CUDA, Opencl, or AMD? (GPU Question)
polycounter lvl 6
I'm buying a $2000computer and plan on using Unreal Engine 4, Zbrush, Maya, 3dsMax Photoshop and other programs. My question is:
CUDA,OpenCL, or AMD graphics card?
These are the parts I am using (except the GPU - I'm trying to figure out which to buy)
http://www.amazon.com/lm/R1CZYBH8BISQC9/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&lm_bb=&tag=topgc13-20
Thank you.
CUDA,OpenCL, or AMD graphics card?
These are the parts I am using (except the GPU - I'm trying to figure out which to buy)
http://www.amazon.com/lm/R1CZYBH8BISQC9/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&lm_bb=&tag=topgc13-20
Thank you.
Replies
Regarding GPU I personally favor Vram over speed because of Mudbox (sometimes I need it and it's damn convenient) If you're sure you won't need it or any other gpu-centric app then whatever Nvidia 2GB card from the 7xx series should do I guess.
I'd also go with 32gb of RAM in a single kit but it's up to you.
The rest of the components is fine except the GPU cooler. You want an extra fan if you're going with this design but it depends on where you live and how hot those components will be running at.
When i assemble a computer I scour forums and retailer sites (newegg, etc) for reviews and opinions from users. You want to read the 2 and 3 stars ratings, the rest is fanboyism most of the time or idiotic hatred. It is a tedious process but it pays off in the end. Also download the Motherboard pdf from Asus and check if the ram you chose belongs to the QVL (Qualified Vendor List). If it doesn't, google the designated mobo and the ram you chose and see if some users in some forums are reporting lock ups or particular issues but more importantly if someone can confirm the combination works. Remember that Amazon sells parts, they don't guarantee compatibility so it's up to you to do your homework first because if you run into such issues you will have to go through refund processes if it's possible at all.
The general idea is: It's better to prepare and research for a 2K purchase than realize that half the stuff you bought wasn't meant to perform together. 2K is too much money to go in blind if you see what I mean.
If you need me to elaborate on something specific I'd be happy to help if I can.
PD: Forgot that some memory manufacturers have a compatibility checking page now. You input the ram and mobo model and it checks everything for you. Make sure you input the exact kit.
I plan on buying a GTX 780 ti, however I found out there are several different variations of the "same" GPU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=50001402&IsNodeId=1&Description=gtx%20780%20ti&name=EVGA&Order=BESTMATCH
http://www.evga.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=0&family=GeForce+700+Series+Family&chipset=GTX+780+Ti
I would buy one of the $669 ones on Newegg.But apparently the heat gets directed differently in the ACX and "reference cooler" So I'm trying to figure out which model to get with the CM Storm Stryker case.
AMD cards do seem to have a bit more issues with viewports in 3d applications, strange bugs and artifacts sometimes happen, but not common with either AMD/Nvidia.
My advise on CUDA vs OpenCL, don't worry about it too much unless the applications you are currently use it support and take advantage of those features.
For myself, I use CUDA for GPU accelerated DDS compression using Nvidia Texture Tools 2 and this nifty little Photoshop front-end for it: http://docs.kaneva.com/mediawiki/index.php/Photoshop_DDS_Exporter
I have it bound to a hotkey, using CUDA it will spit out DDS textures in a blink of an eye. Much, much faster than using the regular Nvidia photoshop plugin.
As ZacD said, don't sweat the CUDA thing too much, the GPU you want is CUDA-capable. Not all apps make use of it but it's nice plus when you need it for video encoding or other 3D stuff (3DCoat for one).
Oh, final piece of advice: Did you check the Power Supply you selected will be enough for the components you picked? It should be but now is the time to be sure, not after you shelled out the cash. I'd find out how much will CPU+GPU+Fans and Mobo will draw at their peak and go from there. Seasonic has a good reputation but reading a review on each component is important. HardwareCanucks.com and other sites can shed some insight and they open the box and take tons of pictures!
Good luck! You're just a few steps away from opening plenty of computer parts boxes and releasing that amazing smell of "brand-new" everywhere around you! How exciting!
Do you know what benefit/use you would have for using both an internal ssd and hdd?
(would Booting the pc be the only other function for the SSD in this case?)
- If the SSD is just for booting the PC and installing software, is 480gb overkill?
I'm just trying to figure out if I should invest into a 480gb, or just stick with the 240gb SSD.) I would also have the 1Tb internal hdd.
I use a 480gb ssd for my boot drive. It's not overkill if you can afford it but it depends on what kind of user you are. I install all my programs on said drive and NEVER save my work on it. If that drive dies my work is safe.
I use 2 Chronos Deluxe from Mushkin, 1 is 480, the other is 240gb also SSD and it's where I save all my work. I also run backups on a 3TB HDD.
Crucial is a very good brand according to what I have read anyways, never owned myself.
Just in case, stick to internal drives, dont complicate yourself too much with external stuff. It's not worth the hassle in your case.
When working with a lot of high res textures and Maya, Unreal Engine, etc open you'll be surprised how quickly you can eat up 16GB.
Nothing is worse than running out of ram and having to constantly manage what applications you have open. (well there are worse things but I'm just being dramatic)..
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/Cs8qP6
This is a budget rig that I maybe am about to build and I need to know if this is viable or not with a AMD CPU or do I need to go for an Intel one.
That cpu is fine. The comment about the budget rig wasn't aimed at you but at Robeomega's setup whom wants to go with AMD (which I don't recommend).