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© 2012 Autodesk
Consumer vs Professional – How to Select the Best Graphics Card
For Your Workflow
Allen Bourgoyne Director, ISV Alliances, AMD Professional Graphics
© 2012 Autodesk
Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
Understand the modern workstation and how all the pieces contribute to
overall application performance
Gain insight into graphics workloads and how they impact the specific
features of the graphics card
Understand benchmarks, what they can and can’t measure, how to
evaluate results and apply them to your specific workflow
Recognize the difference between consumer and professional level
graphics cards and determine which is the right card for your needs
© 2012 Autodesk
Summary
In this module, we will explore the various components of the modern
workstation and understand how they can impact both system and
graphics card performance
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations
© 2012 Autodesk
Factors
When choosing a graphics card, important factors to consider:
What application(s) will I run?
How many simultaneous applications & windows will be running?
How many displays (monitors) will I use?
What is the resolution of the displays?
How large are the models & datasets?
What other components, CPU, memory, OS, etc., are in the system?
Can any of my applications use the graphics card for compute tasks?
Should I choose a consumer or a professional card?
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations
System configurations, other than the graphics card, can affect
graphics performance:
CPU
Memory
PCI bus
We will explore in more detail how each of these components can
affect graphics performance
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations: CPU
CPUs feed the graphics card
Ideal situation is to feed the graphics card as much as it can handle
Too little, graphics card sits mostly idle
Too much, graphic card is overtaxed
Modern CPUs are mostly multi core devices
4 cores per CPU is becoming common
CPUs must handle multiple tasks, multi-cores help with increasing system
workloads
2 important CPU performance factors
How many cores
CPU speed (or frequency)
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations: CPU
Multiple cores enables CPUs to run multiple tasks concurrently
The more cores, the more tasks that can run at the same time – course grain
parallelism
Multiple cores enable single applications to perform multiple tasks
concurrently
“Multi-threaded” or “parallelized” applications can realize significant
performance gains by taking advantage of multiple CPU cores – fine grain
parrallelism
CPU speed will determine the rate at which the running task executes
Faster, more efficient CPU will execute the task more quickly
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations: CPU
Systems have to
run a lot of
processes outside
of any user
programs
Multi-core CPUs
help with this ever
increasing
workload
If your CPU is
overtaxed, all system
performance will
suffer including
graphics
Use the Windows® Task Manager to monitor
CPU utilization
• Watch for peak CPU usage for one or more
cores when you experience performance
problems
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations: Memory
Model size and complexity affect system memory as well as graphics
memory
Windows® provides virtual memory – hard disk space can hold data that
exceeds physical memory 32 bit versions of Windows limited to 4GB maximum physical memory, 4GB virtual memory limit (total
physical & virtual cannot exceed 4GB, 2**32 = 4GB)
64 bit versions of Windows limited to 128GB maximum physical memory, 16 terabytes virtual memory
limit (totally physical and virtual cannot exceed 16 terabytes)
If physical memory is exceeded, OS will “swap” out data to virtual memory on
disk to make more room Best performance is achieved will all data fits into physical memory
Virtual memory on disk significantly slower than system RAM
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations: PCI-E® Bus
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express: PCI-E®
Latest standard is PCI-E® Gen 3
PCI-E® Gen 1: ~8 GB/s transfer rate for x16 link
PCI-E® Gen 2: ~16 GB/s transfer rate for x16 link
PIC-E® Gen 3: ~32 GB/s for x16 link
Use PCI-E® Gen 3 systems and graphics cards!!!!
© 2012 Autodesk
System Considerations
Modern workstations are complex
There are other factors, such as I/O, network, etc., that can affect
performance
There is no substitute for testing for performance in your environment, with
your applications and your data sets to understand which parts of the
system is stressed by your workload
© 2012 Autodesk
How to Determine Graphics Workload
© 2012 Autodesk
How to Determine Graphics Workload
The size and complexity of the graphics workload will determine overall
graphics performance
Graphics workload includes both memory requirements and GPU work
Can’t focus on just one aspect!
