The short answer.
Render several representative images with your delivery settings. Record peak video memory and time per image. Rule out cards with insufficient memory, then compare the others using the same scene and the same Blender version.
- The size of the Blender file on disk does not measure the memory needed during rendering.
- Check the device used by Cycles before comparing two render times.
- WispHost GPU pricing is monthly. Include preparation, transfer, and any re-renders in your decision.
01Prepare three useful images
Choose an ordinary view, a close-up heavy with textures, and a moment when the animated set is most complex. Keep the final resolution, sample count, denoising, and subdivision levels planned for delivery. A reduced preview can hide a lack of memory that will block the final render.
02Check the card actually used
On the Linux server, check that the driver and Blender version recognize the card. In Blender's system preferences, enable the card compatible with CUDA or OptiX. In the scene's render settings, select Cycles and GPU compute. If you render without an interface, also check the device selected in that mode.
03Compare peak VRAM against catalog capacities
Wisp Compute24 has a 24 GB RTX 4090, and Wisp Compute32 a 32 GB RTX 5090. If your test reaches 27 GB of video memory on another machine, the first offer cannot fit everything in its VRAM. On Wisp Compute32, render the frame of your animation that uses the most memory. Any spillover to system RAM can slow down rendering.
04Check textures and dependencies on the server
Copy the project, its linked libraries, its textures, and the simulation caches used. Check paths and filename case on Linux. Examine the first image computed on the server before launching the sequence. A finished image without errors can still show a pink material if a texture is missing.
05Estimate the time from your test
Example calculation: 240 images at 90 seconds each would represent six hours of sequential rendering. These values illustrate the method and do not measure any WispHost card. If your three tests diverge widely, estimate each shot separately according to its frame count. Add transfer, scene opening, and the time needed for corrections.
06Keep the successful images and calculate the budget
Save a numbered image sequence so you can rerun only the missing images before final encoding. Check the required space and bring back a full-resolution sample to check quality. Finally, compare the monthly price for the chosen region with the amount of work planned. A faster card can free up time without reducing a monthly bill.
Sources & references
To explore the technical points further and find the information at its source.