upgrade for 3d rendering

[Mr.Samsa]

I'd like to upgrade my computer for 3d rendering. I'm pretty sure the thing for that is precessing power. Anyway, I'm asking what I should buy to do that. Do I need a new motherboard? If I do, I'd like to not have to get new RAM. Is a dual processor a possibility? Any info is greatly appreciated. Here are my specs:

Originally a Dell Dimension 8250

Pentium 4 2.40 GHz
768 MB of PC1066 RAM
ATI Radeon 9800xt graphics card

If you tell me how, I'll find out for you what motherboard I have.
Thank you!

 

[ChaosBlizzard]

For rendering, two processors will help. Other people who don't know any better will tell you other wise.

Too many people in the forum this the AMD 64 is somehow THEE best chip, not on this planet, but in the solar system... However, I urge you to ignore them.

As this kind of software, is written to utilize two+ processors, and you will see a benefit.

I would recommend you go with two Xeons. I also recommend two channel memory.

I have used both 3DStudioMax and Visual Studio, they both get a great benefit to using two processors.

How much are you looking to spend?

 

[EricB]

a Real Hardware Encoder card is the best thing. they are expensive.
they use to cost a grand or two, now you can get them for around $600

they will kill any processor as they are desisn for only one thing and they do it well. video

the best one is the first
http://www.enseo.com/QuartetGLi.html and http://www.enseo.com/PDFs/QuartetGLi.pdf

http://www.doremilabs.com/pdf/orcarak.pdf

http://www.nextag.com/ Canopus_mvr1...z0znzzz1zzmpeg2_<br />encoder_cardzmainz2-htm

some people have had problem with the compusa's one
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50121925&pfp=BROWSE

and they also would work on a 333 mghz machine. they also won't use up all of your computer resource like software encoders, which also improve quality

 

[Mr.Samsa]

Okay guys, thanks so far. How does this sound?

a TYAN Tiger i7505(S2668AN) motherboard with two Intel Xeon 2.8 GHz processors. I guess I'd have to get new RAM, but it would work with my video card. Do you think there'd be any problems with my hardware and such? I need to keep the cost under $1000, and these seemed to be the best things.

 

[ekÆsine]

Your current hardware is plenty fast enough. I would stick with what you got. I think after you work with 3D modeling for a while your excitement will pass and you will regret wasting so much money on upgrades. The benifit of dual proc is going to be dissapointing compared to what you have now versus what you'll be paying for the new parts.

 

[Mr.Samsa]

Aw man you're bummin me out. I definetely need some upgrade because 3ds max 7 is just not running well enough. Change of perspective is choppy, and I can't really even play unrendered animations. Rendering just takes way too long.

 

[ChaosBlizzard]

Are you talking about a Fire GL like card? Yes, those would help the rendering of any video greatly. Most professional software must also be configured to work with your video card.

These high grade cards have as many as 24 rendering pipelines. That's what helps out the most. However, I still stick to my point, that software would benefit from a dual processing based system.

 

[Nubius]

These high grade cards have as many as 24 rendering pipelines.

Whew that's awesome, wish current gaming cards had that, but I'd assume they process information differently or something to that degree.

 

[crazybeans]

Have you tried changing your Adaptive Degradation setting? You say your having problems panning and rotating the models. Adaptive Degradation fixes that by lowering the quality of the image displayed in the viewports. You can force FPS by changing the settings. Play with them and you may find that you don't even need an upgrade. As far as rendering goes, it is always going to take a long time depending on your settings. It is all about settings... Hardware helps alot but as most have said it is costly and you will probably regret it someday after the 3d excitement fades. Also, while you are working in 3d space you should hide the objects you are not currently working with. The only time you should have the whole scene showing is when your setting up the camera for rendering or when your actually rendering or just giving it a general look for placement etc. Good luck, try messing with the settings before you spend any money on hardware, you may be surprised.

 

[killians45]

wilcat realizm 800... if you can afford it... check out the specs, my god, its unreal