© 2012 Autodesk
Understanding Graphics Memory Usage
Each application window requires graphics resources Consume memory for geometry, graphics elements, shader programs, pixels, etc.
Require graphics processing power to create & render graphics, regular refresh of the
window
The more windows on the display, the more graphics resources and
processing power required
Multiple displays will require more graphics resources and processing
power
© 2012 Autodesk
Graphics Memory Usage: Multiple Displays
Graphics displays require memory to hold the graphics images that need to be
displayed (frame buffer).
Formula: (display_width & display_height * bits_per_pixel) / 8 = total bytes
19” display: (1024 * 1280 * 32) / 8 = 5,242,880
22” display: (1600 * 1200 * 32) / 8 = 7,680,000
24” display: (1900 * 1200 * 32) / 8 = 9,120,000
30” display: (2560 * 1600 * 32) / 8 = 16,384,00
(This is the memory needed just to hold the pixel data itself, more is needed manage the actual display)
30” display requires > 3x the amount of frame buffer memory of 19”!
Dual monitor configurations require twice the frame buffer memory
32MB for dual 30” displays!
© 2012 Autodesk
Measuring Graphics Memory Usage
How can I tell how much graphics memory I am using?
AMD provides a tool that can help determine graphics memory usage
AMD FirePro Memory Viewer shows memory usage in real time
Available for download at:
http://www.amd.com/us/products/workstation/graphics/tools/Pages/tools.aspx
GPU
CPU
Tool shows graphics & system
memory usage in real time
© 2012 Autodesk
Understanding GPU Workload
The GPU workload is the amount of processing work the GPU needs
to do to render your model
Includes items such as:
Number of triangles or polygons that need to be drawn
Applying colors, textures, and materials to surfaces
Rendering reflections, shadows, lighting effects
The GPU needs to be able to complete the workload fast enough to provide
interactive updates
Somewhere between 30 to 60 frames per second will provide for smooth,
interactive update rates that simulate real-time motion to the eye
© 2012 Autodesk
Understanding GPU Workload
Many applications will tell you how many triangles (polygons) for your
model.
For example, Maya choose “Display” → “Heads Up Display” → “Poly Count”
Note: disk size of your data file not indicative of graphics memory usage
Once you know the triangle size, you can determine how many times
per second your graphics card can render this model:
graphics card max tri/sec / (number of triangles in model * desired frames per sec) = frames rendered per second
Example:
500 M tri/sec / (1M triangles * 30 frames per sec) = 16 frames/sec can be rendered by the graphics card
© 2012 Autodesk
Understanding GPU Workload
Understanding the graphics demands of your workload is key to
selecting the right card
Too little memory, your models won’t fit!
Too little GPU and your performance will be poor!
Only you can determine the demands of your workflow!
© 2012 Autodesk
Graphics Benchmarks
© 2012 Autodesk
Benchmarks
Benchmarks only measure what they are designed to measure
Important to know the original design goals
What is being measured?
How is it being measured?
They may have limited lifespan: age over time
New technologies may alter benchmark usefulness
When was the benchmark created?
What version of software was used to create the benchmark?
Benchmarks designed for a particular version of an application may not be
relevant for future versions
Later versions of software may contain different features & workflows
Does the benchmark test features that I use?
© 2012 Autodesk
Benchmarks
After the benchmark is complete, you need to analyze the results
Mistakes here can result in incorrect conclusions
Let’s take a look at some sample benchmarks to see how lack of careful
analysis can result in incorrect conclusions
© 2012 Autodesk
Benchmark Example #1
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
GFX Card 1 GFX Card 2
Test A
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
GFX Card 1 GFX Card 2
Test B
Test A is CPU limited, not a good test for graphics cards
• Test B is a better indicator of graphics performance – if you relied on Test A to make a
buying decision, you could make a mistake!
