Need a budget PC for my 3D modeling classes over the next 2 years!

[Logan]

Hello all!

I am starting a 3D modeling course from CG Spectrum next month and need to build a PC that can handle the programs I will be using. I have done a lot of research into PC builds over the last several years but I haven't ever actually built one. The programs we will be using are Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, and Substance Painter. I have looked at the specs required for those programs on there respective websites but I honestly don't know where to start.

I have a pretty good understanding of CPUs and GPUs but when it comes to motherboards that's when I start to get confused. There are also so many GPUs out there right now at different price points I just want to make sure I am getting the most bang for my buck. I don't need anything flashy like RGB and such, just a PC that can run the programs so I can learn and practice all the course material.

I am also not sure if I need to do any future proofing for these programs. Do they change much over time? Will the PC be outdated in 2 years and not be able to run the programs if I build for todays minimum specs? I don't have a huge budget for this PC but it has to at least run them somewhat smoothly you know?

I will be checking the posting very often to see all the feed back and give any extra information that I need.

Thanks for all the help in advance!

 

[Logtrog]

Just made an account so I will be replying here with this Username!

 

[Logtrog]

Hey guys! here is my mk1 for my 3D modeling rid. needs to run Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, and Substance Painter. Let me know how I can improve and change some things! I don't have a lot of money to spend so budget is on the mind. Is it just me or do the GPU prices seem a bit high these days?

3D modeling build mk1 - AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER, Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Mid Tower - PCPartPicker

3D modeling build mk1 - AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER, Corsair Carbide Series 200R ATX Mid Tower

pcpartpicker.com

 

[Logan]

Made some adjustments already. Cant see myself over paying for the graphics card that much. Any tips on finding one cheaper? What about used?

Here is my Mk.2 build at around ~$1300

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/T839RT

My question becomes this, Should I keep the ryzen 5 3600 with a MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX ATX AM4? Or should I shell out the extra cash for a 3700x with a Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite Wifi ATX AM4?

 

[Alex Glawion]

Looks good to me! Yes, GPU prices are crazily inflated right now. That 2060 Super you have in the list should be 200$ cheaper or more.

There really is no need for an x570 Motherboard unless you need more pcie lanes. The 3700x comes in handy if you can use the extra cores for rendering. It also has higher clocks for faster active work within your viewport and GUI, but the difference won't be too big here.

Another thing you could consider is a 5xxx series Ryzen GPU. Now those have a considerable performance uplift especially in single core workloads like active work performance.

 

[Logtrog]

Here is my final build I think! My 2 questions are this.

1. Am I over paying for my PSU as my watts are only around 300? Should I downgrade or keep it at the 650?

2. Is my motherboard in the "future proofing" realm? I'm guessing I will need to upgrade my computer in a few years (better GPU, and maybe CPU) depending on the work I get into. Or should I really not worry about future proofing and go full budget mode and just build a fresh PC later?

Thanks for the help and all the guides! Your website is a life saver!

 

[Logtrog]

Part List - AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, GeForce GTX 1660, Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower - PCPartPicker

Part List - AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, GeForce GTX 1660, Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower

pcpartpicker.com

 

[Alex Glawion]

PSU: You're not over paying for the PSU IMO. A good PSU can outlast multiple systems. Doesn't mean that you should spend a ludicruos amount of money on it, but you shouldn't try to penny pinch a PSU either.

And considering that you're planning on upgrading your GPU later on, I'd say a 650W is about perfect. The new Nvidia 3000 series cards can be really power hungry at high loads and tend to power spike at times. This isn't a huge concern, but if you plan on upgrading to that or something else later on, it'd be best to have a bit of wiggle room with your PSU.
However, if you wish to save some money on your PSU still, I would recommend going with either this Antek PSU or this SeaSonic one for the same functionality at a cheaper price.

CASE: Great choice on the case BTW. That's one of my favorites. It's a bit old now, but it still holds up quite well. The only big problem I can see with it is that it doesn't have any USB Type-C front I/O. Doesn't matter that much 'cause the MOBO that you picked doesn't seem to have any USB 3.2 Gen 2 headers, so you wouldn't be able to use them either way, but with more and more things beginning to go with USB Type-C, I'm not sure if you'd enjoy going all the way to the back of the case to plug in directly to the motherboard.
Sadly, a comparable case with USB Type-C is quite a bit more expensive: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Even more so if you want to have a glass side panel.

