Best workstation GPUs in 2024 – our top picks

As with mainstream and enthusiast GPUs, when it comes to workstation graphics cards there are just two big players: AMD and Nvidia. Both address the professional graphics needs of vertical markets. This includes film and special effects production, computer-aided design, and 3D modeling studios.

There are many use cases, though, and both companies offer products with different strengths and benefits when considering the best workstation GPUs.

Products at a glance

How we selected 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 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. Further, we have tested two of the selections to give you a better idea of how the GPU works.

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 it for gaming, workloads, or both.

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ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC

Hands-on Review

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• GPU: AD102
• CUDA cores: 16,384
• VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
• Memory bus: 384-bit
• Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
• Base clock: 2235 MHz
• Boost clock: 2610 MHz

Reasons to Buy

• 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

Reasons to Avoid

• Large amount of power consumption
• Hefty price tag, especially for a non-dedicated workstation GPU

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While not strictly a workstation GPU, the Nvidia RTX 4090 stands as a powerhouse for GPU across all platforms. 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 work 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.

What users say

On Amazon, the Asus ROG Strix RTX 4090 card has a rating of 4.5 stars, and over 600 people have rated it. As per the customer reviews, most buyers were impressed with the card’s performance, cooling system, and even appearance. That said, customers had mixed opinions on noise and size. Some customers felt that the card was huge – something to note if you have a compact build.

The Nvidia RTX A6000 stands out as a superior choice for power 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 alternatives like the RTX A8000, 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.

What users say

On Amazon, the PNY Quadro A6000 graphics card has a rating of 4.2 stars. Most users were satisfied with the performance and quality.

03

Sapphire Radeon RX 7900 XT

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• GPU: Navi 31
• Stream Processors: 5,376
• VRAM: 20GB GDDR6
• Memory bus: 320-bit
• Base clock speed: 1,387 MHz
• Game Clock speed: 2.2025 MHz
• Boost clock speed: 2,500 MHz
• Bandwidth: 800 GB/sec
• TDP: 300 W

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent synthetic benchmarks
• Great 1440p and 4K performance
• Reasonable price

Reasons to Avoid

• Slower GDDR6 memory
• For ray tracing, Nvidia is a better choice

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If you want a graphics card that is value-for-money and delivers robust performance, then we think that the RX 7900 XT might be a good fit. The GPU sports the new RDNA 3 architecture, which is suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

If you look at the specs, the GPU comes with 5,376 stream processors, a base clock speed of 1,387 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 2,500 MHz – all of which points towards strong performance. Further, you also get 20GB GDDR6 VRAM and a 320-bit memory bus to work with, so you can expect faster processing.

In our 7900 XT review, we saw that the GPU delivered excellent framerates for 1440p and 4K gaming, which should give you an idea of its performance. Plus, the RX 7900 XT also gave out impressive synthetic benchmarks in 3DMark’s various programs, such as Fire Strike and Time Spy.

Despite boasting strong specs, there are a few things that you need to bear in mind. Even though the RX 7900 XT is a high-end card, its raytracing capabilities do not match that of Nvidia. So, if you need to use ray tracing for your work, then you’d want to consider Nvidia RTX alternatives.

What users say

On Amazon, the Sapphire RX 7900 XT has a rating of 4.5 stars, and more than 150 people have rated the product. As per the reviews, most customers were pleased with the GPU’s performance, build quality and value. “Taking everything into consideration i.e., speed, price, size, ready for the future, power consumption, overclocking ability, temps, stability, ram, style, ease of operation and compatibility, low noise and everything else, this card was the clear and logical winner,” a customer wrote in a review.

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AMD Radeon Pro W7700 16GB

Specifications

• Architecture: RDNA 3
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Memory bus: 256-bit
• Memory ECC Support: Yes
• Connectivity: 4x DisplayPort 2.1

Reasons to Buy

• Great for mid-range workstations
• Reasonably priced
• Tailored to different workflows

Reasons to Avoid

• Less powerful than A6000

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While the Radeon Pro W7700 isn’t as powerful as the Nvidia A6000, it does cost significantly less and maintains its status as a dedicated workstation GPU.

Built on RDNA 3 architecture, the card comes with 16 GB GDDR6 memory and a 256-bit memory bus, which should be enough for a mid-range professional build. Further, the Radeon Pro W7700 can output video to up to 4 monitors at 4K resolution. Alternatively, it can be pushed to two monitors at 6K resolution. Plus, you also get support for 8K and 12K.

As mentioned, this is a professional GPU, so the drivers are better optimized for professional applications like CAD (Computer-Aided Design), DCC (Digital Content Creation), and other engineering software. This means you get better stability, performance, and features for these workflows compared to a general GPU.

Overall, the Radeon Pro W7700 is a good choice for professionals who need stability, professional software compatibility, and general performance at a reasonable price. However, if you want more power, then you’ll have to switch to a different model.

Considerations for the best GPU for workstation

Here are some of the things that you can consider before investing in a new graphics card –

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, which adds a layer of consideration.

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 work files 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.