I'm currently testing Azure GPU virtual machines to handle graphical workloads for applications like Style3D and AutoCAD, focusing on CAD and 3D visualization rather than AI or machine learning. I've noticed that the performance and availability of GPU options greatly differ across Azure regions. Some regions have limited GPU choices or different families available, and not all GPU VM families perform well with workstation-style applications. Before I invest more time testing, I'd like to know from your experiences: Which Azure regions have proven to be more suitable for CAD, 3D, and visualization workloads? Have you identified any regions that consistently provide better GPU options or overall smoother performance? Also, any recommendations on GPU families or specific regions that have worked well for design software? I'm open to switching regions and conducting active tests, just looking for real-world feedback.
2 Answers
Honestly, the GPU situation in Azure has become tricky lately, especially with the rising demand for AI workloads. The availability for non-enterprise accounts can be quite limited. In my experience, just take what you can get for now. You may face a tough time finding good GPU options, but you might want to peek at the NV series for better performance overall.
For CAD and 3D applications, I'd highly recommend checking out the NV series, particularly the A10 and V710 options. The performance tends to be fairly consistent across regions, although keep in mind there could be some latency depending on where you’re accessing it from. Just be cautious about price fluctuations that can vary considerably between regions!
I took your advice and selected the A10, but when I looked into upgrading, I noticed only CPU and RAM were impacted, not the GPU RAM. Any suggestions on that?
Thanks for the input! Do you think I should look into other cloud providers that specialize in GPU performance for CAD?