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PCI-Express Video
(Updated 10/4/2005)
Businesses now have little choice
In a previous article, we discussed the issues of
AGP Video and PCI Express. In that article I mentioned that PCI Express
(not to be confused with PCI-X) was being touted as the latest, upcoming
replacement for both PCI and AGP. I also mentioned that there would
hopefully be time for the transition; in a perfect world, there would
have been time, this is not a perfect world!
PCI Express, or else!
Call it an Intel problem, or blame whoever you like, but AGP
motherboards have dried up. That means that it is PCI Express… or else.
As I mentioned before, many manufacturers were very close to releasing
PCI Express based products across their product line, but initially
those cards were VERY costly, well over $2,000 (MSRP) each for the video
card alone. Unfortunately, if you need to run a professional graphics
workstation, you have no choice. PCI Express is the only game in town
now, so what do you do? That depends on your applications.
Addressing Inventor Users Specifically
Our primary area when dealing with high powered graphics workstations is
the use of Inventor. The video cards certified for use with Inventor
often drive what device will be used.
By checking the link at the Autodesk web site, you can see the choice
for PCI Express certified cards, in this case 3DLabs. People ask why we
recommend them. Well, the choice is a simple one; when you compare the
other video card manufacturer’s offerings with those from 3DLabs, you
find that almost everyone else has issues with drivers, configurations
or known deficiencies… 3DLabs does not. They also offer a better MSRP
with more features (RAM, etc.) than other vendors.
3DLabs Wildcat Realizm 500 PCI Express Video Card
The good news is that if you can find them, the price has just dropped
on the 3DLabs Wildcat Realizm 500. See comparison chart from their
(3DLabs) website below, as it compares the price, performance and
features of this video card with those of these other Inventor certifies
models:
3DLabs Wildcat Realizm 500 Performance
|
Five Viewperf 8.1.0 Viewset Scores |
ATI |
Nvidia |
3Dlabs Wildcat Realizm 500 |
|
MSRP |
$699 |
$799 |
$899 |
$999 |
$899 |
|
Memory |
128 MB |
128 MB |
128 MB |
128 MB |
256 MB |
|
|
FireGL V5000 |
FireGL V5100 |
Quadro FX 1300 |
Quadro FX 1400 |
Scores |
Performance Gains** |
|
3dsmax-03 |
35.06 |
37.21 |
26.31 |
35.74 |
48.31 |
29.8% |
|
Ensight-01 |
17.26 |
19.05 |
7.57 |
19.14 |
25.70 |
34.3% |
|
Light-07 |
23.44 |
23.94 |
26.63 |
27.55 |
28.86 |
4.8% |
|
Maya-01 |
49.42 |
49.64 |
54.53 |
55.07 |
60.28 |
9.5% |
|
SW-01 |
26.40 |
27.25 |
13.92 |
27.01 |
32.17 |
18.1% |
Please note that the prices show above are MSRP as quoted on the 3DLabs
website and are not those of Hagerman & Company, Inc. and may be
different in the marketplace at large. Additionally, availability is
currently in limited supply on the 3DLabs Wildcat Realizm 500 at the
time of this writing.
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Not
all Inventor Certified Cards are not created equal
Remember when
you look at the card certifications on the Autodesk site to look
at the key below, show on each page for card certifications. In
this case, green circles are what you want to see, anything else
spells trouble! |
|
 |
The lightning
bolt signifies that this certification is newer than the version
of Autodesk Inventor® that was selected. An update is
required.
Click here to download now. With an older version of
Autodesk Inventor®, it is always okay to use a newer
certification. |
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The green
symbol means the card and driver fully meet the graphics system
requirements of Autodesk Inventor®. |
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The yellow
symbol means the card or driver generally meet the graphics
system requirements of Autodesk Inventor®, but that some
important information is available. |
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The red
symbol means the card driver does not meet the graphics system
requirements of Autodesk Inventor®. The driver will continue to
run using Microsoft GDI software emulation. |
How can I
get more information on this subject?
You can get more information about this subject? Well if you have
support with us, ask us. Often times we will have additional suggestions
you should think about in the long term when dealing with emerging
technologies. If you have questions or comments about this article,
contact me (JohnBoline@hagerman.com).
All product names / logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their
respective holders. John Boline is an MCSE, CNE and a member of the
Network Professional Association. The content herein is often based on
late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from
sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc.
disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of
the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have
no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information
contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The
recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein
represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are
subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these
positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for
the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The
opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire
contents © 2005 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written
permission is forbidden.
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