What should I do for the graphic? architectural visualization

[woodybuddy]

Hi, so I am planning to upgrade my set.
I currently have Q9400s/8gb-6400/550psu/firepro v3800

I am quite heavy in photoshop editing, rhino and 3ds max modeling and heavy multi web browsing( 20+ tabs). Dual display
So i think it is better to upgrade the graphic ?

Budget is around $300-350
gtx 670? or should I go for ATI? no idea what differenceabout their performance to be honest.

I know my cpu is quite vintage but i think i can only afford to upgrade the graphic at the moment, otherwise I need to get a new mother board and cpu as well as the graphic.

Perhaps I need to change to SSD instead? would it help? not sure about this.

 

[DragonChase]

You need nvidia quadro any of the gtx series is next to nothing for this, but my main concern is your processor...
I would recommend saving for a new system for Quadro in it, if you want to use ray tracing that is.

And ofc SSD's, 256gb for the system and for the programs, use a 128gb as a scratch disc for the programs. I use reguarly 60 gb scratchdisk in photoshop alone.

If you could save for an I7-4930k i believe, it would help you massively, the extra 2 cores in it is worth the extra 200 dollars premium compared to the 4770k, i am always on the limits of my 4770k and regret not going that extra mile.

 

[woodybuddy]

thank you DragonChase
Wondering which Quadro should I go for within the budget? When choosing the workstation card is it better to go for nvidia rather than ati? If my budget is limit, should I choose the gaming card instead? seems i can buy a higher spec gaming card with the same amount of money compare to work satation card. But not sure if it is worth to do it.
I dont play any game tbh, maybe sometime watching hd bluray movie and dual monitor output.
I never think of increasing the scratch disc for photoshop, thank you for the advice.
I will definitely get the ssd, what in mind now is the Sandisk ultra plus 256, its quite good price. Any advise?
Thanks for helping me out.

 

[DragonChase]

thank you DragonChase
Wondering which Quadro should I go for within the budget? When choosing the workstation card is it better to go for nvidia rather than ati? If my budget is limit, should I choose the gaming card instead? seems i can buy a higher spec gaming card with the same amount of money compare to work satation card. But not sure if it is worth to do it.
I dont play any game tbh, maybe sometime watching hd bluray movie and dual monitor output.
I never think of increasing the scratch disc for photoshop, thank you for the advice.
I will definitely get the ssd, what in mind now is the Sandisk ultra plus 256, its quite good price. Any advise?
Thanks for helping me out.

Here are some benchmarks on your choice: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/graphics/display/nvidia-quadro-amd-frirepro_13.html#sect0

That page shows Maya benchmarks, in the end it comes down do you use Cuda processes like Ray tracing in after effects for example? if you dont use or plan to use Cuda type features then a firepro is fine as well. Although i would go for a quadro anyhow, you might need the cuda cores later on.

As mentioned before, do not even look at high end Gaming GPU's, there are some tricks so you can make a gtx 690 half quadro half gtx, this requires soldering and is recommended to be evaded at all costs.
Performance wise there is no comparing, Quadro wins when it comes to work.

SSD: any SSD will do, but what i noticed is that the Samsung evo 250gb is a very good and reliable SSD, it has technology in it that will increase its lifespan, also as mentioned the size will also increase the lifespan.
On paper the Evo performs less then the 840 pro, but in real use it performs just as well but has even better lifespan then the 840 Pro. I am very favored towards Samsung SSD's and there is a reason why Samsung has got some awards on its name regarding SSD's. You are fine with the Sandisk by any means, do try to evade AData which is more based on performance then longevity.

As said before, 2 SSD's would be nice because using it as a scratchdisk is heavy on the chips (its not as bad as it sounds) but still!.

If you need advice on a new system let me know, the thing here is that your chipset is old and it would favor you if you would get a newer system with an i7 in it and as fast as possible ram ofcourse.

Anzwazy that should be it, let me know if zou have more questions.