If you are working with Element 3D or want to learn about it, this guide is for you. Element 3D is a powerful After Effects plugin that helps you create 3D models and animations. But it requires a good GPU (graphics card) so that projects can render quickly and without any problems.
I have always loved Element 3D because it allows me to create 3D text, motion graphics, and visual effects easily. I have done many amazing projects with this plugin, and if you want to see my work, you can visit my YouTube channels.
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Element 3D Compatible GPU’s
A strong GPU is very important for running Element 3D fast. Since it works on GPU acceleration, a good graphics card makes your projects fast and smooth. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best GPUs that work best with Element 3D.
NVidia Graphics Cards
Have you ever started working in Element 3D and everything started to run in slow motion? That’s what happens when your GPU is weak. I’ve found that NVIDIA’s powerful graphics cards, especially the RTX series, make 3D rendering not only faster but also smoother.
| GPU Model | Description |
|---|---|
| GeForce TITAN V | High-end card for intensive 3D rendering. |
| GeForce RTX TITAN | Exceptional performance for demanding graphics. |
| GeForce RTX 3090 | Top-tier performance with massive VRAM. |
| GeForce RTX 3080 | High performance ideal for 3D compositing. |
| GeForce RTX 3070 | Strong performance for mid-range tasks. |
| GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | Convenient power for 3D workflows. |
| GeForce RTX 3060 | Solid all-rounder for graphic tasks. |
| GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | Previous generation elite graphic card. |
| GeForce RTX 2080 | Well-rounded card for high-definition rendering. |
| GeForce RTX 2070 | Powerful performance for moderate budgets. |
| GeForce RTX 2060 | Good entry-level option for 3D tasks. |
| GeForce GTX 1080 Ti | Legacy powerhouse for graphic design. |
| GeForce GTX 1080 | Sufficient power for various graphic work. |
| GeForce GTX 1070 | Reliable card for mid-range performance. |
| GeForce GTX 1060 | Popular choice for budget-conscious users. |
| GeForce GTX 1050/TI | Basic performance for light 3D work. |
| GeForce RTX 1660 Ti | Excellent efficiency for 3D rendering. |
| GeForce GTX 1650 | Entry-level option for newer workflows. |
| GeForce GTX 980/980Ti | Good performance despite older architecture. |
| GeForce GTX 970 | Still capable for moderate graphic tasks. |
| GeForce GTX 960 | Solid choice for lower budgets. |
| GeForce GTX 950 | Entry-level performance for simple projects. |
| GeForce GTX 780 Ti | Older card with reasonable 3D capabilities. |
| GeForce GTX 780 | Acceptable performance for basic tasks. |
| GeForce GTX 770 | Budget-friendly option with moderate capability. |
FirePro Graphics Cards
Ever wondered if there might be an option other than NVIDIA? AMD FirePro graphics cards are specifically designed for professional 3D work. I’ve tested them myself on large VFX projects, and they’re pretty good at delivering consistent performance.
But yeah, if you’re using Element 3D along with gaming and video editing, then NVIDIA RTX will do a better job than FirePro.
| GPU Model | Description |
|---|---|
| FirePro W9100 16GB | Designed for high-end professional applications. |
| FirePro S10000 | High-performance card for intensive workloads. |
| FirePro W9000 | Solid for complex visual effects and simulations. |
| FirePro W8100 | Capable card for demanding 3D rendering tasks. |
| FirePro W8000 | Good choice for graphics-heavy projects. |
| FirePro 3D V9800 | Older, but still effective for graphic designs. |
| FirePro 3D V8800 | Reliable card for mid-tier performance. |
| FirePro 3D V7800 | Suitable for general graphic work. |
| FirePro V7900 | Balance of performance and efficiency. |
| FirePro M890 | Mobile option with decent rendering capabilities. |
| FirePro D700 | Solid performance for mobile workstations. |
| FirePro D500 | Entry-level option for mobile professionals. |
| FirePro D300 | Basic performance suitable for simple tasks. |
AMD Graphics Cards
Are AMD graphics cards good for 3D work? I had the same question when I first started working on Element 3D. People often say that NVIDIA is better, but is that really the case?
