Looking to get another workstation. My last one (discussed here) is working nicely. Of course you’d always like faster, but I’ve got no complaints. The only thing I’d change would be a better video card.
Last machine:
*** CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail
*** Mobo
Intel BOXD975XBXLKR LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
*** RAM
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail
*** Video
BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
*** HDDs
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
*** Power Supply
FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX600-GLN ATX12V, V2.2/EPS12V, V2.91, 600W RoHS Quad. SLi Power Supply - Retail
*** Case
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
First question:
What is the current setup along the same lines of what this one was 8 months ago?
2nd question:
We end up using DR a lot. It doesn’t typically hurt either of us if we are modeling or PSing or whatever and the other person is using our buckets. So - given that, does it make more sense to get a better machine for this workstation, or to put a separate render box (dual xeon or whatever) on the network in the future? I’m leaning toward the latter - mainly because it is easier for me to justify buying machines in the 1000-2000 range periodically than to drop 4000 or more on one.
Scott,
I cant recommend getting a dual quad enough. Sure the initial outlay is a lot more but for sheer render power in a single machine its well worth it.
You could spec one as a render node and save a lot over a workstation spec.
We just spec’d and had our IT department put together a single kentsfield quad workstation for a graphics guy coming into one of our satellite offices. It has 8GB of RAM and beats by far every other machine we have in rendering. It was built for under $2500.
One of the graphics guys I work with has been using a similar setup but with half the RAM and half the CPU, and it screams for workstation use, so I can only imagine how this new one would perform. They have a GeForce 8 series video card, which outperforms my quadro by at least double in viewport.
We are actually waiting for AMD to make their move so that we can do dual quad without using a server board. I have a feeling that it is going to be a much better option once it hits. Then we will upgrade our entire graphics team to the same spec.
If you do go with a quad setup, make sure that you are investing in a good cooling solution. This new machine that I was talking about above almost fried itself during a test render
If you are interested in the complete component list, I can probably get it for you.
I, and im pretty sure most people here, are against quadro’s as they are generally a waste of money. Nothing a decent gaming card cant handle. Sure there are some areas where are “workstation” card excels, but thats such a small part of your workflow.
IT is getting me complete specs on the machine as soon as they can. Evidently UPS thought it was a punching bag, so now the new rig is in critical condition. At least we got a few renders out of it yesterday before we shipped it out. I believe the pieces were all bought from newegg.
