More GPU or more CPU for render node?

[Digital Magic]

I am wanting to build a render node. My main workstation is Threadripper 3970X with 128GB RAM and an RTX 2080ti. If I have to choose between more CPU or more GPU which should I spend more on for a render node that will not be used as a workstation? Can I get by with a lesser GPU and a powerful CPU or do I need to have both be good?
3ds max 2020. V-ray 4.

[3dwolf]

If you do not use VRay-GPU for rendering, you would not need a GPU in a render node at all.
(Or the cheapest you can get to get Windows running, Not sure about denoiser.)

[Muhammed_Hamed]

If I have to choose between more CPU or more GPU which should I spend more on for a render node that will not be used as a workstation?

Hi Digital Magic

Are you using V-Ray or V-Ray GPU for your rendering?
Investing in GPUs only makes sense if you use GPU rendering or plan to do so. And in this case, you can just add one powerful GPU to your existing machine(saving the costs of building a separate render node)

On the other hand, if you don't use V-Ray GPU your new system should be focused on CPU rendering. Could get another Threadripper, and a basic GPU like a 1660 Super for display(which will be idling most of the time)

Best,
Muhammed

[Digital Magic]

Thank you very much. Currently I'm doing CPU rendering since the best GPU I have is RTX 2080ti. I am still a noob to V-ray rendering. I didn't know which was faster GPU rendering vs CPU. A 2nd threadripper with basic GPU might be good choice and I can get a powerful GPU later if needed since a powerful GPU alone is extra expensive right now.

A cheap basic Geforce GT 1030 (2GB GDDR4) won't slow my system down if CPU rendering will it?

[Muhammed_Hamed]

A cheap basic Geforce GT 1030 (2GB GDDR4) won't slow my system down if CPU rendering will it?

This one is way too cheap, it might be a good idea to go for a 1660 Super 6 GB or 1650 Super 4GB .. so you would be able to run 3Ds Max itself without issues
Anything cheaper might be a deal breaker

And yeah you can add more GPUs to either of the machines at any time you want. It doesn't need to be a 3090, 3060s are great and have 12 GB of VRAM

Best,
Muhammed

[Digital Magic]

Thank you very much. You may have saved me some future issues. I ordered an RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 for a low cost so it should hopefully be good enough.
After reading it looks like GPU rendering is too involved for me right now. If I get better at V-ray in the future I can get a better GPU if I need to and prices go down

[Muhammed_Hamed]

Digital Magic the 3060 is a great GPU, should be as fast as your 3970X with V-Ray GPU
Whenever you get a chance give GPU rendering a try, you will be able to use all of your CPUs and GPUs for rendering

Best,
Muhammed

[Digital Magic]

Thank you. Wow it sounds like GPU rendering can be really fast! I'll have to give that a try once my system comes in and I figure it out.
I wanted a 3090 but no way I'm paying the inflated prices . The 3060 sounds like it might be good enough for me