Upgrading CPU/mobo/RAM--3D and video rendering

[LML]

Hello All!

I wonder if I could get some feedback on an upgrade of CPU/memory/motherboard to my existing desktop; I will be using this system for 3D rendering and animation (Maya/Vray) as well as video editing and rendering (Premiere/After Effects). I have some good previous suggestions based on an Asrock board, but I'm now leaning toward Gigabyte.

I will just have the basics for peripherals (although I would like to add a 2nd monitor at some point), and just one HD and one optical drive. I won't be overclocking to begin with, but would like to try it in the future.


what I'm considering for purchase:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070 $314.99
Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $29.49
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128493&Tpk=GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 $169.99 (out of stock @ newegg, but available elsewhere)
GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314&Tpk=F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL $51.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL


and here is what I already have and would like to keep for now:


EVGA GTX260 --graphics processor
WD 640 GB --Hard Drive
SAMSUNG | SH-S223B --Optical Drive
ANTEC EA650 RT --Power Supply
ANTEC three hundred -- Case



anyone see conflicts with the new and old? with the new and new? any advice much appreciated

Thanks very much!

 

[LML]

not sure if it will help to bump this back up...
did I put it in the wrong post category?
thanks

 

[suteck]

Everything looks compatible. Only thing I question is the video card you want to keep. Is it up to the task? And are you getting 2 kits of memory? I've always heard that the more memory the quicker it will render. Don't forget the thermal paste for the new cpu cooler. It might come with it but you want to be sure, otherwise it's useless till you do then you have to wait some more.

 

[LML]

thanks a lot suteck

yes, I guess the GPU is the weak link there--I might have some trouble using newer "real time" renderers...but I guess I think of GPU's as mostly important for gaming. Can anyone enlighten me on this? How critical is the GPU for the tasks I'll be doing? (3D/video rendering)

and thanks for the paste reminder

LML

 

[Draven35]

You're going to see better performance with a GTX 4x0 series GPU. IT won't affect your 3d render times but most of the CUDA-based encoders will vastly benefot from it. even a GTX 460.

 

[LML]

good to know, thanks a lot Draven35

 

[suteck]

Also, I find that the ati firepro series are built for that. They tend to be a bit expensive but they are hardware driven renderers designed for graphic intensive software.
Kinda like these - ATI 100-505606 FirePro V4800 1GB GDDR5 Video Card for $180
If your quick you can get these 2 HP ATI Firepro V5700 512MB Video Cards, Crossfire Pro for only $125
Sounds like alot, i guess it is but these cards are designed for that purpose. Do some searches and see what I'm talking about.

 

[LML]

Best answer selected by LML.

 

[LML]

Everything looks compatible. Only thing I question is the video card you want to keep. Is it up to the task? And are you getting 2 kits of memory? I've always heard that the more memory the quicker it will render. Don't forget the thermal paste for the new cpu cooler. It might come with it but you want to be sure, otherwise it's useless till you do then you have to wait some more.

...and thanks for the memory tip--I am just now reading that one reason you might want 16BG of ram is video editing and CAD stuff. Seems appropriate to double it (if I can afford it).