I cannot say much about the new consumer grade cards, but I recently
migrated from a GeForce 7800 GT to a Quadro FX 4500. I was pretty happy
with the GeForce, but I stumbled on a great eBay deal for the Quadro and
"upgraded". I ran PassMark to gauge the performance bump and the raw
numbers were disappointing (most of the 2D scores, including the composite
score, were actually very slightly LOWER on the Quadro with 512 Mb ram vs
the GeForce with 256 Mb. on the 3D tests, the Quadro scored higher in
everything, but only by ~5% or so.)
Now that I am revisiting the numbers, I am really disappointed.
However. I pulled up a big, busy assembly (WF2) that I am familiar with and
I have to say that my disappointment dissolved. I am very happy with my
real-life experience with the Quadro - it prehighlighted and selected very
busy components in a blink of an eye, where the 7800 GT would take a bit
longer so you could watch the selection progress across the part. With
components selected, the spin rate was noticeably smoother using the Quadro.
I cannot explain why the PassMark numbers don't tell the story, but I am
happy with my purchase. I would love to throw in a GTX to gauge the
difference again. Maybe someday I will spring for one.
My only thoughts on the numbers not mirroring my experience is that possibly
the PassMark performance test is designed for gaming and not CAD? As well
as the concept that the GeForce cards are designed for gaming and Quadro's
are designed for CAD. Just a guess. If you have another opinion, I would
love to hear it.
Alfonso, Thanks for the link and the thread.
PassMark is ranking the GeForce 7800 GT at 197
the Quadro FX 4500 is ranked at 201
I guess that explains / supports my findings - Wouldn't it be nice if they
had a third column in the rankings: price$
-Nate