What To Know
- GPU passthrough is a virtualization technique that allows a virtual machine (VM) to directly access a physical graphics processing unit (GPU).
- It requires the use of their proprietary drivers, which are closed-source and may not be as well-maintained as the open-source drivers.
- However, NVIDIA’s drivers do not support virtualization of multiple GPUs, so you will need to use a third-party tool such as VFIO-PCI to manage multiple NVIDIA GPUs.
GPU passthrough is a virtualization technique that allows a virtual machine (VM) to directly access a physical graphics processing unit (GPU). This enables the VM to run graphics-intensive applications with near-native performance. However, not all GPUs are created equal when it comes to passthrough support. In this article, we will compare the capabilities of AMD and NVIDIA GPUs for passthrough, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
AMD vs. NVIDIA: A Brief Overview
AMD and NVIDIA are the two leading manufacturers of GPUs in the market. While both companies offer a wide range of products, they have different approaches to passthrough support.
AMD has traditionally been more open to passthrough, providing support for it in their open-source graphics drivers. NVIDIA, on the other hand, has been more restrictive, requiring the use of their proprietary drivers and offering limited support for passthrough.
Passthrough Support
AMD
AMD provides excellent passthrough support through its open-source AMDGPU drivers. These drivers are well-maintained and offer a wide range of features, including:
- Support for both IOMMU and SR-IOV
- Hotplugging of GPUs
- Virtualization of multiple GPUs
- Fine-grained control over GPU resources
NVIDIA
NVIDIA’s passthrough support is more limited compared to AMD. It requires the use of their proprietary drivers, which are closed-source and may not be as well-maintained as the open-source drivers. Additionally, NVIDIA’s drivers do not support all of the features available with AMD’s drivers, such as virtualization of multiple GPUs.
Performance
In terms of performance, both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs can provide excellent results for passthrough. However, there are some differences to consider:
AMD
AMD GPUs generally offer better performance for open-source workloads, such as gaming and video editing. This is due to the excellent optimization of the AMDGPU drivers for these applications.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA GPUs tend to perform better for proprietary workloads, such as CAD and rendering. This is because NVIDIA’s drivers are specifically optimized for these applications and offer features such as CUDA and RTX acceleration.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, AMD GPUs have an advantage over NVIDIA GPUs. AMD GPUs are compatible with a wider range of motherboards and virtualization platforms. This makes them a more versatile choice for passthrough setups.
AMD
AMD GPUs are compatible with most modern motherboards and virtualization platforms, including:
- Intel X99 and X299 motherboards
- AMD X399 and X570 motherboards
- KVM and Xen virtualization platforms
NVIDIA
NVIDIA GPUs are less compatible with motherboards and virtualization platforms. They are primarily supported on:
- Intel X299 and X570 motherboards
- KVM virtualization platform
The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice
The choice between AMD and NVIDIA GPUs for passthrough depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize open-source support, compatibility, and performance for general-purpose workloads, then AMD GPUs are an excellent choice. If you need the best possible performance for proprietary workloads and don’t mind using proprietary drivers, then NVIDIA GPUs may be a better option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: How do I enable GPU passthrough?
A: The exact steps for enabling GPU passthrough vary depending on your hardware and software configuration. However, the general process involves configuring your BIOS, hypervisor, and operating system to support passthrough.
Q: Can I use multiple GPUs for passthrough?
A: Yes, both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs can be used for multi-GPU passthrough. However, NVIDIA’s drivers do not support virtualization of multiple GPUs, so you will need to use a third-party tool such as VFIO-PCI to manage multiple NVIDIA GPUs.
Q: What are the benefits of GPU passthrough?
A: GPU passthrough offers several benefits, including:
- Improved performance for graphics-intensive applications
- Reduced latency and tearing
- Ability to use multiple GPUs for different tasks
