Question about how Intel graphics are OpenGL compliant

SketchUp Pro
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Hello,

I am speccing out a system from Dell (my shop uses Dell exclusively) to replace my user’s 4th gen Core based machine.

The machine I’m looking at ordering has a Core i7-6700 with Intel HD Graphics 530 and that that graphics system is certified compliant with OpenGL 4.4 on Windows 7x64. .

I’m going to play devil’s advocate a little here and ask: if Sketchup requires OpenGL 3.0 or higher and the Intel HD Graphics 530 is certified compliant with OpenGL 4.4 by the official caretakers of the OpenGL standard why doesn’t Sketchup recommend Intel graphics?

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In short: what Intel claims is only partly true. SketchUp uses a much larger subset of OpenGL commands than, for instance, games. When you look at posts about SketchUp display problems in these forums, a clear majority of them is from people with Intel HD graphics. Problems with Nvidia graphics are usually resolved with a driver update and/or making sure that SketchUp is set to use the Nvidia card in a laptop.

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Thanks. I’m inclined to believe that Nvidia puts more effort into API compatibility in their Quadro drivers, so I am therefore thinking of getting a PNY Quadro P series card (P400, P600 or P1000). My user does 3d modeling of exhibit layouts - think 50x50 or 50x100 feet big. I’m wondering what are folks’ thoughts about those models and Quadro vs GeForce.

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For SketchUp and most other applications Quadro cards are a waste of money. Especially the cheaper end of them combine a lame performance with a relatively high price. I don’t know about applications like Pro/e, Catia or Solidworks but in the BIM and more general 3D or CAD world no application vendors make their own optimized drivers any more. Your user would be more happy with a higher end Geforce card.

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