Starting a fresh PC for 3D modeling and artistic projects
Starting a fresh PC for 3D modeling and artistic projects
I'm assembling a new workstation for professional use. The software I rely on performs best with CPUs that have fewer but stronger cores, ample RAM (beyond my current 24GB), and a GPU equipped with substantial VRAM to handle detailed 3D scenes with high-resolution textures and intricate sculptures. Occasionally I play games, but that's just extra; I'm confident whatever I choose will suffice for gaming as well.
My existing system is ten years old, and I won't be able to repurpose much of it. I plan to retain storage, displays, peripherals, the case, the operating system, and possibly the toilet seat. I anticipate spending about $1000, but I'm willing to increase the budget if necessary.
Specific needs:
- I prefer a mini ITX build, which means tighter size limits for the motherboard and GPU. If a suitable GPU isn't available in my current case, I'm open to upgrading to a slightly larger one.
- Preferring SFX PSUs because of the compact form factor, though a standard ATX PSU would still fit.
- The GPU must be from NVIDIA to support CUDA; it should measure around 42mm wide and about 255mm long.
- I want an Intel CPU since those have been my only reliable choice, though I'm open to AMD alternatives.
- A motherboard with a built-in Wi-Fi module is ideal. The Gigabyte model I currently own has proven dependable, but I anticipate it may fail soon, so I need something more robust.
- Components should have strong thermal performance. The existing case offers good airflow, but summers are intense and AC isn't always available.
Edit: I'm planning to start this build in early 2025. If a compelling new part arrives near that time, I'm flexible with the timeline.
Identify the components needed to assess upgrades. Consider the case's compatibility with potential coolers. Determine the nearest country for purchasing parts, especially if located in the USA and close to a MicroCenter.
Here’s a revised version of your text with similar structure and length maintained:
I won’t keep the following items: a 10-year-old Corsair PSU, a Skylake i5 (6th generation) CPU paired with matching DDR3 RAM, and a GTX 1060 with 6GB VRAM.
The displays are 1440p, and I don’t plan to upgrade to ultra high resolutions or higher refresh rates.
I’d prefer to stick with the case I have – Silverstone SG05. It’s straightforward: it has no unnecessary features, just a small white box with good airflow. I’m open to getting another compact, discreet model if needed, but these are rare these days.
Using an ATX PSU restricts me to AIO coolers. I also want to retain the AIO watercooler (Maelstrom 120t), though I’m considering it may not fit newer CPUs, so that might be the end for now.
The AIO setup is a bit complicated; from what I can see locally, there are only a few single 120mm fans available from trusted brands such as Cooler Master, Deepcool, Thermaltake, and Corsair. I’ll need to look into this more thoroughly, but for the moment, I’ll keep that in mind without focusing too much on it.
I don’t reside in the US, so I might import components from Amazon US if they’re unavailable locally.
When it comes to parts, I prioritize CPU over GPU and thread performance over extra cores. I enjoy gaming, but this isn’t a high-end rig.
So then it's about where you reside and where you can procure components, given your budget is capped at 1000 USD, but that seems off. Parts availability and costs differ significantly across various regions, which is why I'm inquiring. The 82MM CPU cooler height limit might also pose an issue for you.
The budget is actually higher than $1000 to account for the increased costs here, this amount is just a simplification to help suggest options since most major brand components that are available in the US and EU are also accessible in Brazil. As I’m not making a purchase at the moment, I won’t depend on flash sales, and if the gap between a mediocre item and a good one is only a few hundred, I’ll opt for more effort to justify it.
I’m based in Brazil. Some online stores include:
amazon.com.br,
kabum.com.br,
terabyteshop.com.br,
pichau.com.br,
mercadolivre.com.br.
I live in a major city and also have access to local shops offering some better deals.
Do you find Intel Quick-sync useful? Would a storage solution be helpful? This option would fit your needs but might exceed your budget.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i5-14600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($228.98 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP120-X67 59 CFM ($30.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z690-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX LGA1700 ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($158.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY VERTO GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB ($439.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone SG05-LITE Mini ITX Desktop Case (free purchase)
Power Supply: Cooler Master V SFX Gold ATX 3.0 850 W ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1138.63
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-10-25 20:54 EDT-0400
Unfortunately, I've noticed my computer's performance hitting its 4-core limit at 3.8 GHz during heavy use. The app struggles with multi-threading, and other programs also consume those cores. That i5 looks intriguing. Talking to power users and developers confirmed speed is better than more cores—six would suffice already, and AVX2 support makes a difference. My older CPU supports it too, so this shouldn't be an issue. No storage concerns here; I have enough space. I didn’t mention that my boot drive is an M.2 NVMe, which affects the motherboard, but most current boards handle it.
Most contemporary Intel CPUs feature numerous cores. I opted for the 14600kf since it can significantly enhance its six performance cores. The eight efficiency cores provide moderate boosts but offer lower IPC; however, your applications will primarily utilize P cores while the E cores handle less critical tasks.
I've been getting a bit excited about the Ryzen options as I near buying the components. Is there any clear drawback to building a system around this instead of sticking with the recommended i5s?