Specification suggestions for a new rendering etc. PC

MGMOZ

I'm puting together a wish list for a new PC with the best components/specifications for 3D art/ rendering work. My current PC (bought in 2011) is just not coping well!

Will probably end up with a ultimate & a practical ($$$) wish list but am hoping to get the 'practical' as close as possible to the 'ultimate' before I buy...

Any suggestions?

alexhcowley

Which render engine are you using?

If it's 3Delight, then buy a system with at least 16GB of memory and the fastest processor you can afford.

If it's Iray, then the processor is a little less important unless you're going for a multi-GPU set up - a 3.5 or 4ghz i7 should suffice, again with at least 16GB of memory.  Buy an Nvidia GPU with at least 4GB of memory (ideally 6 or 8GB if you're into very large scenes) and as many cuda cores as you can afford. If you get the latest, Pascal generation 10XX GPUs, then you will need the latest version of DAZ Studio, 4.9.3.166, and an up to date Nvidia graphics driver.

Cheers,

Alex.

nicstt

Good Processor, CPU, Motherboard. (i7 or new Ryzen 7 - I'd be tempted on the Ryzen.)

Preferably at least 32GB of RAM, although 16 isn't too bad.

Good PSU - don't skimp here, over specify (a little or more if you think you might add another grx card later). Get a branded one, and check out reviews. Cheap ones cost more in the long-run, which includes the chance of damaging other components if/when they fail. Rendering is far far more computer intensive than game playing.

For IRAY renders: a NVidia Gfx card; preferably 10 series and at the very least 6GB of RAM (4GB works but is questionable as minimum specification imo; but folks do have budgets to consider).

Lots of storage: 2TB or more

OS drive could be an SSD and there are benefits to having one, but they are of limited for rendering; 240GB should be the considered absolute minimum; I use a 512 and a 1TB (for storage), but also have mechanical drives for backups and stuff I use less. (I'll get a 2TB SSD when they drop in price more).

Windows 10 pro (investigate how happy with MS sharing all your stuff - and lock it down) if you want to take advantage of all the new CPU releases, and perhaps going forward other tech too. Windows 10 home is a waste of time imo.

(Edit: a decent sized case with room for expansion - Laptops are imo a no, no. Sure they work and folks like the convenience, but you pay extra for them and can do very little in the way of upgrading.)

Think about your health when using a computer a lot: a good keyboard, monitor (or 2 or 3) and mouse (or other input device) can have an impact - as does posture etc.

 

MGMOZ

Hey thanks, alexhcowley & nicstt,

Your input is very useful & much appreciated.

Cheers, Ian

greymouser69

Right now I've got my eye on http://www.microcenter.com/product/475524/ROG_Strix_GL502VS-WS71_156_Gaming_Laptop_Computer_-_Black_Aluminum once my taxes come in.  ;)

kyoto kid

...I'd stay away from notebooks as even, gaming notebooks will have heat issues as rendering puts a constant high load on the CPU and/or GPU which game use doesn't.  This is part of why the pro grade GPU cards (Quadro, Firepro) are more expensive than consumer versions as they are built to withstand long periods of operation at peak output.  Also if you are thinking  about future expansion, with a notebook you are pretty much locked into what you bought.

If you an get multi channel memory (quad channel) that would be preferable as it is more efficient.  Not all of the new CPUs support it though. Any MB with an LGA  2011-3 socket is fine while Ryzen, Skylake, and Kaby Lake boards only support dual channel mode. 

I would get a large mid or full tower case as there are two advantages:  more breathing space for the internal components, and more interior room for easier servicing.  Also if you ever intend to use any of the "big" GPU cards, or hefty CPU cooler (like the one I have) you may find smaller cases will not work very well. Also look for one with multiple fans.  I also tend to shy away from the ones with a glass side panel as to me that is an accident just waiting to happen (and I'd rather have a big fan there anyway instead, like my current case has).

...and yes, never scrimp on the PSU, that is the "heart" of your system. If it blows, it can take the entire system with it.

MGMOZ

Thanks, greymouser69 & kyoto kid, Your info was very handy. I've now ordered this new PC & will hopefully have it up & running by this time next week!! Cheers!