First PC build for Blender archviz

[vera]

- Budget: ~$2000
- Workloads: Blender for archviz: 3d modelling, raytracing + real-time rendering, minor animation and physics simulation
- Upgrade in near future: No rush but would like for easy upgrades
- Country: US

I want to make a good investment but not go overboard on the initial build. I have been learning Blender for some months and want the ability to create more complex scenes with ease. Currently, my home laptop lags, freezes, and crashes once I add a couple of materials, lights, foliage, etc.

This selection is based on CGDirector guide, some recommendations, and personal preference for a horizontal case. Otherwise, I am clueless, especially in terms of compatibility. I would appreciate any input on this build and also where you would recommend shopping for parts.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor ($429.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 57.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.00 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Adorama)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($173.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 10 GB Founders Edition Video Card ($750.00)
Case: Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Desktop Case ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA B5 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1902.93

 

[Alex Glawion]

Hey Vera,
I very much like the build you put together. One thing that would improve this even further and shouldn't cost much more, is to get a Ryzen 5900X instead of the 3900X. That would get you a good performance uplift for smooth, active work within Blender and other Content Creation Apps.
bhpphotovideo, bestbuy, walmart or microcenter too can have deals on parts at times. Get your parts wherever is cheapest.

 

[vera]

Thanks, Alex. One question: When I add the 5900x to my parts list, I get the following compatibility warning:

"Some AMD B550 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Vermeer CPUs. Upgrading the BIOS may require a different CPU that is supported by older BIOS revisions."

Does this mean I should get a different motherboard than the B550 Tomahawk if I go with the Ryzen 5900x?

 

[Alex Glawion]

Hey Vera,
Go ahead and get a Motherboard with Bios Flashback, as you'll be able to update the bios even if the CPU is not yet supported. MSI Tomahawk B550 for example is a good option.

 

[xbigcheezx]

Nice build, would also suggest an NVME primary hard drive over ssd for faster boot times and application loading. It's not much more. Also, think about data redundancy for backup, like a couple of standard 4-6TB drives set up with RAID 1