PC Build Advice

[cassvd]

Hi there,

I have been messing around in C4D, Houdini and Touchdesigner for about 5 years and am now wanting to make the leap into doing commercial projects full-time. I am currently working on a Mac but desperately need to make the switch to a PC as my Mac is getting old and running way too hot. I also need the performance boost as I will be working in a much more demanding professional capacity.

I would call myself a 3D generalist, meaning I am doing a mixture of all things: rendering, lighting, modeling, simulations, etc. In terms of rendering, I imagine I'll be doing a mixture of rendering on my own workstation and utilising a render farm. I am currently using Arnold but am looking to learn/switch to Redshift.

I have not used a PC in a very long time so am slightly anxious about the leap but it needs to happen... and fast! The world of PCs seems foreign and the options vast, but after reading through articles I am considering the build spec put together by CGDirector with a couple of edits (see below):

CGDirector PC & Workstation Builder - CG Director

The CGDirector PC-Builder lets you quickly find the best Computer Parts for your PC & Workstation Build. Use cases include 3D-Modeling, Animation, Video-Editing, Motion Design and more.

www.cgdirector.com

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Graphics Card: RTX 3080 or RTX 3090

My questions are as follows:
Does this build make sense? Would I need to adjust the other components to accomodate the alternate CPU and graphics cards listed above?
What are some good recommendations for peripherals like monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

Thank you!
Cass

 

[cassvd]

Another option using the PC Builder Tool (which includes some of the components I'm leaning towards):

CGDirector.com Parts List: https://www.cgdirector.com/pc-builder/?=6NqKf

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 3.4GHz 16-Core Processor ($549.99)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 ($89.90)
Motherboard: MSI X570 Tomahawk ATX AM4 ($133.94)
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3090 24GB - MSI Gaming ($1599.90)
Memory: 64GB (4 x 16GB) G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4-3200 C16 ($194.99)
Storage PCIe-SSD: WD Black SN850 2TB NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive ($309.99)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx Series RM750x 750W Power Supply ($123.99)
Case: Fractal Design Define XL R2 Titanium Big Tower Case ($199.99)
Total: $3202.69

Though, I'm getting this note:

Compatibility Note: - High-Profile RAM might require slight CPU-Fan up-shift.

 

[cassvd]

I've shared the above spec with a PC specialist here (in New Zealand) and they suggested I go with the 7950X instead and have made some adjustments based on the upgrade (see attached).

I am slightly anxious about going for anything in the 7000X series as they have yet to be really tested and reviewed by 3D experts. I've also watched some reviews that are more focused on gaming and it appears there are some minor issues with fitting the right CPU cooler and making sure it's powerful enough as well as a boot up delay associated with RAM.

I've asked the PC shop to give me a quote for my original spec (https://www.cgdirector.com/pc-builder/?=6NqKf) with the 5950X, knowing that there might be a couple of alternative components suggested due to stock issues.

I guess my question is, which is the safer bet?The 5950X or the 7950X? I'm in a huge pinch because my current machine has just died so I need to act fast as it is my only workstation. And if I do go for the 7950X, has the PC specialist made the right selections as far as accompanying components?

Thanks so much!
Cass

 

[cassvd]

Hi there,

Apologies for all the self replies. I've had to move quickly as my Mac has just died.

The final spec is attached. I'm going to have to action the build/purchase tomorrow so if anyone has any final thoughts about this, I'd love to hear! Hopefully I've made the right decisions...

 

[arb]

Hello, I do not have an advice for you as I just joined these forums but I am surprised that nobody answer you by now.

I was going to ask for advice as well but if there are no responses, I will probably waiy.

Good luck with your build!!

 

[Alex Glawion]

Sorry for the late reaply. The Build list looks solid, though, so I see no issues. The PSU could be a bit stronger for any potential future upgrades (e.g. a more powerful GPU) but it's not a necessity.

Did you end up purchasing it and have it running yet?

 

[cassvd]

No worries! Yes, it's all been very smooth. Runs very well. Much faster than what I am used to.