Getting a new computer/MAX and Vray

[mresailor]

All,

I will be starting a new job next week and they are asking me what kind of computer I would like. Apparently, they have a surplus of Dells in thier IT depart and I can get one "customized." I will have the opportunity to have the latest versions of MAX and Vray installed. My only question is what do I ask for? I am an architect that really enjoys the whole 3D modeling and annimation - but I don't do it as a profession like most of you in here. Currently I am working on an HP "off the shelf" laptop and I wouldn't even think of trying some of the benchmarks posted in here. I have read in some threads that a Quad-Core is optimal, and have only begun to understand the 64bit thing.

Can anyone give me a break out of what would be ideal for an architect that wants to produce really nice images, but doesn't want the computer to crunch on them over night?

Thanks!

[jujubee]

Quad-core is optimal at the moment computer-wise to cost/performance-ratio. Also get a Nvidia 8800GTX. If your company has 5k in budget to blow - go with a dual-quad solution from Boxx.

However, AMD has been saying their quads to be released this year will have a 43% performance increase over the current Intels. Part of me wants to hold out as they probably want to release something soon.

[Da_elf]

isnt intel releaseing an 8 core soon?

[mresailor]

Thanks Jujubee,

I think that I will be limited to what ever they have lying around in the IT department - for now. Once I prove myself - then maybe in a few months I can go get my dream machine.

If they have 2 dual cores there - can you somehow link them together to make a Dual Quad?

[mresailor]

just looked at the Boxx website - do Iwant to look at the 3DBOXX or the Apexx?

[jujubee]

The Boxx website went from simply nice to simply confusing to find things.

This is their dual quad-core system:

http://www.boxxtech.com/products/3DB..._TechSpecs.asp

Hit configure and you can set up what you want installed.

The motherboard they have pictured there confuses me - there's no current Tyan board which matches up with that one unless they've switched manufacturers. I also hear they're quite noisy.

If you were to build a comparable system - you may save $500 with software stripped out of it and 2 gigs extra RAM - but otherwise you're running pretty close cost-wise now.

[jacksc02]

Thanks Jujubee,

I think that I will be limited to what ever they have lying around in the IT department - for now. Once I prove myself - then maybe in a few months I can go get my dream machine.

If they have 2 dual cores there - can you somehow link them together to make a Dual Quad?

no you wont be able to link them together! but you can use them together with DR

[Tog]

Just for information: the price of intel processor (especially quad core) will be decrease in the seconde semester of this year (about 40 %)

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600:

old price: 851 $

new price: 530 $

[jacksc02]

where did you read that tog?

[Tog]

http://www.presence-pc.com/actualite/Intel-prix-21507/

(it's in french)


CPU/Today/22 april

Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2,4 GHz, FSB-1066, 4 Mo L2) 851 $ 530 $ -
Core 2 Duo E6700 (2,66 GHz, FSB-1066, 4 Mo L2) 530 $ 316 $ -
Core 2 Duo E6600 (2,4 GHz, FSB-1066, 4 Mo L2) 316 $ 224 $ -
Core 2 Duo E6420 (2,13 GHz, FSB-1066, 4 Mo L2) - 183 $ -
Core 2 Duo E6400 (2,13 GHz, FSB-1066, 2 Mo L2) 224 $ - -
Core 2 Duo E6320 (1,86 GHz, FSB-1066, 4 Mo L2) - 163 $ -
Core 2 Duo E6300 (1,86 GHz, FSB-1066, 2 Mo L2) 183 $ - -
Core 2 Duo E4400 (2 GHz, FSB-800, 2 Mo L2) - 133 $ -
Core 2 Duo E4300 (1,8 GHz, FSB-800, 2 Mo L2) 163 $ 113 $ -

Very intresting for Quad Q6600 and Duo E6700

Edit: english version

http://www.hkepc.com/bbs/itnews.php?...me=0&endtime=0

[jacksc02]

shame there is no reduced pricing for the quad core xeons

[mresailor]

Wow - thanks everyone for helping me out on this. I will email the new tech guys this thread so he can see what you all are suggesting.

I have never built a machine from the ground up and it may be that with this new job, I will get whatever they have sitting in the back room. But, like I said, I may just end up building a new one for recreation. Maybe then I will have the nerve enough to start posting WIPS in here more....

[GregM]

shame there is no reduced pricing for the quad core xeons

They Xeon prices are dropping in July and the 3.0 quad core is being released (or you can get them now in a Mac Pro)...

[jacksc02]

july! im just about to buy a dual xeon now!

[3ddesign]

Re: Getting a new computer/MAX and Vray

Apparently, they have a surplus of Dells in thier IT depart and I can get one "customized..." but doesn't want the computer to crunch on them over night?

Thanks!

If there are surplus computers lying around, why not grab several and build a render farm. It really isn't too painful to do.

Craig