November 28, 2014, 04:13:52 am
Hi montysdouble
In terms of relative differences, the GTX 660' Passmark is 4117, which puts it in the region of being capable to deal with Moderately Complex scenes (see links below). The K620 for Lumion will only deal with simple scenes. I think there is a big difference between those two Passmark scores.
That difference will be in satisfactory response whilst building scenes, but most likely impact more strongly at render time.
Isolating the purchase decision to purely a budget requirement avoids a key question. The client needs to consider what type of projects, rendering, complexity, single model such as single residential, multi-residential or sub-division type projects, and interior detailing etc required for the scene (re complexity of scene, links below).
We do have users that use various CAD on standard graphics cards without issue. The Quadro of course is 'certified and specifically designed to run CAD'. Quality drivers play a key role. Quadro in terms of $'s spent are roughly 3:1 compared to a general GPU, perhaps less at the lower end.
Is there an option where changing the mix of hardware could provide for another alternative (unless you are only looking at changing the GPU). That is, a mix of using a Quadro card for CAD and a GTX for Lumion.
I have used a GTX 660 with a range of scenes. Never had issues with it.
Have you considered the GTX 660 Ti which gives a big boost in performance?
Refer further:
1.
LUMION 4: Minimum hardware requirements.
2.
Lumion Web Site: Specifications.
3.
Passmark: Videocard Benchmarks.
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Caveat: these comments are provided only to assist forum members in considering their options for purchasing hardware to use with Lumion. They should in no way be considered as recommendations or qualified advice.