Processor Choices - 3d and CAD...

[Jingo...]

I am speccing up a new build to be used primarily for CAD/3D works and are unsure whether dual or quad core is going to perform best.

I don't want to buy a dual core with a higher clock speed now, only to find that I could have a machine that runs far better/quicker with a quad despite having a lower standard clock speed.

I predominantly use AutoCAD, Sketchup Pro, Vectorworks/Renderworks and are looking to expand into Lightwave et al in the near future: Does anybody know if these programs would support / benefit from a Quadcore over a dual?

Options:

- Intel Core 2 Duo e8600 3.33GHz

or

- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz




Many Thanks,

Jingo...

 

[Jingo...]

Correct me if I wrong but I always believed that a high-end graphics card will not have any noticable effect upon actual rendering speeds, it will only speed up the image preview time during modelling.

I've always seen the graphics card as the paint on the bonnet rather than the engine under it - but please- if you feel otherwise please explain

 

[Jingo...]

Ah right - thanks for clarifying : I was by no means being sarcastic- just enquiring

I have read reports on the Nvidia Quaddro range being made for rendering etc but I don't fancy their price tags.

So with all that in mind - and both potentials currently around the same price, is the general consensus pointing towards the Quad?

 

[Jingo...]

Thank you everyone for your input


JonJ678 : I'm not enitrely sure what it is you're asking?!

 

[Jingo...]

Yeah I can relate to that 3/4 second delay and I feel for you

From what I understand- having a better graphics card will increase the look and ability of your on screen work (or 'preview time). However, actual rendering times will not be greatly affected by this card: only processing/ram will effect the render times.

One thing I will mention is that you have to bear in mind the end product : if you are looking to create a 3d flythrough/video, the video will only look as good as the machine it is played on.

I had to endure a terrible presentation once from a colleague who despite having a rather swish rig at home - played his flythrough on a standard room system and we had to cringe somewhat as his work looked apalling!