This article is designed to help you improve your After Effects workflow. We conducted a lot of research on graphics cards and incorporated our own knowledge as motion designers to provide you with a curated list of the best graphics card for After Effects in 2022.
You may simply scroll down to learn more about the graphics cards that are recommended. If you want to know more about what factors should be considered when purchasing a graphics card, there are links in the table of contents below.
At a Glance:
GeForce RTX 3090 24 GB-Best GPU acceleration
- Exceptional and higher performance
- Excellent cooling performance
- Ideal for 3D workflows
- A dedicated ray-tracing core
- It is capable of handling 8K gaming
GeForce RTX 3080 10GB-Best for motion graphics
- A big and better performance boost over RTX 2080
- The best 3D workflow solution
- Excellent cooling
- Outstanding Ray-tracing cores
GeForce RTX 3070 8GB – Best CPU PERFORMANCE
- Exceptional system performance
- A good value for the money
- Outstanding operating system
- Dedicated ray-tracing cores
- Enough ram
What is the After Effect?
After Effects is a computer-based visual effect, motion graphics, and compositing technology developed by Adobe Systems in the motion picture, video games, and television production post-production. After Effects may be used to track, script, and animate. It also has rudimentary non-linear editing capabilities as well as simple audio editing. Adobe strongly recommends updating for higher operating frequency, and performance gains.
This article will help you choose the best GPU for Adobe After Effects by doing a number of tests and benchmarks.
Let’s get started.
GeForce RTX 3090 24 GB-Best GPU acceleration
Best Pick| GPU Tensor Cores | 328 |
| Cuda Cores | 10,496 |
| RT Cores | 82 |
| Core Clocks | 1725 MHz |
| VRAM | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Interface | PCI Express 16 |
| Connections | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI |
| Item dimensions | 32.5 x 12 x 5.7 cm |
For those in the creative field who require hardware-accelerated rendering, the RTX 3090 is a strong contender. With twice as many Cuda Cores as its predecessors, the RTX 3090 is a rendering behemoth. However, if you work with heavy 3D applications and simply want the best, it’s only worth it if you spend twice as much money on it.
The RTX 3090 has 24GB of GDDR6X video memory on a 384-bit bus, which is perhaps the most significant reason to buy. This provides 936 GB/s of memory bandwidth, which is almost a terabyte of data transfer per second. Because it features so much ultra-fast VRAM, you may do demanding 3D rendering tasks in applications such as Blender and Davinci Resolve. If you don’t do much 3D modeling, we would recommend getting an 8 GB VRAM card instead.
Pros
- Exceptional and higher performance
- Excellent cooling performance
- Ideal for 3D workflows
- A dedicated ray-tracing core
- It is capable of handling 8K gaming
Cons
- A bit expensive
GeForce RTX 3080 10GB-Best for motion graphics
Staff Pick| GPU Tensor CoresBrand | 272 |
| Cuda Cores | 8704 |
| RT Cores | 68 |
| Core Clocks | 1740 MHz |
| VRAM | 10 GB GDDR6 |
| Interface | PCI Express 16 |
| Connections | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI |
| Item Dimensions | 32.7 x 9.3 x 17.5 cm. |
Professionals who want to construct a powerful and reasonably priced rendering station will benefit from this GPU. The new 30 series Ampere architecture-powered GPUs represent a significant performance increase. The RTX 3080 is approximately 50-75% faster than the RTX 2080, and 20-30% faster than the RTX 2080 Ti.
In addition, due to increased power efficiency and RTX 3080’s MSRP being more reasonable, this is a strong contender in the Best Graphics Card for After Effects.
Overall, the RTX 3080 is in a great position when it comes to value for money for those who need a high-level performance in Adobe After Effects and other 3D workflows. Price fluctuations and availability will be dependent on when you read this review.
Overall, this computer is probably over-killing for most designers. You may go with the regular iMac and upgrade certain components. However, if you’re a designer who requires the best possible PC specs and has the cash to spend, you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- A big and better performance boost over RTX 2080
- The best 3D workflow solution
- Excellent cooling
- Outstanding Ray-tracing cores
Cons
- No USB Type-C
GeForce RTX 3070 8GB – Best CPU PERFORMANCE
Budget Pick| GPU Tensor Cores | 184 |
| Cuda Cores | 5888 |
| RT Cores | 46 |
| Core Clocks | Boost 1755 MHz |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Interface | PCI Express 16 |
| Connections | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI |
| Item Dimensions | 4.32 x 11.13 x 27 cm |
The RTX 3070 is a high-performance value GPU that, when priced right, provides outstanding value in the $500 to $800 price range. It’s essentially a more budget-friendly 2080 Ti with Ampere architecture instead of Turing. In comparison to the 2080 Ti, it has less VRAM (8 GB) than before.
