Computers & Electronics

Need advice - 3D Content Creation PC

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  • Oct 6th, 2004 12:58 pm
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Sep 29, 2002
204 posts
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Ottawa

Need advice - 3D Content Creation PC

My brother is looking to put together a system in November. The principle purpose of the computer will be 3D content creation, mainly Maya if I am not mistaken. His budget is around $2000 + taxes.

2 issues really...

#1 What processor? Thinking around 3 GHZ, so A64, P4 HT Socket 478 or 775? Will an Athlon 64 match or beat a P4 or not? Is there a real advantage to socket 775 over 478 or A64?

#2 What graphics cards? I don't know much about Pro OpenGL cards, but I think I have narrowed it to either an entry-level ATI FireGL T2-128 or an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB gaming card. My question is will the 9800 Pro gaming card match the content creation performance of the entry-level firegl card, or do these firegl cards really out-do gaming cards when it comes to 3d animation programs?

So there you have it. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
8 replies
Deal Fanatic
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Oct 26, 2003
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Nepean
you'll need dual processor (Xeon or Opetron) take your pick cuz either will be fine.

1-2GB of RAM is definitely helpful.

and a PRO OpenGL will be a lot better than just a gaming card. Since it's a bit of different programming (E.G. BIOS) Although it may be the same card/gpu ..the bit of alteration makes a huge load of difference when it comes to Maya, other any 3D
Deal Fanatic
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Oct 26, 2003
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Nepean
Lets see
Tyan K8W @ infonec - $335
2xOpetron 242 @ Canadacomputers - 2x$339
Corsair CMX1024RE-3200 1GB DDR400 ECC Registered @ CC - $458

thats pretty much $1500 right there :lol:
Member
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Sep 29, 2002
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Thanks tenzor,

Regarding Video - Good to know, so you're saying that even that entry level card will take down a 9800 pro when it comes to content creation...

Regarding Proc - unfortunately duel proc will bust his budget, but should I take it then that A64 vs P4 HT = about the same performance?

RadMan
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Oct 26, 2003
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Nepean
RadMan wrote:Thanks tenzor,

Regarding Video - Good to know, so you're saying that even that entry level card will take down a 9800 pro when it comes to content creation...

Regarding Proc - unfortunately duel proc will bust his budget, but should I take it then that A64 vs P4 HT = about the same performance?

RadMan
more or less the same performance.

streeeeeeeeeeeeeech his budget a bit. I'm sure you can find better deals just gotta look hard enough and call enough places.
Member
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Sep 29, 2002
204 posts
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Ottawa
I guess if my bro is to go dual-proc, he will need Windows XP Pro and not just Homely edition?
Deal Fanatic
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Oct 26, 2003
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Nepean
RadMan wrote:I guess if my bro is to go dual-proc, he will need Windows XP Pro and not just Homely edition?
yeah :(
Deal Guru
Apr 17, 2003
10644 posts
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Get a Radeon 9800 or something along the same line...and mod it to a FireGL...

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