Having a GPU is better than not having one, even if doesn't having tensor cores.
If you are on a tight budget, his advice is to pick in this order:
> I have little money: Buy used cards. Hierarchy: RTX 2070 ($400), RTX 2060 ($300), GTX 1070 ($220), GTX 1070 Ti ($230), GTX 1650 Super ($190), GTX 980 Ti (6GB $150).
Re:Which GPUs to get for deep learning
by FridgeSeal on Monday September 07, 2020 @06:16PM
(#24403401)
I guess it should be taken as:
* Strongly prefer cards with Tensor cores -> suggested cards
* if you need a card because you're currently CPU only, and you're strapped for cash, these are your best bets, but only if you have no other option.
The intent is probably “as many RTX as new as possible if you’re a full time researcher; otherwise most of recent GTX does fine”, but it’s not explicitly stated in the text.
Re:Which GPUs to get for deep learning
by timdettmers on Monday September 07, 2020 @06:17PM
(#24403402)
This is good feedback. Will note this down and incorporate it in a small update.
Re:Which GPUs to get for deep learning
by timdettmers on Tuesday September 08, 2020 @12:21AM
(#24405177)
I just did a small fix to address this. Thanks again.
> Do not buy GTX 16s series cards. These cards do not have tensor cores and, as such, provide relatively poor deep learning performance. I would choose a used RTX 2070 / RTX 2060 / RTX 2060 Super any day over a GTX 16s series card
...a few paragraphs later...
> If that is too expensive, a used GTX 980 Ti (6GB $150) or a used GTX 1650 Super ($190).