The NVidia 2080 Ti with 5888 Cuda cores, 184 Tensor Cores, and 46 RT cores is a beast in the video editing world. This GPU will take on complex video editing tasks using After Effects software without breaking a sweat. The RTX 3070 is still about 20 percent faster at rendering, owing to the extra VRAM. However, for roughly double the price, the RTX 3070 provides excellent value for money.
The RTX 3070 is a fantastic card for budget continuous professionals who require solids performing cards. The new Ampere architecture RTX 3070 competes with the more expensive 2080 Ti, losing only because of its lower price. This is based on the assumption that you can purchase it at or around the suggested MSRP.
Pros
- Exceptional system performance
- A good value for the money
- Outstanding operating system
- Dedicated ray-tracing cores
- Enough ram
Cons
- It doesn’t have USB Type-C
NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000-best Nvidia graphics card
| GPU Tensor Cores | 288 |
| Cuda Cores | 2304 |
| RT Cores | 36 |
| Core Clocks | Boost 1545 MHz |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Interface | PCI Express x 16 |
| Connections | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x USB Type-C |
| Dimensions | 5.8 x 10.2 x 20.3 cm |
The Quadro RTX family consists of four GPUs, ranging in size from the massive Quadro RTX 8000 with 48GB of GDDR6 to the Quadro RTX 4000, which is geared towards more well-known content producers.
The Quadro RTX 4000 is considered to be a very mild solution when compared to some of NVIDIA’s other professional graphics cards.
The NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 is powered by the Turing TU106 GPU, which is similar to the GeForce RTX 2060 and RTX 2070. It has a GPU that can operate at 1,545MHz and 8GB of GDDR6 over a 256-bit interface for a data rate of 13Gbps. At that speed, the card will have up to 415GB/s of peak memory bandwidth.
The Quadro RTX 4000 outperforms the Pascal-based Quadro P4000 in NVIDIA’s professional graphics lineup, with significantly greater performance across the board and considerably more memory space, as well as some extra capabilities thanks to Turing-based GPUs’ caching layout and underlying technology.
Because the Quadro RTX 4000 has a much higher TDP (160 watts vs. 105 watts), it only requires one supplemental power supply, as opposed to the Quadro P4000 (105 watts).
The fan’s rear end has a single 8-pin PCI Express power connection. The Quadro RTX 4000 comes with three full-sized DisplayPorts (DP1.4), as well as a single USB-C style VirtualLink connector, a four-lane HBR3 DisplayPort, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 via a single connection.
In hashing bandwidth, the Quadro RTX 4000 defeats the Quadro P4000 and Radeon Pro WX7100 considerably, besting the P5000. The RX 4000 falls short of the Radeon Pro WX 7100 in the AES256 encryption/decryption test. Image processing performance was exceptional with the Quadro RTX 4000. In this test, almost catching up to the Radeon Pro WX 8200 and outrunning both the Quadro P4000 and P5000 is possible.
The low power consumption of the Quadro RTX 4000 results in a surprisingly quiet graphics card. The Quadro RTX 4000 is silent at rest or when lightly used, and it won’t be noticeable in an enclosed case topped with a standard CPU cooler or PSU.
Overall, the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 proved to be a competent graphics card. There is no difference between the RTX 4000 and the preceding-generation Pascal-based Quadro P4000; both were notably faster in every test we conducted. Despite its considerably greater price, the Quadro RTX 4000 outperformed the Quadro P5000 in certain tests.
Pros
- An excellent performance
- Quadro graphics cards
- Reliable
- Tensor Core & RT features
- One-slot form factor
- Offering competitive prices
- Nvidia Optimus technology
- USB Type-C
Cons
- A little expensive
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
| GPU Tensor Cores | 152 |
| Cuda Cores | 4864 |
| RT Cores | 38 |
| Core Cslock | Boost 1695 MHz |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Interface | PCI Express 16 |
| Connections | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI |
| Dimensions | 5.35 x 12.45 x 23.11 cm |
The RTX 3060 Ti is the new value standard when it comes to graphics cards that cost $500 or less. I should note that, while the suggested MSRP is most likely lower than the actual price you can get now, the price will drop over time. Aside from that, there’s a lot to like about the RTX 3060 Ti. It outperforms the RTX 2080 Super by approximately 300 points in benchmark tests. The 3060 Ti has almost twice as many Cuda cores as the 2080 Super. It has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, which is more than enough for most After Effects users. In terms of performance,
Overall, the RTX 3060 Ti is a no-brainer for budget continuous professional designers who require solids performing cards. The new Ampere architecture RTX 3060 Ti outperforms more costly 20 series graphics cards while costing far less. There’s only one catch: can you find this card at a price that’s close to the recommended MSRP?
