Need help for building a computer for 3D animation/rendering/gaming under $1,500

CGnoob Mikey

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Jan 1, 2014
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Hello,
I am looking to build a computer for 3D works but I have limited knowledge about computer, so I would like to ask for some advice and suggestions regarding which system would be better for my work base on the budget I have :ange:.

I read a few threads on here but still did not quite get the answer I am looking for. (or maybe I didn't come across the thread that has the answer for me). There is one thread that has what I am looking for but it was a few years ago. So I am not sure if the suggested computer parts for it would still be a good one for the new updated technologies.

I am looking to build a system under $1,500 (it would be really nice if a keyboard and mouse could fit into this budget). And I am also planning to use a 24" LED TV as a monitor for this (Is this a good idea?)

Primary uses:
3D works such as character/environment creation, rendering, and animation with programs like 3DS Max, Maya, Mudbox, Zbrush, and Adobe Photoshop

Secondary uses:
Playing PC/Online games :D
Some video editting

I am sorry that I am being quite lengthy here but please bear with me lol..
And it would really help me if you please provide the names/types/source to find the computer parts in your suggestions. :D

Many advices/suggestions are welcome, and any advice/suggestion is highly appreciated!

Thank you very much in advance for taking your time to help me out on this matter :D
 

scoobydenon

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Feb 27, 2011
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Here's my contribution. http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/
I added a monitor, not sure the tv is a solid choice for your use. I only added an SSD but it's 250gb which is ok unless you need mass storage. I recommend intel as it should perform faster then an AMD for your use. With a decent monitor I'm @ $1740 without $1460
 

XtraSweat

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Aug 28, 2013
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You need to use the perma link ;)

I'm building one now, I'll get back to you.
 
If the LED TV supports 1080p (i.e. 1920x1080) then it's a good idea. If it doesn't, your productivity will suffer.

Keyboard and mouse - hey, I got a keyboard+mouse combo made by Logitech for $15 last month. Go to the closest brick-and-mortar store and pick something. Logitech or Microsoft make some cheap models that work just fine.

Can you stretch the budget to $1700? This would work very well for your uses, IMO:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2u8mC

i7-4770K
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150
Corsair 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Corsair 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB
Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl)
Corsair Enthusiast 650W
Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)
 

XtraSweat

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Aug 28, 2013
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($257.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($147.91 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1541.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-02 00:21 EST-0500)

I recommend this!
 
Here's what I would do:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($130.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($98.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($334.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1457.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-02 01:31 EST-0500)

-Included a 1080p IPS monitor for the best image clarity. Your TV is probably 720p.
-Overclocks decently with the Hyper 212 EVO. Also, for $30, it cools just as well as the Corsair H60.
-16gb of ram should be good for your needs. You can always add another 16gb kit in the future for 32gb total.
-120gb SSD for your OS/programs/games and a 1tb HDD for mass storage.
-GTX 770 max out anything at 1080p.
-The Define R4 is an excellent case with great airflow and cable management. It's also the most silent case on the market.
-The Antec HCG620M is a very high-quality psu and 620w is plenty for this build if you don't ever plan to SLI. If you want to SLI, grab a quality 850w.
 
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