One computer or two??

Fluffer

Fluffer

Fluffer

Associate
Joined
27 Aug 2008
Posts
22
Need advice on a 3d rendering computer specification. Will be using it for uni (architecture) so I have about £700 (can go a bit higher) to spend.

Should I spend it all on one pc or have a dual system, one for modelling the other for rendering?

Thanks for the advice.
 
Rendering can eat any CPU power you give and then some more so one fast PC would be more sensible than two slower ones.
(with single core CPU you couldn't do much anything during rendering but multicore CPUs allow actual multitasking without performance going into free fall)
Quad core intel Yorkfields like Q9450 or Q9550 would be good CPU choises.

In general Intel's low end quad cores are comparable to AMD's fastest quad cores:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-phenom_13.html#sect0
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3272&p=9
 
Yea I had looked into just building one computer with this specification -

Asus P5Q Pro
Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600
GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400 (possibly increase to 8gb?)
Samsung SpinPoint F1 500GB (x2)
GeForce 8800 Graphics Card
Corsair TX 650W ATX2.2 SLI Compliant PSU
Antec Three Hundred Ultimate Case

Will be used only for Cad, Studio Max, Photoshop etc... so need as much CPU and memory power as possible. Anyone built a computer recently for these applications?
 
Does the nvidia cuda stuff work with the programs you want to use if so would it not be better and quicker using the gpu processing power instead of the cpu
Sorry if this reply is stupid but my buddy has been blowing on about this stuff i'm just wondering if he is right
 
gfx is only needed for the modelling, viewing the model in the viewports etc.....Need a good cpu and loads of memory for rendering, gfx has nothing to do with rendering. Well thats what I have gathered through other threads on this forum.
 
my friend who does this professionally uses a Mac(not sure on mac specs but it's the newest one with everything built into the screen), and from what i've seen it runs everything pretty smoothly. Make sure you get a MASSIVE screen it really helps.
 
Used to have a macbook but wasn't powerful enough and don't really want to get a pro!!

maybe I'm getting a bit carried away building two computers that are not for business purposes, I guess its how much money I want to throw at it!
 
I was just looking at one of the ones on special offer like this -

XFX GeForce 8800 GT Alpha Dog 512MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express)

I have two 19" lcd monitors. Computer will not be used for games what other graphics cards are good for 3-d visualisation?
 
Fluffer said:
gfx is only needed for the modelling, viewing the model in the viewports etc.....Need a good cpu and loads of memory for rendering, gfx has nothing to do with rendering. Well thats what I have gathered through other threads on this forum.
Click to expand...
Correct...
And even then gaming cards don't work that well in modelling because their OpenGL drivers are (purposely) made such way. "Work" cards like Nvidia Quadros have better drivers for that.
 
From the sounds of it the poster may be best of getting hold of a 320MB 8800 GTS for cheap as they are proven to get really good results in 3d max. With regards his system I would put the following recomendations in:

1. Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83Ghz Processor - I wouldn't overclock a rendering system due to the intense nature of the usage. The newer Quads are more efficient at the same speed and this is a faster chip. As such it could easily shave about 20% of your redering time compared with the Q6600.

2. Consider cheaper motherboards - Any well cooled Intel based motherboard G35 upwards will be fine. Again the most important thing is a stable/quality board rather than one with the ultimate features.

3. Run your two hard disks in RAID-0 - Hard disk speed has little performance affect in rendering systems. Your data takes a great deal of time and effort to creat so make sure it is backed up.

4. Get the extra RAM - RAM on the other hand definitely affects performance.

5. Invest in some good quality quiet cooling - Install maximum fans in your antec case, but run them at a slow speed, get a better cooler for the CPU too. Your system will be on and hot for long periods. It will also probably be on overnight in the same room as you. Make it cool and quiet.
 
This is great was looking at a pc for similar reasons but was planning on an ATI based card do you know if a similar process can be done for the 4870 as i wanted the pc for games too.
 
sibeer said:
From the sounds of it the poster may be best of getting hold of a 320MB 8800 GTS for cheap as they are proven to get really good results in 3d max. With regards his system I would put the following recomendations in:

1. Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83Ghz Processor - I wouldn't overclock a rendering system due to the intense nature of the usage. The newer Quads are more efficient at the same speed and this is a faster chip. As such it could easily shave about 20% of your redering time compared with the Q6600.

2. Consider cheaper motherboards - Any well cooled Intel based motherboard G35 upwards will be fine. Again the most important thing is a stable/quality board rather than one with the ultimate features.

3. Run your two hard disks in RAID-0 - Hard disk speed has little performance affect in rendering systems. Your data takes a great deal of time and effort to creat so make sure it is backed up.

4. Get the extra RAM - RAM on the other hand definitely affects performance.

5. Invest in some good quality quiet cooling - Install maximum fans in your antec case, but run them at a slow speed, get a better cooler for the CPU too. Your system will be on and hot for long periods. It will also probably be on overnight in the same room as you. Make it cool and quiet.
Click to expand...

thanks for the advice I was going to use a tuniq cooler for the processor anyways but will make sure its running quieter, the price just keeps going up!!!
 
Deonilin said:
This is great was looking at a pc for similar reasons but was planning on an ATI based card do you know if a similar process can be done for the 4870 as i wanted the pc for games too.
Click to expand...

you can use softfiregl for 38xx cards (google for it).
dont think it works for 48xx cards though
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom