Need upgrade my CPU and Motherboard...looking for advise.

[tangomiami]

I realize that I need to upgrade to a new CPU and Motherboard. V-Ray is taking more and more time to complete renders as I add geometry complexity and more materials. Currently running a AMD Phenom II X4 955 at 3.2 Ghz with 8Gb Ram on a ASUS motherboard.

Looking to replace the CPU and MB but don't know what would be the best configuration for V-ray/Sketchup 8

What are you guys using? Would like to hear your opinion!

Thanks!

[andybot_cg]

I just recently replaced my Phenom II X6, 2.8 Ghz, with an AMD FX eight core 3.6 Ghz (AM3+ socket instead of AM3 - so got a new mobo as well.) Highly recommend it - very good bang for the buck. Make sure your case has enough ventilation or get a new case. These put out a lot of heat!

Though if you spend more in Intel - you can get something like an i7-3770, you can see the CPU performance scores here:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

Andy

[tangomiami]

Thank you for the information andybot_cg. I was checking AMD's very attractive price. Intel i7 performance is in deed interesting but at a much higher price. Will continue my research and keep you posted!

[tangomiami]

Ok, CPU is decided...I will go with the Intel i7 3770. Is at the upper top end of my budget but I think it will make the difference. Now I need to pick the right MB...probably ASUS.

Luis

[ValeroStudio]

What you pay for hardware you will get a return on in render times.

[tangomiami]

Got a ASUS PZ77VLX Motherboard. Will start to put everything together this weekend. Will keep posting!

[tangomiami]

Finally got the switch finalized. The new MB and Processor are working great. Speed is amazing!

Thank you all for the help.

Luis