[SOLVED] Upgrading build to melt Solidworks and Rocket League

[Achievable22]

Hello everyone, I built my first PC about 4-5 years ago and I'm ready for an upgrade. I'll mainly be working in Solidworks doing 3D CAD drawing / rendering as well as simulations in Solidworks. I'll also be playing Rocket League on a 144hz monitor.

Here is my current build: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/GiraffeMan/saved/#view=2T3Mpg

Here is what I've come up with as an upgrade thus far (I've marked the items I already own): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PPpXbK

This was put together with help from people in the r/buildapc Discord. I'm posting to various forums to build the confidence I need to pull the trigger on ordering $1,800 worth of computer parts... Lol.

If you have any modifications you'd suggest, I'd greatly appreciate your input. If you'd like to simply help boost my confidence by supporting this list, then by all means, please do

 

[tennis2]

Looks fine to me.

Biggest cost to evaluate is the 3080. The "FE" edition is a $700 MSRP. The FTW3 Ultra Gaming (pew! pew!) version you specc'd is obviously going to cost more than that. TECHNICALLY there's nothing stopping you from carrying over your R9-390 until prices return to normal (soon?). Could also consider a 3070Ti ($600 MSRP) for $700 (at Microcenter) or $760 (at Newegg).

 

[cdrkf]

The build looks good... my only thought is as one of your main uses is SolidWorks, have you considered looking at a Workstation graphics card instead of a gaming card.

Given the current inflated prices of gaming cards (although I note this is getting better) - a workstation card probably won't cost you much more. The advantage being that there are a number of graphics features in SolidWorks that are disabled on gaming hardware (also the workstation drivers improve performance somewhat).

Having a look, a Quadro RTX 4000 is probably your best bet price / features wise. It's effectively an RTX 2070 - slower than that 3080 in games but will have much better support for SolidWorks (and to be honest if the main game your interested in is Rocket League at 144hz then it can do that no issue).

 

[Achievable22]

The build looks good... my only thought is as one of your main uses is SolidWorks, have you considered looking at a Workstation graphics card instead of a gaming card.

Given the current inflated prices of gaming cards (although I note this is getting better) - a workstation card probably won't cost you much more. The advantage being that there are a number of graphics features in SolidWorks that are disabled on gaming hardware (also the workstation drivers improve performance somewhat).

Having a look, a Quadro RTX 4000 is probably your best bet price / features wise. It's effectively an RTX 2070 - slower than that 3080 in games but will have much better support for SolidWorks (and to be honest if the main game your interested in is Rocket League at 144hz then it can do that no issue).

It was suggested on another forum that I downgrade the GPU a notch so that I can get a better CPU. What do you think of this updated build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Would you still suggest the Quadro RTX 4000 over this card within this build? The guys at r/buildapc noted that the Quadro certification is really quite meaningless and that I will experience better performance with a "gaming card". Personally, I have no clue.

Looks fine to me.

Biggest cost to evaluate is the 3080. The "FE" edition is a $700 MSRP. The FTW3 Ultra Gaming (pew! pew!) version you specc'd is obviously going to cost more than that. TECHNICALLY there's nothing stopping you from carrying over your R9-390 until prices return to normal (soon?). Could also consider a 3070Ti ($600 MSRP) for $700 (at Microcenter) or $760 (at Newegg).

Yes, downgrading the GPU to upgrade the CPU further was suggested on another forum. I think that is a good idea. What do you think of this build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Right now I'm a bit torn between a workstation card like the Quadro RTX 4000 and RTX 3070 Ti

 

[Why_Me]

It was suggested on another forum that I downgrade the GPU a notch so that I can get a better CPU. What do you think of this updated build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Would you still suggest the Quadro RTX 4000 over this card within this build? The guys at r/buildapc noted that the Quadro certification is really quite meaningless and that I will experience better performance with a "gaming card". Personally, I have no clue.

Yes, downgrading the GPU to upgrade the CPU further was suggested on another forum. I think that is a good idea. What do you think of this build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Right now I'm a bit torn between a workstation card like the Quadro RTX 4000 and RTX 3070 Ti

I'd stick with that 12700F and change the board to one with better VRM's such as the MSI Pro B660M.

Here's a review of that cpu.

Intel Core i7-12700 + Intel B660 Review

Today we have a combo review of all-new Intel hardware, our first look at the affordable Intel B660 platform, the non-K Core i7-12700 and Intel's latest box...

www.techspot.com

 

[Achievable22]

I'd stick with that 12700F and change the board to one with better VRM's such as the MSI Pro B660M.