In my experience, the Radeon RX and W series have performed quite well for 3D work. Yes, if you want CUDA support, NVIDIA might be better, but if you want a great GPU at a good price, AMD is worth a try!
| GPU Model | Description |
|---|---|
| AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT | High performance for professional applications. |
| AMD Radeon Pro 5700 | Effective for 3D and video effects design. |
| AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT | Good balance of power and efficiency. |
| AMD Radeon Pro 5500 | Suitable for entry-level tasks. |
| AMD Radeon Pro 5300 | Basic performance for home studios. |
| Radeon Pro Vega II | Exceptional performance for heavy workloads. |
| Radeon Vega Pro 56 | Reliable option for most rendering tasks. |
| Radeon Vega Pro 64 | High-end card for professionals. |
| Radeon Vega Pro Frontier | Designed for specialized professional use. |
| Radeon Pro 560 | Solid performance for mid-range usage. |
| Radeon Pro 555 | Appropriately priced for graphics work. |
| Radeon R7 370 | Capable for basic design tasks. |
| Radeon R7 360 | Suitable for lightweight graphics applications. |
NVidia Mobile Graphics Cards
Can Element 3D run properly on a laptop? If you have an NVIDIA mobile graphics card, the answer is yes! RTX and GTX series laptop GPUs have delivered great performance in my 3D projects.
| GPU Model | Description |
|---|---|
| GeForce GTX 1080 | Mobile powerhouse for demanding applications. |
| GeForce GTX 1070 | Strong performance for mobile users. |
| GeForce GTX 1060 | Great balance of performance and battery life. |
| GeForce GTX 980M | Solid for mobile creators on the go. |
| GeForce GTX 970M | Good performance for mid-range laptops. |
| GeForce GTX 880M | Older card still serviceable for graphics. |
| GeForce GTX 870M | Acceptable for general 3D tasks. |
| Geforce GTX 860M | Entry-level mobile option for rendering. |
| GeForce GTX 850M | Suitable for basic graphics applications. |
| GeForce GTX 780M | Older mobile option for simple tasks. |
| GeForce GTX 775M | Basic performance for budget systems. |
| GeForce GTX 770M | Functional for entry-level mobile work. |
| GeForce GTX 760M | Good for lightweight graphics tasks. |
Quadro Series
Do you want a reliable GPU for professional 3D work? The Quadro series is the best option! It’s built for high-end 3D rendering and visual effects, and I’ve found it to be extremely useful on large projects.
| GPU Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Quadro RTX 8000 | High-end card for professional workloads. |
| Quadro RTX 6000 | Superior performance for real-time workflows. |
| Quadro RTX 5000 | Ideal for 3D design and rendering tasks. |
| Quadro RTX 4000 | Great performance for design applications. |
| Quadro K6000 | Legacy option with strong capabilities. |
| Quadro P6000 | Advanced choice for professional use cases. |
| Quadro P5000 | Well-suited for graphics professionals. |
| Quadro P4000 | Reliable mid-range professional GPU. |
| Quadro M6000 | Excellent for high-performance tasks. |
| Quadro M5000 | Good for demanding applications. |
| Quadro M4000 | Affordable card for mobile professionals. |
Final Thoughts – Which GPU Should You Get?
If you use Element 3D in After Effects, a powerful GPU can save you a lot of hassle. Here’s a quick recommendation for your system.
- Windows Users: Get an NVIDIA RTX 30/40 series or a GTX 1660+ if on a budget
- Mac Users: Stick with AMD Radeon GPUs (RX 5000 or newer)
- Avoid Intel Integrated Graphics – It won’t work at all!
I’ve worked with NVIDIA RTX cards, and they make a huge difference real-time previews, faster rendering, and smooth handling of complex 3D objects.
I hope this guide (Best GPUs for Element 3D) helps you pick the best GPU and avoid compatibility issues. If you have questions or want to see Element 3D in action, check out my YouTube channel. (MTC TUTORIALS)