Pros
- For the money, it has outstanding performance.
- Competitive pricing
- RT & Tensor Core features
Cons
- High power consumption
What Should You Look for When Buying a Graphics Card for After Effects?
Let’s be honest: the most important thing to invest in is a decent CPU and RAM. After Effects, unlike Adobe Creative Suite, is mostly controlled by the CPU. The GPU has to handle how that data gets presented. It’s not quite as simple as it seems, though. There are many more factors to consider.
Having a good, or even powerful GPU can be crucial. However, it is determined by your unique usage scenario and computer configuration. Continue reading to learn the most essential aspects when selecting your next graphics card.
What Software Do You Use on a Daily Basis?
If you’re searching for a graphics card for After Effects, it’s very likely that this is not your primary application. A typical motion graphics production, for example, might include Cinema 4D to After Effects, with some Photoshop and then Premiere Pro. GPU performance is crucial in this situation. However, there are other things to think about.
What Is Your Working Process Look Like?
It’s good to think about how you work and the applications you use. But, more importantly, how do you employ those tools? Do you utilize GPU-accelerated effects or plugins that take advantage of the GPU for improved performance? Do you deal with large 3D files that require textures, maps, lighting, and other processing elements?
You should also consider what you do with your computer beyond work. If you’re a part-time gamer, having a powerful GPU is critical, depending on the types of games you play and your monitor configuration.
Rendering & Optimization:
Do you have a lot of work to do that optimizing render times is critical? Using GPU acceleration on your graphics card may assist the CPU to reduce rendering time by letting you choose GPU acceleration.
Displays & Monitor:
Another key consideration is your display/monitor configuration. If you have a 4K monitor or multiple displays, having a high-quality GPU will keep all of the heavy and complicated visual information displayed correctly in the viewport while panning and previewing your designs.
Ports/Connections:
The following are the most common ports found on GPUs. DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI. The number of each will be determined by the model. Knowing what connections your graphics card requires depends on your current and future monitor setup.
Future-Proofing:
Update after update comes out for programs. In addition, the quality of monitoring is continuously improving. It’s a good idea to future-proof your PC by investing in a powerful GPU now and in the future.
Final Thought:
In conclusion, the graphics card that is best for you should be determined by your unique usage scenario or workflow. Even if you don’t use all the effects and just occasionally work in 3D, you still need a high-performance GPU. Having a good video card is just nice to have, whether your budget is low or high. There are many fantastic options available to everyone, regardless of their budget.
We will wrap things up by saying that, in the realm of editing, graphics cards are the most crucial component and if you want to improve performance, the first thing you should think about is upgrading your graphics card since After Effects will work adequately with any of these cards as long as you’re using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you Need a Good Graphics Card for After Effects?
Yes. because adobe recommends utilizing a graphics card with 2GB VRAM, which is the most current generation GPUs. After Effects rely on GPU performance for many processes.
Does Graphics Card Affect After Effects?
Yes. Not only that, but if you’re working on a project with After Effects and have access to a professional graphics card with NVIDIA’s brand name, it’s best not to use it. GeForce cards are considerably cheaper than Quadro alternatives, and they can often outpace them in After Effects.
Can After Effects Run without Graphic Card?
Yes, but you will not have the optimum performance and therefore will face lots of issues in after effects. Therefore, get the best graphic card from our list and enjoy the next level of performance in your after-effects.
What PC is good for After Effects?
Better PC Configuration for After Effects:
CPU: Intel Core i9 10900K 10 Core
Video Cards: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8GB
RAM: 128GB DDR4.
Drives: 500GB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe (primary), 1TB Samsung 860 EVO SSD (projects), 512GB Samsung 970 Pro NVMe (disk cache)
NVIDIA or AMD Which Is Better For After Effects?
In general, NVIDIA graphics cards outperform AMD in After Effects. Adobe, among other sources, recommends using NVIDIA cards, and several sites highlight that NIVIDIA cards are somewhat more dependable than AMD counterparts.
AMD remains a strong graphics card maker. It’s just that, when it comes to recommending GPUs for Adobe After Effects, we feel safer going with NVIDIA.
Adobe After Effects CC System Requirements?
The keyword in Adobe’s stated minimal system requirements is “minimum.” we can tell you that this is the bare minimum to operate the software. This should not influence your computer purchase unless you have a very tight budget.
Adobe’s minimum system requirement for the Graphics Card is 2 GB of GPU VRAM. However, Adobe strongly urges users to upgrade to an NVIDIA driver version 451.77 or later when using After Effects. Drivers prior to this may result in a crash due to an issue that has been identified. For more information on the complete system requirements, go to Adobe.
