I am less than tech-savvy. I know the basics & despite months of research, I still don't understand a lot of what I've read re

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CKeitel

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Complete computer advice for personal & freelance art, 2D/3D animation & modeling, gaming & more
 
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k1114
Yes that does so not mission critical and prosumer seems to be the right mix. ComputerSecurityGuy's build is pretty good. Most of the software is cpu renderers so would actually stay with a higher end cpu than a 5960x plus the broadwell-e i7 isn't out yet. They were rumored to be out next week since the 6950x would be a 10 core and be a lot better value at $1k vs the xeon 12 core at $2k. A dual socket mobo and cheaper xeons would render faster for the price but you probably don't need to spend all $6k and be fine this plus other software will use less. Look into gpu renderers like what max has. 10x faster than cpu in most cases. Many are still biased so still need a good cpu for the prerender. Maybe just go with 2 ssd, 1 scratch and the...
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CKeitel

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Alright this is ridiculous lol. I wrote my request in the ask the community box only to find out there was a description set to follow. Thus, it's reversed. Sorry, this is only the second time I've tried using a forum for any reason.

I want a full computer configuration for personal & freelance art, 2D/3D animation & modeling, gaming & game design including coding.

I plan to use programs like Daz Studio 4.9, Bryce 7 Pro, Maya, Photoshop, Carrara 8.5 Pro, & much more.

I need advice on everything. From the best CPU & best GPU to high resolution monitors, drives, best cooling system (do not want overheating), power source, graphics & sound cards & etc.

I need it capable of high performance & excellent rendering speeds. My budget is $6,000 U.S. I do not have space in my building for a rendering farm.

Thanks. I promise I'm not always as I currently seem. :)


 
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k1114

k1114

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Different software will have different needs. For pro work, you'd go with workstation hardware with that budget but for gaming, it will hurt performance from the lower speeds. I'm curious if you are just getting into the industry or have experience since no single person would do all those types of work unless they expect to be only an amateur in all fields which makes getting a job an issue. It's hard to suggest something that normally multiple people with separately designed pcs would do.
 
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ComputerSecurityGuy

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Well, here's a $6K build that will annihilate rendering, development and such (with monitors and OS)PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E5-2687W V4 3.0GHz 12-Core Processor ($2089.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($57.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($215.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($316.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Mushkin Reactor 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Reactor 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.09 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.09 @ Amazon)
Video Card: NVIDIA Quadro M4000 8GB Video Card ($859.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM (64-bit) ($138.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 31MU97C-B 60Hz 31.0" Monitor ($850.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer UM.QB0AA.002 60Hz 23.8" Monitor ($313.73 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer UM.QB0AA.002 60Hz 23.8" Monitor ($313.73 @ Amazon)
Total: $6004.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-25 20:12 EDT-0400
A few words of caution:
1. This is more than you will need, almost certainly.
2. In regards to #1, it is fast....
3. At rendering and editing.
4. I'd actually consider cutting down on the CPU and storage a bit (going down to an i7-5960X and dropping an SSD or two) and getting a second computer for daily use (something this slow-clocked Xeon isn't great at) and for gaming (something the Quadro isn't awesome at.) But not knowing your exact situation I'm not going to do so out of the box.
 
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CKeitel

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CKeitel

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Best answer? I have a full-time job as a journalist. I have a side interest as an acrylic & multi-media artist & will open an online shop for my art once I'm confident in the number of pro-grade pieces in my portfolio (I've been told I'm something of a perfectionist, but I'm not in a rush since I'm not depending on art as a sole source of income.).

I'm also trying my hand as a novelist but find I tend to produce scenes more suited to scripts so I'd like to translate the ideas I have into marketable animated shorts or possibly full-length films that can be viewed as film or broken up into segments for Indie games (produced mostly by me) or for personal use for family functions & gifts for family members. I currently use 3D modeling as a visual representation for my paintings. I'd like to capitalize on that & expand it further by creating the above.

Time is not an issue. I'm not on any deadlines & don't care if it takes me years to complete even one project. As I've mentioned, I already have one source of income with another that brings money in sporadic increments.

