Cpu workstation suggestion

If it's between those two cpu's, I'd get the i7. It's cheaper and faster from the prices I've seen. Same amount of cache as the xeon and faster memory bandwidth. They're also 2 different sockets if I'm not mistaken, one is 2011 (xeon) the i7 is 2011v3 (newer, x99). Not to mention the i7 is 2yrs newer.

raz0918,

For 3D modeling in 3ds and rendering, my recommendation is a six-core Xeon E5, and the best cost /performance is the Xeon E5-1650 v3.

The i7-5930K:

http://ark.intel.com/products/82931/Intel-Core-i7-5930K-Processor-15M-Cache-up-to-3_70-GHz

Intel Core i7-5930K Haswell E Processor 3.5/3.7GHz 0GT/s 15MB LGA 2011-v3 CPU w/o Fan, Retail > $553

> and the E5-1650 v3:

http://ark.intel.com/products/82765/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E5-1650-v3-15M-Cache-3_50-GHz?q=e5-1650%20v3

Intel Xeon E5-1650 v3 Six-Core Haswell Processor 3.5 / 3.8GHz 0GT/s 15MB LGA 2011-v3 CPU, Retail >$ 565
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=E51650V3BX

As you might see in the specifications, these two are cousins, except the i7 may be overclocked- undesirable in a workstation.

It is useful to look at the Autodesk recommended GPU's for 3ds:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?siteID=123112&id=18844534&results=1&stype=graphic&product_group=6&release=2015&os=8192&manuf=all&opt=1

> and the certified list is all Quadros and Firepros. If you are rendering 3D models, I'd suggest a workstation GPU to be able to run higher anti-aliasing.

Whether using the i7 or E5-2630 v3, you may find it difficult to build an appropriate system for $1,600, given the cost of those CPUs, LGA2011-3 motherboards are more costly, demands for a good graphics card, adequate RAM, and good drives. Here is a system above your budget, but I believe would have a good cost / performance for your use:

BambiBoom PixelCannon Cadamodarendergrapharific iWork TurboBlast ExtremeSignature SuperModel 8000 ®©$$™®£™©™_ 1.16.15

1. CPU: Intel Xeon E5-1650 v3 Six-Core Processor 3.5 / 3.8GHz 0GT/s 15MB LGA 2011-v3 CPU> $565

http://ark.intel.com/products/82765/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E5-1650-v3-15M-Cache-3_50-GHz

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=E51650V3BX

2. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler > $31.

3. Motherboard: ASRock X99 EXTREME4 LGA2011-v3/ Intel X99/ DDR4/ Quad CrossFireX & Quad SLI/ SATA3&USB3.0/ M.2/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard > $194

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-X99EXM4

4. 16GB (2X 8GB) Samsung DDR4-2133 8GB/1Gx72 ECC/REG CL15 Server Memory > $200 ($100 each)

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=D4218G4S1

5. GPU: PNY NVIDIA Quadro K1200 4GB GDDR5 4Mini DisplayPorts Low Profile PCI-Express Video Card > $302

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=PNY-1200DP

6. Crucial MX200 250GB M.2 SATA3 Internal Solid State Drive (MLC)(M.2 SSD) > $110 (OS, applications, working files)

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=250MX2SSD6

7. WD BLACK SERIES WD1003FZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive> $75 (Files, Backup, System Image)

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=HD-W13FZEX

8. SeaSonic S12G S12G-650 650W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Active PFC Power Supply > $90

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=PS-S12G650

9. Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE 24X SATA DVD±RW Internal Drive w/o Software (Black) SH-224DB $17.99

10. Cooler Master Silencio 652S - Silent Mid Tower Computer Case with Sound Dampening Panels, Three Silencio FP 120 Fans, and Multiple Removable Air Filters > $120

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119303&ignorebbr=1

11. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit w/ SP1 (1-Pack, DVD), OEM MSFQC04649 > $138.99
________________________________________________________
TOTAL = $ 1,845

Another option is to purchase a high quality used system and upgrade:

Dell Precision T3610 SIX Core E5-1650 V2 3.9GHz 16GB Win 7 Pro 256GB SSD V4900 > sold for $1,300

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Precision-T3610-SIX-Core-E5-1650-V2-3-9GHz-16GB-Win-7-Pro-256GB-SSD-V4900-/111644151955?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fe829093&nma=true&si=Nia3EI6FsTs%252FXI9et5Up7ZdFeLU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

The Firepro V4900 is actually quite good, but I'd replace it with a used Quadro K2200 (4GB) for about $300-350.

