Looking to buy a new computer need some help

[intamin22]

My old computer just died so i'm thinking of getting a new one. I'd like to get one that is capable of 3d modeling and rendering in keyshot. I'm thinking of hp or dell and my budget is around $700. So if you have any ideas or suggestions i'd appreciate it, thank you!

[br3ttman]

After searching at various price levels for both home and work workstations this past year, I've found the biggest bang for the buck for high performance CPU KeyShot rendering is to build an overclocked gamer PC.  For $700 I'd start by pointing you to the mid-level gamer PC's at ibuypower.com.  I recommend working from their home page and start practicing building different gamer systems at the target price you're wanting to spend.  Their website has a nice interface for exploring different builds, and I've been quite pleased with their quality and support.

Processor -
Definitely go with an Intel i5 or i7 quad core or higher and choose their overclocking options (I didn't choose their overclocking and really wish I would have).  A really nice resource for comparing CPU performance is cpubenchmark.net.  Here's a link to their high end CPU comparison chart:  http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html   

Graphics Card - 
The value spot for gamer graphics cards right now is around Nvidia GeForce GT 520.  KeyShot is CPU dependent, so high-end graphics aren't as important.   However, a decent level of graphics is helpful for other 2D and 3D CAD packages.  I have a GeForce GT460 at home and a GeForce GT520 on an Alienware system at work, and I'm flying quite nicely with ProE, Solidworks and the Adobe Creative suite.

Memory -
You'll want at least 4Gb of RAM.  However, the best time to buy RAM is the value priced RAM when you get your PC.  So if possible try to get at least 8Gb if not 12Gb, especially if you end up working on highly detailed models.

Motherboard -
Poke around on line and you'll find some nice motherboard review sites.  I tend to favor Asus over Gigabyte motherboards after some of my research, but I think both offer quality motherboards.  Nice part about ibuypower.com is that they sift through all the compatability needs as you go through and build different options.

Finally, if you're savvy and looking to assemble a machine on your own, I personally think you can find extraordinary deals through Microcenter.com (do you have a store near you?).  They often have specials better than TigerDirect or NewEgg.  In fact, after numerous price comparisons between TigerDirect, NewEgg, and Ibuypower, I consistently got an equivalent or better set-up through Ibuypower.  Plus they did all the assembly and OS install for me.

Also, don't forget to check the Benchmark section in this forum:  http://keyshot.com/forum/index.php/board,36.0.html to see how other member's systems are performing.  Keep in mind that FPS listings for KeyShot 3 users are about 25% slower than KeyShot 2 users.  Not that I'm recommending trying to use KeyShot 2 over Keyshot 3, KeyShot 3 is much nicer.  I just want you to have a proper frame of reference as you go through the benchmark comparisons.

Happy Hunting!

[guest84672]

Thanks br3ttman - very good advise indeed. We love building our own PCs here at Luxion.