Here's a review of that cpu.

Intel Core i7-12700 + Intel B660 Review

Today we have a combo review of all-new Intel hardware, our first look at the affordable Intel B660 platform, the non-K Core i7-12700 and Intel's latest box...

www.techspot.com

This article: https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-ma...ion-einsatz-und-eine-niederlage-fuer-amd-2/2/ - Sold me on the 12700 over the Ryzen. A gentlemen mentioned that having integrated graphics as a backup for the CPU is worth the slight difference in cost... So I'm probably going with the K over the F.

I updated the part list with your motherboard choice. Here's where we're at now: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/qjHdDq

 

[Why_Me]

This article: https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-ma...ion-einsatz-und-eine-niederlage-fuer-amd-2/2/ - Sold me on the 12700 over the Ryzen. A gentlemen mentioned that having integrated graphics as a backup for the CPU is worth the slight difference in cost... So I'm probably going with the K over the F.

I updated the part list with your motherboard choice. Here's where we're at now: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/qjHdDq

Here's your integrated graphics. 12700 = locked cpu w/integrated graphics. 12700K = unlocked cpu with integrated graphics yet higher wattage. A locked cpu is better suited for a B660 board due to its lower power consumption and the fact those boards don't overclock.

https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i7-12700-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118368
Intel Core i7-12700 $349.99

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...12700-processor-25m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz.html

Processor Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770

 

[Achievable22]

Here's your integrated graphics. 12700 = locked cpu w/integrated graphics. 12700K = unlocked cpu with integrated graphics yet higher wattage. A locked cpu is better suited for a B660 board due to its lower power consumption and the fact those boards don't overclock.

https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i7-12700-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118368
Intel Core i7-12700 $349.99

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...12700-processor-25m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz.html

Processor Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770

Wow, I was so confused for a second there. I think we're chatting on two different boards! LOL. Thank you @Why_Me for your invaluable suggestions. I'm going to meditate on this a bit before pulling the trigger, but I think I've got my list finished! https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q2rdDq

You're a wizard, sir.
🧙

 

[cdrkf]

It was suggested on another forum that I downgrade the GPU a notch so that I can get a better CPU. What do you think of this updated build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Would you still suggest the Quadro RTX 4000 over this card within this build? The guys at r/buildapc noted that the Quadro certification is really quite meaningless and that I will experience better performance with a "gaming card". Personally, I have no clue.

Yes, downgrading the GPU to upgrade the CPU further was suggested on another forum. I think that is a good idea. What do you think of this build? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hnswzf - Right now I'm a bit torn between a workstation card like the Quadro RTX 4000 and RTX 3070 Ti

I think for SolidWorks general performance you are best going with Intel 12th Gen - a lot of CAD functions and things like FEA are single threaded, so you will get better performance out of that 12700F than from the 5950X. The Ryzen cpu will be faster in heavily threaded tasks (e.g. CPU based rendering) so it does somewhat come down to what you spend most of your time doing which is the better choice.

With respect to the graphics card - SolidWorks does work ok on gaming cards, I use it with a 2060 in my laptop for example, however SolidWorks disables a number of features if using a gaming card and you will get 0 help from support if you aren't running on a workstation card. It's also much more CPU dependent than anything else, I use it with an entry level Radeon PRO WX 3200 on my workstation and it performs fine, with all the missing features on my laptop turned on. That card would be terrible for gaming but is fine for anything I've thrown at it in SW (admittedly it somewhat depends on what type of models you are working on, I often have assemblies up to 1000 or so parts with no issue). My point is if SolidWorks is your primary use for the machine, it makes sense to use a Workstation card so you get the 'full fat' experience however you will sacrifice some gaming performance vs the gaming card you can get for the same cost.

 

[Achievable22]

I think for SolidWorks general performance you are best going with Intel 12th Gen - a lot of CAD functions and things like FEA are single threaded, so you will get better performance out of that 12700F than from the 5950X. The Ryzen cpu will be faster in heavily threaded tasks (e.g. CPU based rendering) so it does somewhat come down to what you spend most of your time doing which is the better choice.