With this approach, you can get back to work the same day you receive it and plug in the new GPU at you leisure. Mt estimate is that this would save about 30 hours and if you earning more than $40/HR, the time saving makes the system next to free.

Or as a basis for upgrade:

DELL PRECISION T7610 Win8.1 Pro with label, 1300w Power supply 2x Heat Sink > Sold for $500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-PRECISION-T7610-Win8-1-Pro-with-label-1300w-Power-supply-2x-Heat-Sink-/201355146049?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ee1b3b341&nma=true&si=Nia3EI6FsTs%252FXI9et5Up7ZdFeLU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

> and to which you add:

Intel Xeon E5-2637 v2 Quad Core 3.50GHz 8.00GT/s QPI 15MB L3 Cache sold for $517

and 4X 8GB- 32GB DDR3-1866 ECC, a used Firepro W7000, SSD, and Etc. Evenutually you can add a 2nd E5-2637 v2 and another 32GB RAM. Plugging in these items into a proprietary system could save substantial time over starting with a kit of parts, and while the end results is a generation older technology, you have substantial upgrade possibilities with a dual CPU systemas parts become less expensive.

I used this approach with my second system, but as it's a second system going 3 generation back:

Purchased for $190 shipping included:

Dell Precision T5500 (2011) (Original): Xeon E5620 quad core @ 2.4 / 2.6 GHz > 6GB DDR3 ECC Reg 1333 > Quadro FX 580 (512MB) > Dell PERC 6/i SAS /SATA controller > Seagate Cheetah 15K 146GB > Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
[ Passmark system rating = 1479 / CPU = 4067 / 2D= 520 / 3D= 311 / Mem= 1473 / Disk= 1208]

> and with $675 in upgrades:

Dell Precision T5500 (2011) > Xeon X5680 six -core @ 3.33 / 3.6GHz, 24GB DDR3 ECC 1333 > Quadro 4000 (2GB ) > Samsung 840 250GB / WD RE4 Enterprise 1TB > M-Audio 192 sound card > Linksys WMP600N PCI WiFi > Windows 7 Professional 64> HP 2711x (1920 X 1080)
[ Passmark system rating = 3339 / CPU = 9347 / 2D= 684 / 3D= 2030 / Mem= 1871 / Disk= 2234]

Pending upgrade: PERC H310 PCIe SAS /SATA RAID controller ($60), +1 WD Black 1TB ($75)(Converts disk system from 3GB/s to 6GB/s and RAID 1)

This system is about the 10th fastest T5500 on Passmark and a rating of 3390 is comparable to many current workstations. I can add a second 6-core X5680 and use the original 12Gb RAM for about $350 and have a 12 core /24-thread 3.33 / 3.6Ghz, 36GB RAM, SATA III system for about $1,500.

Cheers,

BambiBoom

HP z420 (2015) > Xeon E5-1660 v2 six-core @ 3.7 /4.0GHz > 16GB DDR3 ECC 1866 RAM > Quadro K2200 (4GB) > Intel 730 480GB > Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > Logitech z2300 > Linksys AE3000 USB WiFi > 2X Dell Ultrasharp U2715H (2560 X 1440) > Windows 7 Professional 64 >
[ Passmark Rating = 4918 > CPU= 13941 / 2D= 823 / 3D=3464 / Mem= 2669 / Disk= 4764]

Pending upgrade: HP /LSI 9212-4i PCIe SAS /SATA HBA RAID controller, 2X Seagate Constellation ES.3 1TB (RAID 1)