Multiple GPU vs Single GPU for workstation

[stongwl]

I am planning to build a new workstation which will use softwares like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender and Davincci Resolve.

(I use different softwares for same purpose like video editing because I collaborate with different teams and they use different softwares)

I am wondering which config can best help with my workflow, multiple low-to-mid-range GPUs (e.g. 4 x 1050ti) or a single high-end GPU (e.g. single 1080ti) which both of them cost similar?

Because multiple GPUs (even if they are lower-end ones) should provide more cores than a single high-end one but a high-end one have relatively higher clock speed.

 

Note 1: It won't be used as gaming rig

Note 2: Multiple GPU does not refer to SLI, so low-end GPUs does not support SLI won't be a problem

Note 3: Considerations such as render time, power consumption, compatibility (Scalability can also be discussed but I don't think I will be adding more GPUs to it for both config)

 

Best solution would be building the two systems and do some testing. But maybe... only the LTT group has the hardwares and interest of doing that?  

[Jurrunio]

A single beefy card of course.

 

The price per CUDA core with small cards are higher than big cards. You need 5 1050ti ($190 each) to have slighly more cores than a 1080ti ($800 each), while the cost is about 25% higher. You will also occupy all your PCIe slots available.

 

If your apps can use multi-GPU rendering, go for the 1070ti. If it cannot, get the 1080ti

[stongwl]

2 minutes ago, Jurrunio said:

A single beefy card of course.

 

The price per CUDA core with small cards are higher than big cards. You need 5 1050ti ($190 each) to have slighly more cores than a 1080ti ($800 each), while the cost is about 25% higher. You will also occupy all your PCIe slots available.

 

If your apps can use multi-GPU rendering, go for the 1070ti

May I know why 1070ti? Price-to-performance?

[Blebekblebek]

What you need to research is how well those software splitting the workload among the GPU's

If the software doesn't utilize full power of 1080/Titan then what's the point?

 

 

[Jurrunio]

1 hour ago, stongwl said:

May I know why 1070ti? Price-to-performance?

Yes, best value choice at this point

[stongwl]

2 hours ago, Blebekblebek said:

What you need to research is how well those software splitting the workload among the GPU's

If the software doesn't utilize full power of 1080/Titan then what's the point?

 

 

That’s what I am asking for...

I can find results for 1080ti very easily but not multiple 1050tis.

The only valuable information I can find online is some theoretical calculations of clock speed multiply number of CUDA cores, which lack real world preformence testing...

[Blebekblebek]

You need to ask the software company

Those softwares aren't cheap, they should have answers for your concern.