Best GPUs for Stable Diffusion & Image Generation
Optimize your setup for SDXL, Flux, and other diffusion models. VRAM requirements, speed benchmarks, and budget recommendations.
Table of Contents
1. Image Generation VRAM Requirements
SD 1.5: 4GB minimum, 6GB comfortable.
SDXL: 8GB minimum, 12GB for comfortable batch sizes.
Flux: 12GB minimum, 16-24GB recommended for full quality.
ControlNet/LoRA: Add 2-4GB to base requirements.
2. Speed Benchmarks (SDXL, 1024x1024)
RTX 4090: ~3 seconds per image (fastest consumer)
RTX 4080: ~5 seconds per image
RTX 4070 Ti: ~7 seconds per image
RTX 3090: ~6 seconds per image
RTX 3080 10GB: ~9 seconds (VRAM limited)
3. Budget Recommendations
Under $400: RTX 3060 12GB - Handles SDXL, slower but capable.
$400-700: RTX 4060 Ti 16GB - Great VRAM, good performance.
$700-1000: RTX 4070 Ti Super - Excellent all-rounder.
$1000-1600: RTX 4080 Super - Fast with good VRAM.
$1600+: RTX 4090 - Maximum speed, handles everything.
4. Optimization Tips
Use xformers or torch.compile for memory efficiency.
Enable VAE tiling for high-resolution outputs.
Use FP16 precision (default in most UIs).
Consider TensorRT for maximum inference speed.
Batch generation improves throughput on high-VRAM cards.
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