Best Combi for 3DS Max

[gputhige]

Hi

I have been working on 3ds max with vray rendering engine for some time now and plan to go for a higher config system for the same. Basically, I do architectural renders for various firms and have a need to get to a higher config system for both performance and quality improvements.

I also had problems with vista 32bit (memory issues) in the past and now wish to move to Windows 7.

Could some one suggest the best system with a reasonable budget (within USD 1K - bare system without monitor, keyboard and other peripherals)?

I was suggested the following config:

Xeon w3520;
X58 Motherboard
DDR3 4 gb
FX 580 Quadra

Appreciate inputs on the same.


Regards,

GP

 

[adlep]

1. Make sure to move to 64-bit ver. of Windows.

2. For 3DS rendering, you will use all the horsepower that you can get, that is why I would suggest you to move to a dual CPU mobo such us ASUS Z8NA-D6C Dual LGA 1366
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131378
$259.99

According to reviews, this board fits in the full ATX case, and takes regular DDR3 RAM. Howsoever make sure to get an add on sound card because it comes with no integrated sound.

3. Pack it with as much RAM as you can. I suggest you to buy 12GB of Patriot DDR3 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220378
$290.00

4. Case - My vote for Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042
Roomy, very well ventilated and cheap
$65.00

5. Power supply:
I always had a good luck with OCZ. Not the best - but this 850W PSU will do the job with no prob:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341003
$90.00 after MIR

6. Dual CPUs: Intel Xeon E5520 Nehalem 2.26GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819117185
$770.00

7. PNY VCQFX380-PCIE-PB Quadro FX 380 256MB workstation graphics
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133274
$135.00

7. Sound Card:
$40.00


+ Cost of Win 7 Utimate - which can be only $30.00 if you are a student

So it will be around $1700.00 with Windows.

Having 8 cores + HT in 3DSMax will make your renders much faster than with only 1 CPU. I am not saying that you will be able to render everything twice as fast, but since 3DS Max LIKES multiple cores, you will see some solid gains from a specialized workstation like that. Not to mention the fact that you could prolly OC that thing a bit and the mobo can support up to 48GB of RAM

Edit: It is more than you wanted to spend, however, since you do this for the living as a freelancer - consider this a tax deductible investment.

 

[gputhige]

Thanks Adlep,

for the immediate response. Just wanted to know if this combi has been tried out to ensure that there are no issues later on? Secondly, what OS (XP vs Vista vs W7) is recommended?

Regards,
GP

 

[wwswimming]

Hi

I have been working on 3ds max with vray rendering engine for some time now and plan to go for a higher config system for the same. Basically, I do architectural renders for various firms and have a need to get to a higher config system for both performance and quality improvements.

I also had problems with vista 32bit (memory issues) in the past and now wish to move to Windows 7.

Could some one suggest the best system with a reasonable budget (within USD 1K - bare system without monitor, keyboard and other peripherals)?

i use 3D Max also. $1K is definitely enough for a loaded single-CPU system (4 cores with hyperthreading.)

i'd go for -
CPU - Core i7 920 $290
Motherboard - Asus P6-something, there's about 5 different ones, all very similar. $200
Video - 9800 GT w/ 1 GB $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130440

anyway, that takes you up to $630, that leaves $370 for RAM + HDD + case/power supply + optical drive.

 

[adlep]

Thanks Adlep,

for the immediate response. Just wanted to know if this combi has been tried out to ensure that there are no issues later on? Secondly, what OS (XP vs Vista vs W7) is recommended?

Regards,
GP

I must admit that you will be experimenting a bit - as there are not too many people who really need and use dual cpu workstations. Looking at the reviews over at Newegg.com for the board it seems like it is trouble free, it will take "regular" DDR3 RAM, will fit into a standard ATX case, and it need only a regular type of a PSU.
Bear in mind that reviewers state that this Intel heatsink works fine with dual CPUs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-002-_-Product

Also, for the sound get the add-on ASUS MIO board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16816110046

For the OS, I would do either Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate (64bit is a must).
If you can save an hour a day with your renders and assuming that you charge $25.00 per hour, then the machine will pay for itself in just 3 months.

Last but not least, get the specs that I just recommended and run them by 3DSMax forum junkies:
http://area.autodesk.com/forum/autodesk-3ds-max/installation---hardware---os/
If they will approve, go for it.

 

[gputhige]

Thanks All

that was really helpful. Will be taking a final call this week and will keep you all updated on the same.

Regards,

GP