Feedback on parts. I've done some research.

#1

Hello CGtalk! I’m buying a new computer and would love some feedback on my parts list that I put together through some research.

I work primarily with Maya, Zbrush, After Effects, Premiere, and Photoshop but I will occasionally use 3ds max and other miscellaneous 3d and art apps. I also will be creating pre-vis sequences so I assume getting the most out of the latest viewport technologies would be beneficial. Here is some professional quality pre-vis. http://www.thethirdfloorinc.com/#features-f4d39 yes the models could be low-res but in pre-vis the scenes could get pretty complicated.

I will be ordering through NCIX.com and have them build it for me. (has anybody ordered from them before?) Also my budget is $2,000

Here is what I came up with.

Processor: Intel core i5 4460 Haswell 3.2GHZ LGA1150

Video Card: MSI Geforce GTX 770

Motherboard: ASUS z97 ws LGA1150

Memory: Corsair 16GB DDR3 RAM

Cooling: Corsair Cooling Hydro Series H100

Some questions

Do I need a cooling system and a regular fan?
Should I get two video cards?
I assume there is not so much debate over power supply. Just get one that is compatible. Right?

Thanks a lot!

#2

No you dont want two gfx cards.
The h100 might be a bit overkill for taking an i5 to 4GHz, a regular air cooler would be fine for that if you want to save some money.

#3

thanks for the feedback imashination. So something like this would work?
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-RR-212E-20PK-R2/dp/B005O65JXI/ref=zg_bs_11036281_1

#4

Really, there is nothing wrong with the fan that comes with the Intel processors, at least I’ve never had any overheating issues with them.

Get a good power supply, at least 750W. The EVGA Supernovas are nice and have a lot of head room.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperNOVA-80PLUS-Certified-110-B2-0750-VR/dp/B00KFAFRW6

#5

Cool, thanks Daf57.

you can see all the parts I have here.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HVPgCJ

I’m at $1,600 so I’m under budget. Where would you upgrade in this build? the CPU? graphics card?

#6

Have you worked with Windows 8.1 before? I ask because most don’t particularly (some vehemently) care for it. Personally I would try to add Windows 7 Pro. Other than that it looks like a good list - got to love a new rig!! :slight_smile:

#7

Yeah I’m having a tough time deciding between 7 and 8. I just figured I should get the latest even if some people don’t like it, ha. Exactly what Microsoft wants! But yeah I’m still not sure. Thanks for your help Daf.

#8

I just moved to 8, so long as youre happy to ignore the pointless tablet interface then its pretty much the same old thing. Just note that its now best to use the task bar at the bottom much like you would use the dock of a mac, rather than the start menu.

#9

You can actually configure Windows 8.1 to boot directly to Desktop, show Apps View when you go to Start Menu, and list desktop apps first in the Start Menu.
You would never see the tablet interface with this configuration.

#10

Ive done that, it still sucks, rumor has it theyre reverting it back to windows 7 style in a free update.

#11

Yeah…something like that…in Windows 10.

That Windows 8.1 configuration works just like Windows 7 for me…even better in most cases. To each their own I guess.

#12

How is it just the same? When you click the start button it replaces your entire damn screen with a giant mess of programs.