I have experience with various art programs & some experience with video & sound editing as well as 3D modeling & animation. I have only the very basic knowledge of CAD programs but my brother is an engineer who is teaching me so that I will have a more comprehensive working knowledge. I'm self-taught & still learning various aspects of those things mentioned above.

I have a little knowledge about the basics of computer components but am not confident in my choices after reading the various feeds on topics like AMD vs Intel etc. Thus, the desire to garner advice from those who've built computers & used the products.

I do have assembly experience building aircraft GPS onboard units so I'm fairly confident in my ability to assemble things once I know what to get. However, if a static free area is required, I may need advice on a company that would build the computer for me.

Does this help at all?
 
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CKeitel

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Oh, also... gaming & game design is secondary. If you want a focus, go with 3D/2D modeling & animation from the ground up with excellent rendering (no farm) & video/sound editing.

If you want to suggest a second system for gaming/game design & production plus coding, I don't mind. Since it's separate, I can maybe make the $2,000-$3,000 range. Still up to $6,000 on the animation capable system however. :)
 
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k1114

k1114

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Yes that does so not mission critical and prosumer seems to be the right mix. ComputerSecurityGuy's build is pretty good. Most of the software is cpu renderers so would actually stay with a higher end cpu than a 5960x plus the broadwell-e i7 isn't out yet. They were rumored to be out next week since the 6950x would be a 10 core and be a lot better value at $1k vs the xeon 12 core at $2k. A dual socket mobo and cheaper xeons would render faster for the price but you probably don't need to spend all $6k and be fine this plus other software will use less. Look into gpu renderers like what max has. 10x faster than cpu in most cases. Many are still biased so still need a good cpu for the prerender. Maybe just go with 2 ssd, 1 scratch and the other for boot/software. Gold psu should be similar price.

Games won't use as many cores so higher ipc is better and either of these cpus will push any high end gpu. The m4000 will actually game well so wouldn't worry too much about it. I think maybe you don't need to spend all $6k. With making games, I say if you can play the game maxed, you can make the game on that hardware. A lot more things are gpu accelerated so there is less emphasize on cpu.

Other content creation is more on cpu though. Compiling is all cpu. Gpu only helps to a certain point in photoshop and you'd want a quadro for any opengl software which includes some 3d software like maya and video editing. Although some have made the switch like max and cad to directx. Then there are sculpting software like zbrush that is also just cpu.

One thing that hasn't been touched on much is sound. This would probably be more dependent on your speakers and your audio acuity. It's also the area least noticed by common folk. Integrated sound has come a long way and you'd need some really nice speakers to even need a dedicated sound card. Unless you need it or a dac or amp. I couldn't suggest a good setup though, I don't keep up much with that. I have some nice old speakers and they still sound personally better than a lot of my friends newer stuff minus my audiophile friends who put a lot more money into it. I keep just on my integrated sound so not too high end.

Amd doesn't have anything that can compete with intel and most software support nvidia more, not that amd gpus have any issues and can outperform. 4k is all the rage and most software fixed scaling issues on normal size monitors but photoshop is one that still sees some issues. But 4k monitor prices have dropped, it's easy to fit in the budget. I know I'm jumping around topic a lot, there's a lot to cover if you want to know. If you have more specific questions just ask. I'd put a build together later if broadwell-e comes out next week but it'll be similar to the build already posted.
 
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CKeitel

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Thank you. I appreciate the answers you've both given me. Can I ask what the life expectancy of the suggested build is? I'd like to keep the computer for years if possible without having to jump on the upgrade bandwagon every few months. Also, I'm currently using Windows 8. Is that optimal for the suggested build or should I consider something else? I heard the new version of Windows was terrible...
 
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CKeitel

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Btw, I found both k1114 & ComputerSecurityGuy's answers to be helpful. I chose the last statement by k1114 as the best solution because it incorporated ComputerSecurityGuy's build specs & added input.
 
