Spec me a 3D Modelling Computer

Jock · 28 Sep 2010 at 12:18

Hi there,

As mentioned in another thread I'm looking to build another computer which I intend to use as my main computer for my 3D Modelling Business. I use the following programs on a daily basis:

3D Max
Photoshop
Premier Pro
After Effects

At the moment I have a dual quad core with Intel Xeon E5420A but I'm thinking i'll make that a backup and use it in a render farm with the new computer.

I'll be able to use the HDD's from the old computer and i'm thinking I would use the Radeon 5870 too, although I have wondered about getting a quadro which I hear is more suited to what I do. I used to game as well but not anymore if that makes a difference. I'm thinking a single cpu will keep the price down as I dont want to spend as much on this as i did my last computer so i'd hope to get the best i can for a decent price. Budget is probably £1k.

Any help would be appreciated.

HW91 · 28 Sep 2010 at 13:10

IMO it would be better to stick with the build you have now

wannabedamned · 28 Sep 2010 at 13:25

Agreed with above, I7 wont give you a performance increase(I actually think the Xeons will perform better!) over your current setup which would be my spec!

What graphics card is the setup running? Quadro?

Jock · 28 Sep 2010 at 13:37

Its running a radeon 5870 at the moment.

One thing i'm a bit worried about is that if this computer goes down, and recently theres been some funny goings on and no one can seem to give a definitive answer as to what it is (some say psu, but its about £250 for a new one and they may be wrong) then I'll b e stuck with no computer and a pile of jobs to complete. Its either that or maybe look into an IT contract with someone.

Though I had thought the i7 im naivety would have been more powerfull, though maybe i just need to stick to what ive got and somehow get to the bottom of my problem.

wannabedamned · 28 Sep 2010 at 13:51

would you be overclocking if you were to get a new system?

Probably should have asked this first as it makes all the difference

Jock · 28 Sep 2010 at 14:00

Well would that shorten the life expectancy of the computer, as i really would need to try and get as long out of it as i can for financial reasons. If it doesnt make a difference then I dont see why not, would just need to read up how to do it.