The CPU’s have to process the data first such as decoding before it transmits to the system ram buffers and down to the GPU ram buffers for GPU processing. Since the CPU’s are the starting point, the data rate the CPU’s are able to process decides how fast the data arrives at the GPU for processing. The slower the CPU’s the lower the Processing load on the GPU’s at any given time segment. This is why the CPU’s have a deciding role in the GPU load and performance.
The Quadro would be a better output option because of the 10bit color output. The Geforce cards would limit to 8 bit output only since Davinci does not use a Direct X API. If you require 10bit preview and did not have a Blackmagic card then the Quadro would be the output card to use.
Eric-ADK
Tech Manager