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Karsten75

Karsten75

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I have a note of caution. If you are as much a beginner in this area as you indicate, do you think it's wise to try and build a $6000 rig? Where will you turn for help if components don't work or it won't power up?

I strongly suggest you take your money and head over to Puget Systems for a bespoke build. It may seem you get a tad less for your money, but the system will work, you will have a warranty and lifetime tech support.

Or either Lenovo or Dell will also be happy to assist you. I know Lenovo even has on-site warranty services as part of their offering.

I'd hate to see you throw down $6K and not get a working machine.
 
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CKeitel

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CKeitel

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Thank you. I will keep that in mind. I'm not locked into building it myself but from what I understand I'm more likely to get more bang for my buck, so-to-speak, if I do.

Fortunately, I do have a couple local contacts I can talk to, if push comes to shove, while trying a custom build. Both resources build computers regularly & one does it as a living. They're a bit time consuming to track down though, which is why I chose a forum. I figured it would be more expedient.

However, that being said, as I mentioned, I do appreciate any advice & am not dead set on doing my own build. I'might just tired of brands & bloatware. Call it ego, but I kind of like the thought of having a machine I put together with my own two hands. Lol.

If I come to my senses, is it true that Lenovo has terrible tech/customer support? I heard their computers are generally pretty good but their support is lacking.
 
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Karsten75

Karsten75

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I gave you Puget Systems. They have great articles on their web site and it seems like they know what they are talking about.

Here is the list of sites I visit. Not all of them are of the highest quality, and some are more focused on gaming computers.

Maingear: http://www.maingear.com/

Digital Storm: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/

Origin PC: http://www.originpc.com/

Falcon Northwest: http://www.falcon-nw.com/

Puget Systems: http://www.pugetsystems.com/

CyberPowerPC: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

Velocity Micro: http://www.velocitymicro.com/

As for customer service/tech support, I can't really speak to that, since I've not needed it in the years I used Lenovo laptops. I have not bought a new laptop in maybe 8 years now, since I mostly use desktops and large monitors now. I would suggest you try and find a survey, and not simply rely on Internet word-of-mouth. If you find something, I'd love to know what it is.

Bespoke builders will charge a premium - there is no getting around to it. Some of the premium is hidden in the actual cost of their components vs the cost of the same components to you. You can configure a system on their website, then before you pull the trigger, configure the same system on PCPartpicker. THen factor in that they system will be delivered to you in working order, with minimum bloatware - bespoke builders don't do what Dell and Lenovo do and put a lot of bloatware on the machine.

Factor in the warranty and tech support offered by the bespoke builder.

If you are going to rely on your friends, make sure they get a say in component selection or they may be less willing to help you out if you configured something that they may consider non-optimal. Also, if they are that hard to get to, do you really want to rely on them to assist you? No offense, but how'd you like to sit with a few thousand dollars' worth of components for a few weeks waiting for your friend to clear up his schedule?

Before you do this, build a sub-$1,000 machine first. I still have sleepless nights every time I build a machine for someone else and it's over $2k. I mean, if I fuxx0r up, who pays? If the machine under-performs, who's going to pay? You're asking for advice on a very specific machine type from people that mostly game. They have no skin in this and you have no recourse if the machine does not perform.

Strangers on the Internet and all that.
 
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ComputerSecurityGuy

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Well, here's a build corrected for k1114's suggestions (case this time) with the i7-5960X subbing in for a 10-core Broadwell-E chip.url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2vyWGf]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5960X 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($999.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9S 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($57.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($215.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($316.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Mushkin Reactor 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Reactor 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.09 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.09 @ Amazon)
Video Card: NVIDIA Quadro M4000 8GB Video Card ($859.00 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM (64-bit) ($138.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 31MU97C-B 60Hz 31.0" Monitor ($850.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer UM.QB0AA.002 60Hz 23.8" Monitor ($313.73 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer UM.QB0AA.002 60Hz 23.8" Monitor ($313.73 @ Amazon)
Total: $4950.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-26 05:58 EDT-0400
Oh. And I would certainly recommend trying a different, less expensive build first becuase beginner mistakes could cost you on a $4-5K build. I would pick something up cheap, maybe a Pentium G3258, 8GB RAM and so on- probably only run to about $300. That way a) you have something to do, b) you figure out how to put everything together and c) any mistakes aren't too disastrous.
 
