What is the difference between workstation and gaming video cards?

Question

Hey, I'm looking into getting a new laptop for school (I'm doing graphic, 3DS Max, dreamweaver, Maya, etc. ) And I've come across a large number of laptops that have a Workstation video card -- what are the main differences between these and a regular video card? I've heard they are better for design work... I'd like to hear anything anyone would be willing to share about them

--Thanks in advance.

subquestion: should I get one?

Answer 1

The term "workstation" can actually have polar opposite interpretations. On the one hand, it could mean a graphics card designed for a work PC. Ie. it doesn't require any 3D graphics, so it's just a crappy old video card (or more likely, motherboard-integrated video).

On the other hand, it could mean a graphics card specifically designed for a 3D workstation, eg CAD or 3D modelling work. In this case, a workstation card usually isn't a whole lot different from a gaming card. In fact, in most cases, they are exactly the same physical hardware, but they use different drivers. Sometimes the drivers are mostly the same, but tweaked specifically for this kind of work (as opposed to the gaming drivers, which would be tweaked for gaming performance).

Mostly though, the difference between these 3D workstation cards and gaming cards, is the price. Workstation ones are hugely more expensive, because they get better support, more thoroughly tested drivers, earlier releases etc.