Agisoft Metashape (formerly known as Agisoft PhotoScan) is a powerful photogrammetry software used by professionals in GIS, surveying, and 3D modelling industries. With its advanced features for photo alignment, dense cloud building, and mesh generation, Metashape is a demanding application that requires a well-configured workstation to deliver optimal performance.
In this guide, we’ll help you configure the best workstation for Metashape in 2025, ensuring that your hardware setup accelerates processing times and enhances productivity, whether you’re working on small-scale models or large, complex 3D reconstructions.
Why Choose a Dedicated Workstation for Metashape?
Metashape’s computational demands can overwhelm standard PCs, especially when working with high-resolution images and large datasets. A dedicated workstation for Metashape provides:
- Faster processing times for large datasets and complex models.
- Improved multitasking capabilities, handling various photogrammetric tasks seamlessly.
- Optimised hardware longevity, ensuring your system continues to perform efficiently over the long term.
While Agisoft provides a basic list of system requirements, a well-optimised, high-performance workstation ensures that you can complete your projects faster and with greater accuracy.
Key Components for the Best Workstation for Metashape in 2025
1. Processor (CPU): Powering Your Metashape Workstation
The CPU is the heart of your Metashape workstation, handling the majority of the workload. However, unlike many modern applications that benefit from extremely high core counts, Metashape tends to favour processors with high clock speeds and a balanced core count.
Recommended CPUs for 2025:
2. Graphics Card (GPU): Enhancing Performance in Key Stages
While the GPU is not as crucial throughout the entire Metashape workflow, stages like Align Photos and Build Dense Cloud significantly benefit from GPU acceleration. These stages can account for a significant portion of the total processing time, making a powerful GPU essential.
Recommended GPUs for 2025:
Tip: While some professionals use multiple GPUs, a single high-end GPU often provides better value. The added cost of a second GPU usually offers diminishing returns.
3. Memory (RAM): Ensuring Smooth Multitasking
Metashape’s RAM usage varies depending on project size. Ensure your workstation has enough RAM to handle large datasets, especially when processing multiple images simultaneously.
Recommended RAM for 2025:
- 32GB DDR5: Minimum requirement for most professional workloads.
- 64GB+: Ideal for larger projects or high-resolution datasets.
Tip: DDR5 RAM offers higher speeds and better efficiency than DDR4, ideal for 2025 workstations.
4. Storage: Speed and Capacity in Perfect Harmony
A fast and reliable storage system is essential for loading, saving, and processing large datasets efficiently. NVMe SSDs should be your primary storage solution.
Recommended Storage Setup for 2025:
- Primary Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD for OS and Metashape installation.
- Secondary Drive: 2TB+ NVMe SSD for active project files to separate data from the OS.
- Optional Scratch Disk: 500GB+ SSD to enhance performance during processing.
- Archival Storage: 4TB+ HDD for long-term storage and backups.
5. Display: Precision and Accuracy for Metashape
A high-quality monitor is essential for visualising and fine-tuning 3D models. Look for excellent colour accuracy and resolution.
Recommended Monitors for 2025:
- 27–32 inches with 4K UHD resolution for a sharp and spacious workspace.
- 99% AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 colour accuracy for precise colour representation.
Our sales team can provide the latest monitor options suited for professional Metashape workflows.
6. Cooling and Power Supply: Maintaining Stability
To ensure smooth operation under heavy workloads, invest in a quality cooling system and a reliable power supply.
Cooling:
- Consider liquid cooling or premium air solutions to prevent overheating during intensive processes.
Power Supply:
- 750W–1000W PSU with 80 PLUS Gold or Platinum rating ensures stability and energy efficiency, especially for high-end CPUs and GPUs.
Benchmark Insights for Your Workstation for Metashape
- CPU Performance: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X lead Metashape benchmark tests, outperforming previous generation processors.
- GPU Performance: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 provides excellent GPU-accelerated task performance; AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series is a solid alternative.
- RAM Performance: 32GB DDR5 sufficient for most users; 64GB+ ideal for larger projects.
- Storage Speed: NVMe SSDs outperform SATA SSDs by up to 40% in file loading and saving times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a workstation-grade GPU for Metashape?
A: For most users, a high-end consumer GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is sufficient. Workstation GPUs like NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada provide extra stability for professional applications.
Q: How much RAM do I need for Metashape?
A: At least 32GB DDR5 for most workflows; 64GB+ recommended for larger datasets or complex models.
Q: Can I use multiple GPUs for Metashape?
A: Metashape supports multi-GPU setups, but performance gains are limited. A single high-end GPU usually provides the best value.
Q: Is 16GB of RAM enough for Metashape?
A: 16GB may suffice for small projects, but 32GB+ is recommended for large datasets.
Conclusion
Investing in the best workstation for Agisoft Metashape is crucial to unlock its full potential and speed up your workflow. By selecting the right CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals, you can create a powerful system that ensures smooth, efficient processing and enhances productivity.
If you’re ready to upgrade, Workstation Specialists can design and build custom systems tailored to your professional needs. Contact us today to discuss your ideal configuration and take your Metashape projects to the next level!
Call us at +44 (0) 1332 280 380 or email us at sales@wksmail.com for expert advice and support.
