Recommendations for Render-heavy computer

Ladythorne

Distinguished
Jan 12, 2012
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I am going to school to actually learn (I'm currently self taught) how to do 3d graphic art with media like Poser, Maya and Bryce (don't know the exact program I'll be using yet). I need a computer that can handle the task while still being cost effective. I would like to build it myself (unless you can recommend a built system), but I have been out of the loop for a number of years and am clueless (nearly) about the new components available. Can someone give me an idea of what components I'll need, ie, CPU, motherboard, graphics cards, AMD versus Intel for my particular needs, etc...

Thank you