© 2012 Autodesk
Benchmark Example #2
Overall graphics composite shows about a 10% difference in the cards
• If you examine the detailed benchmark results, you will see that most of the scores are
similar, but one of the GFX tests shows a 40% difference!
• Detailed examination of test results show most tests are CPU limited
• You need to run test multiple times, varying CPU and GPUs to understand results
1
1.25
1.5
1.75
2
2.25
2.5
2.75
3
GFX Card 1 GFX Card 2
GFX Composite
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
GFX Card 1 GFX Card 2
GFX subtest
© 2012 Autodesk
Graphics Benchmarks
From the previous examples, you can see that there are more to
benchmarks than just running a test and comparing a number
It’s easy to misinterpret results
Benchmarking takes a lot of work
In order to understand the relevance of the results, you have to run many
tests, varying difference pieces of hardware in a systematic manner
Benchmarks can provide useful data – you need to analyze it carefully
There’s no substitute for testing on your workflow with your data!
© 2012 Autodesk
Consumer vs Professional Graphics
Cards
© 2012 Autodesk
Professional Graphics Cards
Professional graphics cards are designed for professional users and
optimized for professional applications
Professional graphics cards are developed, tested, and tuned against
professional applications
Professional software developers, like Autodesk, develop on, test with, and
support professional graphics cards
© 2012 Autodesk
Professional vs Consumer Graphics Cards
A number of people choose consumer graphics cards over
professional cards when using workstation class applications
Several factors contribute to this decision:
Consumer cards have a lower price
Perception is that there is no difference between consumer and professional
cards with respect to performance and features
A consumer card came with my system
That’s what I was told to buy
I got a free one!
© 2012 Autodesk
Professional vs Consumer Graphics Cards
The reality is that professional cards are the correct choice for professional users
and for professional applications
Consumer cards have a lower price
There are professional cards to fit every budget!
Perception is that there is no difference between consumer and professional cards
Professional cards, drivers, and applications are high tuned to deliver performance, reliability,
and stability beyond consumer cards
A consumer card came with my system
Fortunately, that can be remedied!
That’s what I was told to buy
Check your sources!
I got a free one!
Congratulations, great card to use at home!
© 2012 Autodesk
What do I get for the extra $$$’s?
Benefit Professional Graphics Consumer Graphics
Drivers tuned, tested, & optimized for
professional applications by AMD
Professional applications certified and tested
by Autodesk
Direct engineering efforts between Autodesk
and AMD
Supported by dedicated trained support team
Average 2-3 year availability
3 year warranty
© 2012 Autodesk
What about performance?
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
FirePro V3900 Radeon HD 6970
Cadalyst 2011 3D Graphics
0
5
10
15
20
25
FirePro V3900 Radeon HD 6970
Viewperf 11 composite
Let’s compare performance of a $369* consumer card vs $120* professional card:
*Original MSRP for FirePro™ V3900 and Radeon™ HD 6970 Cadalyst 2011 benchmark, SPEC Viewperf 11 benchmark. System config: Intel Xeon
6-core 1xW3680 @ 3.33 GHz, 16GB RAM, Windows 7 64-Bit SP1; FirePro 8.88
driver, Radeon Catalyst 11.8
Professional card offers almost 2x the performance at 1/3rd the cost!
© 2012 Autodesk
Conclusion
Modern workstations are complex
Need to understand all of the pieces in order to understand graphics
performance
Before you can analyze graphics performance, you need to understand
the demands your specific workload puts on the workstation
Need to understand what parts of the workload stress graphics
Benchmarks can be useful tools to help determine which card to buy
Need to understand the benchmark and analyze results carefully
Use professional graphics cards for professional applications
Professional graphics cards have the performance, stability, and reliability
professionals demand – and priced to fit every budget
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
