The different EinScan software are all based on CUDA architecture. This is the reason why using an NVIDIA Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a requirement.
There are different NVIDIA GPU available, each one offering solutions for each personal preference and intended use.
This article is intended to provide an overview to illustrate the current NVIDIA cards solutions and the differences between them, to assist in the decision making process on the hardware equipment.
The most important things to know when it comes downs to select a GPU for your equipment are both the GPU requirements for your scanner and what do you expect from the GPU.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The GPU requirements
| Scanner Model | Required GPU |
| EinScan SE and SP | NVIDIA Series with at least 1 GB VRAM |
| EinScan Pro and Pro Plus | Nvidia GTX 660 or Quadro P1000 |
| EinScan Pro 2X and Pro 2X Plus | |
| EinScan Pro 2X 2020 and Pro HD | |
| EinScan H and HX |
The EinScan SE and SP just need an NVIDIA GPU with at least 1 GB VRAM. This is not a demanding requirement, and very basic cards might perform well.
[Update] The EinScan SE does not need NVIDIA GPU if the CPU is an i7-9XXX or above. The built-in GPU should be able to handle the computation. The EinScan-SP has not been tested yet.
On the other hand, the handheld scanners require either an NVIDIA GTX 660 or a Quadro P1000.
Card | CUDA Cores | Memory Size |
| GTX 660 | 960 | 2 GB |
| Quadro P1000 | 640 | 4 GB |
As a rule of the thumb, we normally recommend using a GTX with at least 960 CUDA Cores. This way we ensure the GPU requirements for the software are met.
GTX cards belong to GeForce family. Quadro Family is a different product family. Both of them can not only meet the software requirements but also better adapt to your professional or personal preferences. So what are the differences between them?
NVIDIA GeForce vs Quadro
Quadro and GeForce cards families are made with different purposes. Therefore, they have different specifications.
Being one of the biggest discrepancy their price, it might lead some people to think that they are getting a much better graphics card, but this is not necessarily the case.
GeForce family
GeForce family is fundamentally designed for gaming. These cards provide fast clock speeds at a considerably cheaper price than Quadro. Their drivers are maintained and kept updated to ensure that they are best optimized for new games and software releases.
Modern gaming as well as the EinScan software do not need top capacity of VRAM (or at least not for now). This is why GeForce family generally has lower VRAM capacities than Quadro family.
Nevertheless, GeForce cards can carry out different tasks, obviously, like little 3D rendering and some video, making them a go-to for all purpose system at a reasonable price,.
However, GeForce GPU might not meet the requirements for CAD or Rendering professional workspace software.
Quadro family
Quadro family offers a very similar clock speed than GeForce but a vastly different VRAM capacity. For example, the RTX 2080 Ti has 11 GB of GDDR6 memory while the Quadro RTX 8000 offers 48 GB of GDDR6 memory.
This vast difference is one of the biggest reasons for the discrepancy in price.
It must be said that you could game or use the EinScan software on a Quadro card, but those extra gigabytes will not enhance the experience. For example, if the game or the software requires 6 GB, no more memory will be used.
Quadro cards are designed for very specific render tasks, like CAD design or professional video rendering. For these kind of tasks, Quadro will outperform GeForce.
A common question among users: GTX or RTX?
Firstly, let's keep this clear: GTX and RTX belong to GeForce family. Therefore, yes, RTX cards can be used with EinScan software, as long as the requirements are met.
GTX stands for Giga Texel Shader eXtreme, and is a variant under the brand GeForce owned by Nvidia.
RTX stands for Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme and is also a variant under GeForce.
They are both specially designed for graphic-intensive applications like gaming, graphic engines and much more. The main difference is that the RTX cards are specially designed for performing Real-Time Ray Tracing, which means they are optimised to plot the path of light in a video game as it interacts with the surrounding in real-time.
Wrapping up: which GPU should I use?
The answer comes down to 2 facts:
- It must meet the software requirements
- It depends on the personal preferences, intended use and budget.
If your goal is scanning and experimenting with CAD, 3D Modelling or animation, the GeForce is a good solution at a reasonable price.
A Quadro card should really be a decision based on the money willing to be invested and the performance expected from the equipment, based on the extend of your projects.
Please note that this article compares different NVIDIA cards families from a general point of view. Each family has different product ranges and therefore some products might overcome products from the other family, and vice-versa.
References:
- https://www.velocitymicro.com/blog/geforce-vs-quadro-whats-the-difference/
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/gtx-vs-rtx-which-is-better/#:~:text=GTX%20stands%20for%20Giga%20Texel%20Shader%20eXtreme%20and%20RTX%20stands,performing%20Real%2DTime%20Ray%20Tracing.
- https://www.gpumag.com/nvidia-quadro-vs-geforce/