Hi everyone! I'm building my very first custom PC and need a good GPU to handle productivity tasks like Blender for 3D modeling and video editing, with a little gaming on the side. I'm considering switching to Linux for a fresh start with this new machine.
I've already picked out the other parts, but I'm still undecided on the GPU. I know AMD Radeon has solid compatibility with Linux, but I'm concerned about its performance in Blender. On the other hand, Nvidia GPUs work really well with Blender but have had driver issues on Linux—though I've heard the latest drivers have improved. I'm unsure about Intel Arc since it's relatively new and lacks extensive reviews.
I want something that balances good Linux support with performance for productivity tasks without breaking the bank. My budget allows for these GPUs:
- NVIDIA RTX3060 12GB
- Intel Arc B580 12GB
- Intel Arc A770 16GB
- AMD Radeon RX7600XT 16GB
- Radeon RX6800XT 16GB (used)
If I stretch my budget a little, I could also get:
- RTX3080 10GB (used)
- Radeon RX7700XT 16GB
- RTX5060ti 16GB
For context, my PC specs are:
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- **Motherboard**: MSI B650M GAMING PLUS WIFI
- **Memory**: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB 6000mhz
- **Power Supply**: 1st Player NGDP 80+ GOLD 750w
What are your thoughts on the best GPU option for my needs? Thanks for the help!
4 Answers
You might want to skip the GeForce options if you're serious about using Linux. However, some people are saying Nvidia's once problematic support isn't so bad anymore, especially with more recent cards and updated distros. Just be cautious and do your own research on this!
Honestly, if productivity is your focus, you might want to stick with Windows at first. It has much better support for GPUs and drivers. Once you're comfortable with your PC, you can start experimenting with Linux on the side. Dual-boot might be your best bet to get the best of both worlds!
That's a solid point! I might just try dual-booting so I can get the hang of both systems without sacrificing performance.
Generally, AMD is known for better performance on Linux, but if Blender is your main concern, Nvidia is the way to go. They have the best performance with OptiX rendering. Make sure you pick a recent card, and you should have a smooth experience.
If you're going for Blender, Nvidia is pretty much the go-to. Their CUDA support really makes a difference in rendering speed. The RTX3060 would be a solid choice, especially since the newer drivers for Linux have improved significantly. Just make sure your distro is up to date to avoid any driver headaches!
Yeah, I've seen that the latest Nvidia drivers work better on Linux than before, so I think you should be good there! Just keep an eye out for updates.
True, but remember that certain productivity software really does benefit from Nvidia. It all depends on what software you plan to use primarily.