Best 3D modeling/rendering system around $1000

[JasonFowers]

Hello All,

I used to build systems about 15 years ago, but I've been totally out of the game for quite some time and could use more recent knowledge.

I'm looking for all of your expertise in the building of a new system (home-built) for use in 3D modeling and rendering. I plan to use Zbrush as my modeling software and 3DS Max for my rendering and most likely Windows 8 or 7 as an operating system (feel free to weigh-in on the proper op. system). I'll be creating 3D models for both gaming and 3D printing.

Any thoughts for a full compatible tower build (including the case) would be awesome. The system parts need to be at or around $1000 (not including peripherals - just the tower). If you could, please include hyperlinks to the actual pieces (egghead?) and pricing as I've seen in other threads for the gaming builds (maybe the same system?).

Also, I've noticed some system builds have a solid state hard drive AND a regular "spinning" hard drive. What is the purpose of that? Some higher-end systems have 2 graphics cards, I'm used to 1 with the ability to have 2 monitors. What is the purpose of the 2?

If there is already a recent (within the last month), existing thread on this please feel free to direct me there.

Thanks!!!
Jason

 

[hbeduryan818]

One question do you prefer intel or amd? Or do you want me to go based on my opinion?

 

[hbeduryan818]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qFOu

 

[DarkSable]

For 3d modeling you definitely want Intel. AMD's 8 cores are more like 4x1.5 cores, and intel is a heck of a lot faster for something like that - AMD's processors are essentially budget chips, now, sadly.

I'd go with the i7, a matching motherboard, and a way cheaper case.

As for your questions:

Dual graphics cards... Uhm.... it's more powerful? XP That's really the only reason for anything on a computer, isn't it? Yes, a single monitor will serve your needs fine.

As for a SSD and a spindle drive, it comes down to money. SSDs are bloody AMAZING, but expensive for their size. You can get 128GB of SSD for about the same price as a TB of hard drive - thus they get the SSD for the OS and commonly used apps such as photoship or blender, and the hard drive for games / data.

 

[JasonFowers]

One question do you prefer intel or amd? Or do you want me to go based on my opinion?

Intel please, Thanks!

 

[JasonFowers]

For 3d modeling you definitely want Intel. AMD's 8 cores are more like 4x1.5 cores, and intel is a heck of a lot faster for something like that - AMD's processors are essentially budget chips, now, sadly.

I'd go with the i7, a matching motherboard, and a way cheaper case.

As for your questions:

Dual graphics cards... Uhm.... it's more powerful? XP That's really the only reason for anything on a computer, isn't it? Yes, a single monitor will serve your needs fine.

As for a SSD and a spindle drive, it comes down to money. SSDs are bloody AMAZING, but expensive for their size. You can get 128GB of SSD for about the same price as a TB of hard drive - thus they get the SSD for the OS and commonly used apps such as photoship or blender, and the hard drive for games / data.

Thanks DarkSable for the info on my side questions!

I've been looking around the forums and noticed on the high-end machines they seem to be picking the Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor over the i7??? is that a because you can get a higher k rate in an i5 for the same price or lower than an i7 with a lower rate, or do they just not trust the i7 yet?

I'm hoping to go with a video card that accepts 2 monitors...? But, does that lessen the quality of the two instead of having one strong monitor? I just want to make sure I have excellent rendering capability of a model in real time. Those 3D programs really suck up the power when you have a high poly-count and you are sculpting right on the monitor with a tablet <-- acting like a paintbrush. I've been looking at the Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card, but it's a bit spendy right now...

That's another question... I missed black Friday/Cyber Monday. What are the next big sales that should be coming up now for the holidays? Anything?

Thanks!!!

 

[JasonFowers]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qFOu

Thanks for the build hbedury!!!

Did you pick the AMD chip set to stay under the $1000? Is there a way to get a high-end system under $1000 and stay in the Intel set, or will I have to scrap too much of the other important pieces (like the video card).

From what I understand this 3D stuff needs a good processor, Lots of RAM AND a good Video card with at least 2GB VRAM or more. Storage gets important, but I can always grab more storage later when I get low...

 

[JasonFowers]

I did this build at the end of the day, last night, but it got waaaaay to costly:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qHRS

Anyone want to critique it? Where should I start hacking? The case is probably way to much overkill. I just want to keep my hotness cool . I may not need a sound card, but I was thinking I might play a game or two at some point...