[Qgis-user] Hardware Recommendations for a High-End PC for QGIS 3.40.14 “Bratislava”

[Greg Troxel]

Bjørn Magne Stock via QGIS-User <qgis-user at lists.osgeo.org> writes:

> I hope you are doing well. I am contacting you to request guidance on recommended hardware specifications for a new workstation that will be used primarily for QGIS.
>
> What we are expecting to get:
> We want to purchase a new PC that is in the top performance range, optimized for professional use in QGIS.
> Could you please advise on the recommended hardware requirements (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.) for best performance with QGIS 3.40.14, including demanding GIS workflows such as:
>
>   *   Large raster datasets
>   *   Complex vector layers and geoprocessing
>   *   3D visualization (if relevant)
>   *   Rendering and analysis of large projects

You've asked a question that really doesn't make sense.  You want, I
think, to get specific numbers, but you have described your needs with
words like "large" and "complex".

I would suggest:

  - Describe the workflows quantitively.  What are the dimensions of the
    rasters?  Bit depth?  How many do you use at once?  Similarly for
    the rest.

  - On the biggest/fastest computer you have, run your workflows.  Time
    them.  Explain what you consider good and not good.

  - Post the above info, including the specs for the current computer,
    software in use including OS, to ths list, so that others can
    benefit, and you can get comments in case any of it surprises
    somebody.

And not want you asked, but I'd recommend:

  - Don't use Windows.

  - Think hard about how you store your vector data.  Consider
    postgresql/postgis.  Do not try to use read-write gpkg over CIFS.

  - Think about how you manage concurrency to data access.  Not really
    about performance, but part of your overall design.

  - Use only SSDs, and buy as much RAM as you can stand to pay for, at
    least until you're up to 2 weeks of salary :-)