With respect to the graphics card - SolidWorks does work ok on gaming cards, I use it with a 2060 in my laptop for example, however SolidWorks disables a number of features if using a gaming card and you will get 0 help from support if you aren't running on a workstation card. It's also much more CPU dependent than anything else, I use it with an entry level Radeon PRO WX 3200 on my workstation and it performs fine, with all the missing features on my laptop turned on. That card would be terrible for gaming but is fine for anything I've thrown at it in SW (admittedly it somewhat depends on what type of models you are working on, I often have assemblies up to 1000 or so parts with no issue). My point is if SolidWorks is your primary use for the machine, it makes sense to use a Workstation card so you get the 'full fat' experience however you will sacrifice some gaming performance vs the gaming card you can get for the same cost.

I'm really happy you posted again because I think I would have made a mistake going with a gaming card. For gaming, I really only play Rocket League casually... And my current build runs Rocket League perfectly fine! I stumbled upon this benchmark comparison: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-RTX-2070-vs-AMD-R9-390/4029vs3481 - And it looks like given that the Quadro RTX 4000 is essentially an RTX 2070, performance in Rocket League should be better running a Quadro RTX 4000 rather than my Radeon R9 390...

I did a little more digging and it looks like some features of Solidworks might not even work at all if you're running on a gaming card. That is not an issue I want to face. Plus the idea that I'd be without support due to going with a gaming card makes me nervous. Since my current build handles my gaming interests with no issue, I see no need to get a new gaming card when the Quadro RTX 4000 would still be an improvement to my gaming experience over my current setup.

Updated parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/sXVMv3

 

[logainofhades]

Wow, I was so confused for a second there. I think we're chatting on two different boards! LOL. Thank you @Why_Me for your invaluable suggestions. I'm going to meditate on this a bit before pulling the trigger, but I think I've got my list finished! https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q2rdDq

You're a wizard, sir.
🧙

That ram kit is way overpriced. That is 32gb territory. There are better SSD's out there, that are similar in price/slightly more. I would not recommend a QLC drive. They are typically slower, and have low endurance ratings, compared to better TLC drives. I don't really think the 3070ti, is worth the added cost, vs the 3070 non ti.

I changed up your build, with how I would do it. Also went a bit cheaper, on cooling, on a cooler that is still overkill for a locked i7.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor ($377.69 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($136.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 LHR 8 GB XC3 ULTRA GAMING iCX3 Video Card ($723.67 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA G2 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $0.00)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full 32/64-bit
Monitor: Acer K272HULbmiidp 27.0" 2560x1440 60 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Acer XG270HU 27.0" 2560x1440 144 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Acer H277HU kmipuz 27.0" 2560x1440 60 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Custom: DeepCool CG560 Mid-Tower ATX Case, Mesh Front Panel for High Airflow, Three Pre-Installed 120mm ARGB fans, 140mm Rear Black Fan, Tempered Glass, Black
Total: $1568.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-04-13 14:43 EDT-0400


EDIT: I saw your updated post, after I posted. Just swap the 3070, for that RTX quadro.

 

[Achievable22]

Thanks @logainofhades ! I've changed the RAM, SSD & cooler per your suggestions. For the graphics card, I'm pretty sure the Quadro RTX 4000 is my best bet so that I make sure I don't run into any issues with Solidworks. Plus I'm already happy with the gaming experience I'm having with my current build and the Quadro RTX 4000 should be an improvement for my gaming experience over my current build. Thanks so much for your suggestions!

Here's where we're at now... https://pcpartpicker.com/list/fzHdDq

That ram kit is way overpriced. That is 32gb territory. There are better SSD's out there, that are similar in price/slightly more. I would not recommend a QLC drive. They are typically slower, and have low endurance ratings, compared to better TLC drives. I don't really think the 3070ti, is worth the added cost, vs the 3070 non ti.

I changed up your build, with how I would do it. Also went a bit cheaper, on cooling, on a cooler that is still overkill for a locked i7.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor ($377.69 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($136.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 LHR 8 GB XC3 ULTRA GAMING iCX3 Video Card ($723.67 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA G2 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $0.00)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home Full 32/64-bit
Monitor: Acer K272HULbmiidp 27.0" 2560x1440 60 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Acer XG270HU 27.0" 2560x1440 144 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Acer H277HU kmipuz 27.0" 2560x1440 60 Hz Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Custom: DeepCool CG560 Mid-Tower ATX Case, Mesh Front Panel for High Airflow, Three Pre-Installed 120mm ARGB fans, 140mm Rear Black Fan, Tempered Glass, Black
Total: $1568.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-04-13 14:43 EDT-0400


EDIT: I saw your updated post, after I posted. Just swap the 3070, for that RTX quadro.