Best overall system for 3D rendering and future expansion capability

[Wanna Be]

Hello,
September 2011 - I currently have a HP AMD 2.4 Dual 64 with 4M.
I want to start doing 3D rendering, and have purchased the Rhino 3D package software and a Cintiq 21UX Interactive Pen Display. Just with basic 3D sample drawings on the Rhino, my computer takes too long to compute,render.
What is the best system to get to support my new interest, and needs?
Go for Sandy Bridge current, or wait for E or Ivy Bridge with 2011 sockets? Seems like AMD is not best for my 3D interests.
What is

 

[abekl]

For rendering you want threads, lots of them. That's why I recommend a core i7 2600 (k) cpu.

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

 

[c3h8]

Save some cash and go i7 2500K, I believe it OC's better as well (less cache If my memory serves me right).
On Intel's Tick-Tock Release Scheme if you want to benefit you'll have to wait until the release after Sandy bridge-E to see an upgrade in micro architecture, the new chips still use the 2nd Generation Core architecture, the performance gain isn't noteworthy either.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/lga-2011-idf.html
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core-i7-2600k-990x.html

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Well for hard core rendering the Intel 9xx series w/ fast triple channel, low CAS memory and lots of it is still desired by the pros but as a hobbyist, I'd recommend the 2600k w/ HT and the following for a professional looking, quiet, well performing system:

Case - $ 175 - Antec P193 V3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129176
PSU - $ 115 - Antec CP-850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371024
MoBo - $ 495 - Asus Sabertooth / CPU Combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.729069
CPU - inc - Intel i7-2600k included in above
Cooler - $ 50 - Scythe SCMG 2100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185168
TIM - $ 5 - Shin Etsu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150080
RAM - $ 95 - (2 x 4GB) Mushkin CAS 7 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226201
RAM - $ 95 Same
GFX - $ 230 - Asus 900MHz GTX 560 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121425
GFX Same If needed
HD - $ 140 - Seagate XT SATA III 2TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148506
HD - Later - Same
SSD - $ 220 - Vertex 3 2.5" 120 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
Card Reader $ 40 AFT XM-35U http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820176016
DVD Writer - $ 110 - Plextor 320SA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249050
OS - $ 140 - Win 7-64 Pro OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992

Total $1910

Parts were selected primarily for speed as well as durability ..... You gave no indication of budget but HD's in RAID (and even SSD's) should be a consideration. I see your software is CUDA capable so you should unlock the GFX card using procedure here:

http://www.studio1productions.com/Articles/PremiereCS5.htm

 

[abekl]

Save some cash and go i7 2500K, I believe it OC's better as well (less cache If my memory serves me right).

That's the wrong recommendation for a rendering workstation. He needs hyperthreading, which the i5 doesn't have.

 

[Wanna Be]

That's the wrong recommendation for a rendering workstation. He needs hyperthreading, which the i5 doesn't have.

Thanks abekl. I appreciate your willing to take the time to reply to another's suggestion. I will take heed to your comment. I agree also.

 

[Wanna Be]

Well for hard core rendering the Intel 9xx series w/ fast triple channel, low CAS memory and lots of it is still desired by the pros but as a hobbyist, I'd recommend the 2600k w/ HT and the following for a professional looking, quiet, well performing system:

Case - $ 175 - Antec P193 V3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129176
PSU - $ 115 - Antec CP-850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371024
MoBo - $ 495 - Asus Sabertooth / CPU Combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.729069
CPU - inc - Intel i7-2600k included in above
Cooler - $ 50 - Scythe SCMG 2100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185168
TIM - $ 5 - Shin Etsu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150080
RAM - $ 95 - (2 x 4GB) Mushkin CAS 7 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226201
RAM - $ 95 Same
GFX - $ 230 - Asus 900MHz GTX 560 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121425
GFX Same If needed
HD - $ 140 - Seagate XT SATA III 2TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148506
HD - Later - Same
SSD - $ 220 - Vertex 3 2.5" 120 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
Card Reader $ 40 AFT XM-35U http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820176016
DVD Writer - $ 110 - Plextor 320SA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249050
OS - $ 140 - Win 7-64 Pro OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992

Total $1910

Parts were selected primarily for speed as well as durability ..... You gave no indication of budget but HD's in RAID (and even SSD's) should be a consideration. I see your software is CUDA capable so you should unlock the GFX card using procedure here:

http://www.studio1productions.com/Articles/PremiereCS5.htm

I really appreciate yours and the others time to reply to my question. I have tried to search the internet and gather the stats and information on whats out there.
Also, thanks for the suggestion to unlcok the GFZ card and the procedure.

 

[abekl]

Thanks abekl. I appreciate your willing to take the time to reply to another's suggestion. I will take heed to your comment. I agree also.

No problem. I don't usually correct others, but in this case it was clear that he wanted a 3D rendering workstation, and that just screams for an i7.

 

[Wanna Be]

Best answer selected by Wanna Be.