Video Card for Rendering?

[phasmantis]

My friend wants to build a new computer or upgrade his current build, and his is currently struggling to use programs like Maya, Mudbox, Z Brush, etc.

I'm expecting a quad-core to up his power, but I am also assuming a new video card would help a lot. Which video card would you recommend for using programs like this?

Also, what are some of the main components in a computer related to the performance of these programs?

 

[wa1]

For those programs, CPU is more important than a GPU...
BTW, what is your friend's current video card?

 

[paq7512]

i7 and Quadro fx 3800 or greater

 

[phasmantis]

He's using something like a 8800GT 512MB.

I was thinking something along the lines of this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102890&cm_re=5850_2gb-_-14-102-890-_-Product

Since the Quadros are a bit too expensive.

 

[emmerichem]

He's using something like a 8800GT 512MB.

I was thinking something along the lines of this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102890&cm_re=5850_2gb-_-14-102-890-_-Product

Since the Quadros are a bit too expensive.

i have a Asus hd 5850 1gig and i also do graphic modeling and unreal UDK Development Kit
for games and it does the job very well Workstation Cards are too expensive for me LOL