i think this is more complicated...
i guess there's a sweet spot in this problem.
--> lots of precise curves vs. hires texture.
or:
where does the raw curve geo compute faster than a very hires texture base.
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the question is also: can a 4K or 8K texture be displayed in native resolution in the viewport ? [[i doubt so ..]]
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a test could be the following.
1) texture: 8K (maya's max supported texture resolution) with a line on each other pixel, horizontally and vertically. --> 8000 Lines. (4000 horizontally, 4000 vertically)
2) curves: same thing with linear curves. 4000 horizontally, 4000 vertically in a grid.
have it spin in realtime and check fps.
i am pretty sure that the curves will be extremely slow when compared. why ? because each curve has a shape node, a transformation node, and many hidden nodes that all slow down the system.
it'd be worth the test .. who's in ? i can try tomorrow when i'm back from work.
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but let's stay on course too: the original question was if highend graphics cards boost exactly that curve display a LOT or just negligable compared to a consumer gamer card. for example 20% better fps with those 8000 lines as discussed above would not be worth spending 10 times more on a graphics card...