Products at a Glance
How we picked the best workstation GPUs
Of course, the best workstation GPU for you depends on your workload, the applications you use, and perhaps most importantly your budget. We’ve chosen four workstation GPUs that provide the best combination of specs, value-added software bundles, price, and all-out desirability to hit a sweet spot that would satisfy most users’ PCs.
Given the price, complex nature, and wide application space of workstation GPUs, it’s best to test one yourself in your chosen application and under your typical workload before purchase if you can. We also have articles on the best graphics cards in 2024 which will help you decide on the best purchase to upgrade your system – whether you’re using for gaming, workloads, or both.
Product Reviews
- A6000 boasts more CUDA cores and clock speeds than gaming GPUs
- 48GB of GDDR6 memory - huge for demanding work-related tasks
- A6000 prioritizes stability and driver optimizations for professional software suites
- Price tag is on the high-end of dedicated workstation GPUs
The Nvidia RTX A6000 stands out as a superior choice for workstation users. It outshines RTX gaming cards with its focus on raw processing power for professional applications and work suites. The higher CUDA core count and optimized clock speeds translate to faster rendering, simulations, and data analysis. Additionally, the massive 48GB of GDDR6 memory lets you work with huge datasets and complex models without limitations. Pretty much all you need from a workstation GPU.
Beyond raw power, the RTX A6000 boasts features designed specifically for professional needs. Workstation software compatibility is prioritized here. Likewise, error-correcting memory ensures data accuracy in critical tasks. As a result, it is difficult to criticize this model in the modern marketplace. Yes, there are a few more powerful workstation GPUs like the RTX A800, but this model comes with a premium price tag and may be overkill for its intended use. Overall, the A6000 balances cost and great performance.
- Most powerful GPU on the market
- 4th generation Tensor cores and DLSS 3 technology provide a significant boost
- 24GB of GDDR6X memory - can handle large datasets
- Large amount of power consumption
- Hefty price tag, especially for a non-dedicated workstation GPU
While not strictly a workstation GPU, the Nvidia RTX 4090 stands as a powerhouse for GPU across all platforms; including workstations. Boasting top-tier specifications tailored to tackle intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex simulations effortlessly. Its expansive memory capacity and cutting-edge AI acceleration facilitate seamless handling of large datasets and intricate projects – crucial for a workstation GPU. The improved efficiency keeps power consumption in check, further promoting both performance and sustainability. We have taken a look at this product ourselves in our Nvidia RTX 4090 Review. What we found was that it was perfect for demanding creative tasks and helping with workload productivity.
However, potential drawbacks include its hefty price tag and high power requirements urging users to carefully weigh their workload demands, budget considerations, and long-term needs before making the investment, as alternative, less powerful GPUs may suffice for certain tasks, offering a more cost-effective solution without compromising productivity.
- Can handle professional tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, or engineering simulations
- Lower cost than the A6000 and RTX 4090
- Ample 12GB of GDDR6X memory
- While powerful, it falls short of the RTX A6000
- Slight edge to gaming performance than professional applications
The Nvidia RTX 4070 strikes a compelling balance between power, performance, and value, making it a strong contender for workstations. It packs a significant performance boost over previous generations with a high core count and cutting-edge architecture. Features like DLSS 3 and Tensor cores accelerate AI tasks in professional applications like video editing and scientific computing.
While it doesn’t reach the absolute peak performance of the RTX A6000, a dedicated workstation GPU, the RTX 4070 excels in value comparison. This is also a similar situation to the RTX 4090. Overall, this makes it ideal for users tackling moderate 3D rendering, video editing, or simulations without needing the memory capacity and potentially higher price tag of our other suggestions. Furthermore, if you also use your machine for high-end gaming, the RTX 4070 seamlessly transitions between work and play without sacrificing performance in either area. For more information on the RTX 4070, we have our dedicated Nvidia RTX 4070 Review which details everything from specs, performance, cost, and benchmark comparisons. Be sure to take a look.
- Competitively priced in comparison A6000 and RTX 4090
- Good power efficiency for mid-range GPU
- Dedicated workstation GPU
- Middling performance compared to A6000
While the Radeon Pro W6600 workstation GPU isn’t as powerful as the Nvidia A6000, it does cost significantly less and maintains its status as a dedicated workstation GPU. For example, it does still benefit from 1,792 stream processors. Plus it offers 28 ray tracing accelerators and 8GB of RAM with a peak memory bandwidth of 224GB per second. The Radeon Pro W6600 can output video to up to four monitors at 5K resolution per monitor. Alternatively, it can be pushed to one monitor at 8K resolution. Radeon Pro W6600 users can also make use of AMD Remote Workstation. This is particularly handy for users to make the most of their workstation’s GPU when accessing it remotely via certain remote desktop software.
Best workstation GPUs – Considerations
Application compatibility
Workstation GPUs provide critical productivity in professional settings, so they must be reliable and compatible with professional software so that you can work without experiencing graphics-related problems. AMD and Nvidia websites both provide information for applications their drivers are certified to work with – as can an AMD or NVidia sales rep.
Technical capabilities
The number and type of graphics processors, such as stream processors and ray tracing processors is important, too, with more processors generally being better. Graphics RAM is another consideration. However, the amount that will benefit specific use cases depends on the work being undertaken, making the best workstation GPU choice somewhat layered.
Software
Finally, bundled software is worth considering alongside professional needs, with Nvidia’s Omniverse server allowing remote collaboration on a project (up to two users for free). AMD’s Remote Workstation allows the best use of its hardware for users accessing their workstations remotely.
Which GPU is best for workstations?
This isn’t necessarily a question with a straightforward answer. Not only does it depend on performance and budget, but form-factor, power efficiency, storage, and application suitability are crucial factors. Nvidia’s RTX A6000 is the performance winner and best overall in our round-up. This is because of its dedication to being a GPU solely for workstations. Every feature here is intended to smooth out the workload and make it more efficient for the user.
Our Verdict
Our choice in terms of current-gen power and desirability is the Nvidia RTX A6000, a product that combines Nvidia’s latest Ampere architecture with an immense amount of CUDA, real-time ray tracing, and tensor processors. Plus, Nvidia’s Omniverse software adds value in a world where colleagues work in physically disparate locations. The perfect workstation GPU.