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Hello there!..
Since this is an upgrade, the choice of Graphics Card / GPU in this particular case, depends on a couple of things:
1. The budget.
2. The PSU (Power Supply Unit) capacity on your computer.
2. The physical SPACE you have to accommodate the Graphics Card in your computer’s case.
3. The available slots on your Motherboard.
4. The size of files you are planning to load.
According to the software you’ve mentioned, maybe this will help you:
--3dsMax-- The display depends on the GPU, in which case, the size of the model you’re working on affects the viewport’s performance and can even crash the program for lack of memory in the GPU. Also, the GPU speed is a factor which can result in the viewport’s pefrormance degradation on big models. The rendering goes with the computer’s CPU. GTX 460 / 560 will work fine. Just keep in mind if you are planning to load LARGE files / models, try to get a 2GB memory GPU.
--ADOBE CS5-- Here it’s different. As far as I know, this software (and some others) can make use of a special feature embedded in the GeForce GTX 460 and 560, which is the CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) enabled cores.. this feature is present in both GeForce GTX 460 and 560 GPU’s. but he 560 has more of those cores. This doesn’t mean the software won’t work.. It’s just that it will be slower but I cannot figure out the exact difference.
--Unfortunately I don’t use Maya, so I can’t tell what is the difference when using the GeForce 460 or 560 GPUs. To my understanding, Maya can work fine with any of them.
Graphics Cards come in a wide variety of presentations and most important, SIZES. To give you an idea, there is a GTX 460 that measures 11.5” x 4.38” and another that measures only 8.25” x 4.38”. Both are GTX460, yes but one is superclocked with dual 460 processors (like 2 cards in one) and 2GB of memory and the other is more like “standard” sized. There are also some cards that will take 3 (please get it right: three!) slots once installed due to the fact that they have special coolers, making the neighboring slots impossible to use. So, I strongly advise you to see images of what you are planning to buy.
Both the 460 and 560 GPU’s will work. The difference is the number of CUDA enabled cores (336 for the 460 and 384 for the 560), speed, the bandwidth, other minor stuff and ultimately: POWER CONSUMPTION. Not only in terms of your electrical bill, but the quantity of power your computer’s Power Supply generates AND the number of CONNECTORS the GPU needs. For all of this, higher numbers are higher quality, quantity and power consumption levels. Consult the GPU manual for PSU recommendations.
Truly, I hope this helps not only to choose the right one but also NOT TO CHOOSE the wrong one, regardless of looks and price.
Good Luck!
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