Computer Hardware/ Builder Help
polycounter lvl 10
Hey I'm a character Modeller student and to tell the truth im not the best at knowing the best parts for certain things on a computer so i would just like to know from your guys who are more knowledgeable in the subject what are the best specs for a computer to be the best for character modeling but not too expenisve aroudn the 1000-2000 price range and also possibly the best site to order this any links or anything would be highly appreciated or an email to mbronze2@hotmail.com thanks guys
Replies
It runs XSI 5.1 fine, but can get a lil laggy in Zbrush. Anything faster than this should be good, just don't expect renders to be quick.
I can recommend www.memoryexpress.com if you live locally to those shops (calgary and edmonton) I haven't tried getting parts delevered from them tho.
my iMac runs windows and any 3d software very well. With 2gb ram it would be blazing, and only cost 2000 dollars.
although what I'm thinking you're after is a custom system right?
over 128mb to 512mb graphics card (gforce run hotter)
processor over 2ghz (dual core run hotter)
memory over 2gb
19" / 20" widescreen dvi monitor
250gb drive + external USB 250 or internal raid for backup.
that sort of setup would see you right. My advice is to buy a pre-built setup from Dell or Apple, that way you get everything on waranty in one, with free pickup & delivery if something goes pear-shaped.
512mb Radeon X800XT (cheap as dirt now but good pixil pushin performance) or a Geforce 7900GT if you have a bit more $$
Intel 6300/6400 core duo
DFI lanparty motherboard
2gb Corsair XMS Expert series RAM
2 x Western Digital Raptor 200gb drives SATA (if you have the $$ if not Seagate 250s will be fine.
19" / 20" widescreen dvi monitor as hawken suggested or just get a nice 21" CRT if you don't have the $$
and a thermaltake 700w PSU.
Make sure you have good cooling in the setup, I would reccomend getting a pro to build the system for you so you don't have issues with DOA parts and shoddy build quality, also make sure to get warranty on EVERYTHING.
Branded Pre-built = shit, stay well clear of dell, HP, apple and the like if you don't want to have to by a new system the first time the system takes a dump. Custom builds are best for performace to cost scenarios, sure, if you have $5000 - $10000 you could go with a Dell XPS system but why bother when for that much $$ you could build 3 equally powerful systems. You pay for the name.
Just have a look at etail shops like newegg.com (I buy most of my stuff from there), read through some of the reviews and hit a few tech sites. By the looks of it, people here are not really qualified to make suggestions regarding an optimum price to performace system (no offence guys).
Really? wheres this craiglist website or anything?
Quadro cards are geared towards rendering 3D. A number of animation houses use them to render 3d movies. I have never had the chance to play with one but I have heard that they are not great for gaming. Your best bet is to look for some reviews on the card/cards you're interested in. The pricetag for a good quadro card is arround $1500 though.