GPU: I wouldn't buy a GPU new at these prizes TBH. 350 bucks for a 1660 is absolutely insane. I would suggest you either wait until these crazy prizes die down a little come February/March, or you buy used. Even the used prizes are somewhat laughable, but it's far better than paying 350 bucks for a 1660. That GPU is already a generation behind. For that amount of money, I'd bet you could find a good 2070 or even a 2080 if you're good at haggling. Maybe even a 3060 if the stars align.

MOBO: AMD has stated that they'll support the B550 chipset in the future as well, so you're good on the upgradabilty front with the MOBO. For that price though, you could get a better MOBO with this: MSI MAG B550M MORTAR
It actually has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header, so if you go with the Enthoo Pro 2, you would be able to use the front I/O fully, it has support for Wi-Fi 6, so you'd be futureproofed there, and it's even a bit cheaper. The only major difference is that it's Micro ATX as opposed to the full ATX size of the MOBO that you chose. So it's a bit smaller. The only thing you lose with that is one PCI-E x16 slot, which for your purposes is completly fine.

CPU COOLER: The CPU that you picked comes with a cooler, and it works decently enough for the most part, but I would suggest upgrading it later on to better one. You'd be able to overclock a bit with that as well if you want to go into that area. I'd suggest something like the tried and true Noctua NH-D15 or Noctua NH-U9S or even a CRYORIG M9 Plus.

 

[Logtrog]

PSU: You're not over paying for the PSU IMO. A good PSU can outlast multiple systems. Doesn't mean that you should spend a ludicruos amount of money on it, but you shouldn't try to penny pinch a PSU either.

And considering that you're planning on upgrading your GPU later on, I'd say a 650W is about perfect. The new Nvidia 3000 series cards can be really power hungry at high loads and tend to power spike at times. This isn't a huge concern, but if you plan on upgrading to that or something else later on, it'd be best to have a bit of wiggle room with your PSU.
However, if you wish to save some money on your PSU still, I would recommend going with either this Antek PSU or this SeaSonic one for the same functionality at a cheaper price.

CASE: Great choice on the case BTW. That's one of my favorites. It's a bit old now, but it still holds up quite well. The only big problem I can see with it is that it doesn't have any USB Type-C front I/O. Doesn't matter that much 'cause the MOBO that you picked doesn't seem to have any USB 3.2 Gen 2 headers, so you wouldn't be able to use them either way, but with more and more things beginning to go with USB Type-C, I'm not sure if you'd enjoy going all the way to the back of the case to plug in directly to the motherboard.
Sadly, a comparable case with USB Type-C is quite a bit more expensive: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Even more so if you want to have a glass side panel.

GPU: I wouldn't buy a GPU new at these prizes TBH. 350 bucks for a 1660 is absolutely insane. I would suggest you either wait until these crazy prizes die down a little come February/March, or you buy used. Even the used prizes are somewhat laughable, but it's far better than paying 350 bucks for a 1660. That GPU is already two generations behind. For that amount of money, I'd bet you could find a good 2070 or even a 2080 if you're good at haggling. Maybe even a 3060 if the stars align.

MOBO: AMD has stated that they'll support the B550 chipset in the future as well, so you're good on the upgradabilty front with the MOBO. For that price though, you could get a better MOBO with this: MSI MAG B550M MORTAR
It actually has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header, so if you go with the Enthoo Pro 2, you would be able to use the front I/O fully, it has support for Wi-Fi 6, so you'd be futureproofed there, and it's even a bit cheaper. The only major difference is that it's Micro ATX as opposed to the full ATX size of the MOBO that you chose. So it's a bit smaller. The only thing you lose with that is one PCI-E x16 slot, which for your purposes is completly fine.

CPU COOLER: The CPU that you picked comes with a cooler, and it works decently enough for the most part, but I would suggest upgrading it later on to better one. You'd be able to overclock a bit with that as well if you want to go into that area. I'd suggest something like the tried and true Noctua NH-D15 or Noctua NH-U9S or even a CRYORIG M9 Plus.

Thanks for all that input on the build I really appreciate it!

GPU: Just last night I was able to find a 2060FE used for $290 shipped to me, so I went with that. I was really exited becuase i was not ready to send 150 bucks more then MSRP for the 1660!

MOBO: Then the only other thing I changed was the MOBO, I went with a Gigabyte X570 AORUS ELITE ATX AM4 Motherboard and that does have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header. Would you still recommend the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 case? I defiantly want to use the MOBO to the fullest and also have good ventilation option for the future when I get some more fans. and I do love cable management even if it doesn't have a glass side panel, I still know what's behind it haha

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Alex Glawion]

Yes the case still is a good fit. I'd say, go for it! ;D