Minimize prerequisite for ArcGIS Pro (GPU)

[StephaneViviand]

Today arcGIS Pro requires a high level of GPU even if we don't use 3D data.

This is a very big issue for customers to buy the machines which correspond to the prerequisites.

Would be nice if this requirement would be only for viewing/manipulating 3D data.

[Nick_Creedon]

2D data can also be very demanding on a computer. This is mostly what I work with, and I had to upgrade my computer because the CPU and GPU were maxing out whenever I would run geoprocessing tools on large datasets and or if I was scrolling around a map with our tiled imagery and or a WMS.

Upgrading RAM is a temporary solution for some. If you are working on small datasets with a simple basemap then you can get by with less. Data visualization and processes have come a long way, it isn't getting easier for computers.

[StephaneViviand]

The requirement here is to ask a version of arcGIS Pro which wouldn't require so much GPU for application that have only 2D Data and don't use 3D display, to be able not to pay a high price for a laptop that can run ArcGIS Pro.

[Nick_Creedon]

I'm assuming you are referencing this: ArcGIS Pro 3.3 system requirements—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

The minimum requirements are most specs you would see in a cheaper computer. It boils down to what you are trying to process and visualize. The direction we are going if its video games or work, tech is not really going the direction you are wanting. Working in AGOL or Portal more often is a solution. Maybe I am wrong but GIS does require more power than most applications. You could consider working in ArcMap but this is also "older" software. 

[StephaneViviand]

Yes that is my reference. And my experience is that if you only respect the minimum requirements it is slow. To be comfortable for working on a desktop application that you use all day long, you must respect the recommended requirements, which makes the difference, even if you only do 2D manipulations.

Other gis tools don't require so much GPU for displaying simple 2D data (as arcmap was doing also).

[JeremyWright]

Stephane,

If your machine meets the minimum requirements but you are seeing 2d-only cases which max out your GPU usage, that sounds like a tech support call needs to happen.  

I'd recommend collecting the following info and sharing it here, or with your tech support analyst:

1.  a screenshot of your "Can you Run it" readout - this will show machine specs, etc: https://links.esri.com/run-arcgis-pro-33x to run this tool.

2.  A project package containing the map or layout which causes your GPU usage to max out - maybe with information about the usage percentage and time at which it remains at 100 percent.

3.  A ProPAT result for your machine.  ProPAT is a good indicator of the health of the machine, and if the results don't match with expected numbers, then this can indicate hardware issues (like a failed fan causing thermal throttling):  https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/pro-performance-tool-overview.htm

[RTPL_AU]

@StephaneViviand  @JeremyWright  related to https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/arcgis-pro-power-saving-mode/idi-p/1407823

The user interface is sluggish and diving into the data topic as soon as Pro performance is brought up is head-in-sand behaviour by Esri . Most of the performance checking tools do not expose the waiting for the symbology pane to redraw, or for a small attribute table to resort itself for the millionth time while you try to edit something.

I fully agree with Stephane that there should be a low power mode or version that is more suitable for  lightweight devices (as in spec, not actual weight). The same device that is perfect for QGIS or ArcMap is sluggish in Pro for many basic tasks. 

On the flipside - data and data storage optimisation is critical on any device and making sure you use the correct tool for the job is paramount. This is why I use everything from Pro, ArcMap, Catalog, QGIS, Google Earth, etc on a near daily basis. 
If organisations don't realise this and migrate fully to just Pro for all their GIS tasks, some will be incurring unnecessary costs; in my opinion. These costs will include higher power bills until Esri comes to the party with more task suitable versions of Pro.

I have a hidden agenda campaigning for a low power version - Imagine how fast it will run on a high spec machine.....