Enscape System Requirements

Quickly Jump To: Processor (CPU) • Video Card (GPU) • Memory (RAM) • Storage (Drives)

Enscape is a 3D visualization program which is often used alongside architecture and BIM applications like Autodesk Revit, SketchUp, Rhinoceros. It uses real-time ray tracing to display photorealistic representations of both the interior and exterior of building models, which can be navigated on-screen or even in virtual reality. Enscape primarily uses the video card in a computer to generate images in real-time, as well as make recorded walk-through videos, panoramas, and other types of content. This means the video card, or GPU, is the most important component for overall performance.

The folks who make Enscape maintain lists of minimum, recommended, and virtual reality system requirements on their website. Their focus is, understandably, on graphics cards – including VRAM and drivers – with little regard for other system components. Our advice below is drawn from there as well as additional research which our expert consultants have done over the years. Read on to find out how to put together the best workstation PC for Enscape!

Processor (CPU)

What is the best CPU for Enscape?

The processor is not a major factor for performance in Enscape, which is largely single-threaded, but to avoid bottlenecks we recommend a high clock speed. Many mainstream CPUs from Intel like the Core Ultra 7 265K or AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X are great options, and those are also ideal for many of the other programs that Enscape is likely to be used alongside. Higher core count models won’t do much to help Enscape but may affect other applications and how well the system can multitask.

Video Card (GPU)

What is the best type of video card (GPU) for Enscape?

The video card is the primary driver of performance in Enscape. The more processing power your GPU has the better, so we generally recommend the best graphics card that you can reasonably afford. There are also NVIDIA RTX-specific features available in Enscape, so we usually advise getting one of the latest GeForce RTX 40-series models. This class of video card will also support multiple outputs, which is important for Enscape because it is designed to work with a dual monitor setup. DisplayPort is the most common type of output on modern video cards, so check to make sure your screens have the right inputs – or if not, try to pick up any adapters you may need ahead of time.

How much video card memory (VRAM) does Enscape need?

4GB of GPU memory is the bare minimum for Enscape, but we recommend at least 8GB (which is also the bare minimum if using VR). Depending on the complexity of projects you work with, you may need even more – but thankfully, modern graphics cards are available with much higher amounts of VRAM if needed. If you aren’t sure of your needs, going for 12 to 16GB is a safe range for most users.

Do I need a Quadro or “professional” video card for Enscape?

While Enscape has no need for a professional-grade video card in terms of feature set or certification, those types of video cards can offer higher amounts of VRAM than more consumer-oriented models. It is unlikely to be a factor for most users, but if somehow the 24GB on a GeForce RTX 4090 is insufficient for your needs you might consider the RTX 6000 Ada with 48GB.

Should I get multiple video cards for Enscape?

Enscape can only leverage a single graphics card, so multiple GPUs are unnecessary.

Memory (RAM)

How much memory (RAM) does Enscape need?

Enscape itself uses very little system memory, but since it is normally used along with other BIM and architecture applications the needs of those programs should be factored in. Generally speaking, though, 32GB of memory will be enough for most users. If you have especially large projects or tend to run a lot of programs at the same time (multitasking) then consider 64GB.

Storage (Drives)

What is the best type of drive to use for Enscape?

There aren’t particularly special demands for Enscape in terms of storage, but getting a fast solid-state drive (SSD) is always a good idea – especially for the OS, applications, and your working files. Some users like to split file storage onto a separate drive, and that can make sense if you have especially large or numerous projects.

NVMe drives are the fastest type of SSD, so a 1TB drive of that type is a good starting point for most users. If you want to split things up, then 500GB (or more) for the OS and software plus an additional SSD of whatever size you need for files will work well too.

What sort of drive is best for data storage and backup?

Since SSDs are still more expensive than platter drives per GB, for long-term storage and backup we recommend using a traditional hard drive or even an external drive array. Network-attached storage systems are a great way to go for that, as they can be shared between multiple workstations and usually offer features to provide some level of data redundancy (protection against losing files if one of the drives dies).