (or if you want to use the GPU for a longer time).

[WolfgangScheidle9001]

I am a hobby generalist and my PC system is now 6 years old. I would like to buy a system that will last 6 years again.

[mspeer · Accepted solution]

Hi!

For a hobby and generalist user the 8GB VRAM should be enough, but if you currently have a high VRAM usage (> 2GB) and plan to use the new GPU for a minimum of 6 years and you have the money, I would recommend to get more VRAM, to make sure you will not hit any RAM limit, even in 6 years.

Also the latest generation of GPUs (30xx) should be supported one year longer than the previous generation (20xx).

[WolfgangScheidle9001]

Thank you for the answers

[voicaplastics3]

Thanks a lot for your advice, guys. I’m currently building my first setup, so I’d like to ask for your help on which graphic card to choose. I mean, I’ve always had a laptop, but we’ve recently moved to a new house where I have a separate room for my setup. So, the best option I’ve managed to find is this AMD card https://productz.com/en/dell-amd-radeon-r7-250/p/0GwrV. Will it help me work more effectively in AD programs? I’d be grateful for any of your advice or suggestions, guys. TIA for your help.