Best specs for an animation/3D modeling computer

azbasni · Feb 27, 2017

Hello,

I'm a graphic designer in the U.S. looking to purchase/build a computer to learn 3D modeling and animation. I'm in the process of researching hardware and software to get an idea on what I would need. I'm looking at working with 3DS Max, Maya or Strata software. As a designer I'm unfamiliar with PCs and the technical aspects of computers. From my research so far its clear that PCs are a better value for the price.

Do you have spec suggestions or links to examples of a computer that would fit my needs?

Below is an example of a computer I am considering.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883102255

Any help is appreciated!! Thank you!!

user11464 · Feb 27, 2017

When it comes to setups of that price point, you can undoubtedly build one yourself that is better/more tailored to you than a pre-built, for the same price.

user11464 · Feb 27, 2017

the i7-6800k is the proper cpu to build around though. it's the top tier consumer level cpu they offer.

okcnaline · Feb 27, 2017

Generic power supply... By the way, what do you mean by "PC are a better value for the price"?

Because you're using 3ds Max which utilizes CPU and Maya which utilizes GPU, there needs to be a balance between CPU and GPU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($329.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15S 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus CROSSHAIR VI HERO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($254.99 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX300 525GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($145.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 8GB Video Card ($625.00 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair Carbide Quiet 600Q ATX Full Tower Case ($147.66 @ Jet)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Full 32/64-bit ($199.99 @ B&H)
Total: $2120.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-02-27 12:53 EST-0500

This is how I would probably do it. Ryzen 1700 has 2C4T more than the i7 in that build (well, if you wait for official release anyways). And since Maya makes a big deal out of OpenGL, a Radeon Pro WX 7100 would look like a good choice. And good thing is, both the Ryzen and the Polaris architecture have shown some good power efficiency.

user11464 · Feb 27, 2017

Ryzen is only an option in my mind after it has proven a little longevity.

Zerk2012 · Feb 27, 2017

I would wait a few weeks till some good real world benchmarks come out on Zen before buying anything.
Never buy the crappy CXM 750 listed above or a slow 5400 RPM drive.
The GTX 1060, 1070, and 1080 are supported cards with Maya
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Maya-2017.html
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/ENU/123112/files/maya-certified-hardware-html.html

user11464 · Feb 27, 2017

yeah the 7200rpm drive is literally the same price, model WD10EZEX

okcnaline · Feb 27, 2017

Zerk2012 :

user11464 :

1) That CX750M is a new model and it's decent. Check out Corsair Vengeance 650M review on JohnnyGuru if you want some testing.

2) Yeah, the GTX 1060-1080 are supported, but Maya utilizes OpenGL acceleration better than CUDA. Look at Puget System's benchmarks for that.

3) If the WD Black has 2 more TB and the 7200RPM performance, then yes, don't buy the one I suggested. :lol:

4) Ryzen's only up for preorder, so I guess that's a valid point.

Zerk2012 · Feb 27, 2017

Yep that is the white label PSU but you can still buy better for the same price. (10 bucks different in the rebate)
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118
Look at the 2nd link and open the PDF file they have openGL.

okcnaline · Feb 27, 2017

Could work, as long as OP doesn't upgrade the system any time soon.

And yes, NVIDIA cards also have OpenGL; it's not an AMD-exclusive thing. But I still think performance will be worse for NVIDIA cards in Maya because of the Puget System benchmarks.

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