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CKeitel

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CKeitel

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Thank you. You've all been extremely helpful. Btw, I wasn't trying to bash Lenovo or anything. I actually use one of their older model laptops for work. We have in-house IT for repairs though. Thus, my question about their customer service/tech support. I haven't had to use it & wanted to know if what I was hearing was true.

Puget Systems seems interesting. I'll take a look at it.

I still like the idea of a custom build so I might also try a cheaper build for practice as suggested & then build the second more expensive unit. If I was to purchase parts for both builds, would the parts for the more expensive build store well? Is there any special precaution when storing parts that I should take?
 
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Karsten75

Karsten75

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Don't buy/store parts for longer than a month. You lose return capability, the warranty will expire and in general tech products tend to drop in price over time or become obsolete. I usually configure a rig, then wait for a major retailing event such as Memorial Day sales and then accumulate the components (or near-similar components at the best price over a 2-week span using price trackers and deal sites.

I must tell you that in my opinion, you can get a machine for around $2,500 (self-build price) that is significantly lower specced than the rigs proposed on this thread and that will be more than adequate to amply do all the tasks you outlined at the level that you indicate you need to do them.

I built a video production rig for a lady back in January/February time frame for about $1,700 from retail store parts (she was in a hurry and wouldn't let me snipe good deals) that would do most things extremely well. The configurations proposed for you ignore some of the potential improvements in PCIe storage, seems to suggest that you would run RAID storage (which is a PITA and not for novices) and use gear that makes me question the cost/benefit, such as the professional video card. I understand how they differ from gaming ards, but I do not think they have a place in a rig that is attempting to save money.

 
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CKeitel

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CKeitel

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I didn't realize that about the parts. Thank you.

As for the other, I'll keep that in mind as I move toward my final decision. It's not that I mind the thought of a budget-build & saving money, but I don't want to limit the quality if a larger-spend amount would be better. However, from what you've all said, it sounds like I can still get a great product even at a lesser price. I'll definitely take that into consideration as I move forward. Perhaps two $2,000- $4,000 systems, one configured for gaming & game design & one for the modeling/animation aspect, would be a better bet than one $6,000 system?
 
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k1114

k1114

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The edited build just changed cpu? My suggestions were mostly ignored then. I don't think you'd need different pcs as long as you go with a decent clocked cpu like a 6950x and a workstation card will still game well so that covers gaming. Unless you really want to get into 4k or 144hz / higher end gaming and the possibility that a gaming card could do what you need. Since karsten brings up a cheaper pc may be all you need, I'm curious what you work on now, how well you think it performs, and what you'd want to improve?

Those boutique places will cost a couple hundred more for the same specs and the tech support isn't all that necessary or great. You always have tech support from the parts manufacturers and their warranty which covers the same thing. How often do you have issues and can't find a place like tom's to help that needs to get them involved anyways? Building a pc is a lot easier than people think and being a newb doesn't really matter, especially seeing as many teens on here are building their first pc without issue. Tom's just updated their how to build a pc article. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-pc,2601.html

As for windows 10, I never had any issues and is a definite improvement over 8. People always complain about a new os release but look at 8 and yet you are using it. Have any issues with 8? With a new pc, you'd have to buy windows anyways unless I'm missing something.
 
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CKeitel

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CKeitel

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Good to know. Actually, that's something I recently realized I needed to check into - part warranties, that is. I plan to do some research there.

Currently, I use a HP laptop (2000 series, I think) with Windows 8. It is beyond terrible for what I need. I'm lucky if it doesn't crash midway through low pixel, small renders. I bought it mainly for writing. I used to have a Dell desktop & Gateway laptop. For my journalism job I use an old company laptop (Lenovo).

Since the HP I'm using has little harddrive, low RAM etc, I loaded it with a free 3D animation program that's fairly light. It still sucks.
 
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