Which is good for Daz3d; the i5 or i7

Optimus ShepardOptimus Shepard Posts: 186
edited December 1969 in Daz Studio Discussion

Hey,
I'm looking for a new computer since my current computer is not fast enough for my rendering. I was wondering does anybody know if i5 is a good choice for a low budget like me or do I have to get an i7? I tried looking at other forums about cpu but no such luck of help. Please help thank you.

«13

Comments

  • ErdehelErdehel Posts: 386
    edited November 2014

    Deleted - No good answer

    Post edited by Erdehel on
  • FishtalesFishtales Posts: 6,161
    edited December 1969

    Hey,
    I'm looking for a new computer since my current computer is not fast enough for my rendering. I was wondering does anybody know if i5 is a good choice for a low budget like me or do I have to get an i7? I tried looking at other forums about cpu but no such luck of help. Please help thank you.

    What are the specs. for your present computer?

  • Optimus ShepardOptimus Shepard Posts: 186
    edited December 1969

    Sorry, well for the rendering I was rendering mostly not HD figures but it took me about hour and 30 mins and sometime more than that to complete the render. HD takes much longer for me about 4 or 5 hours! As for the specs for my present computer I have an HP and it's intel pentium dual core, 2.00 GHZ, and the RAM 8.0. I was planning to buy an ASUS laptop i5 like this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-dark-gray-blue-gray/6643023.p?id=1219229364828&skuId=6643023

    Or this one: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/asus-r556la-rh71-intel-core-i7-4510u/prod15820173.ip?navAction=

    Thank you

  • ErdehelErdehel Posts: 386
    edited November 2014

    Deleted - No good answer

    Post edited by Erdehel on
  • Roboman28Roboman28 Posts: 210
    edited December 1969

    The answers you are getting here are not good. Daz Studio rendering is multithreaded so can benefit from all the threads you can give it. Few games are multithreaded. Simple answer is yes an i7 would be better than i5. For a more complicated answer go to intel cpu website and see how many threads processors have. For the same number of threads the faster speed is better of course.

  • EmotionalOutlet3DEmotionalOutlet3D Posts: 243
    edited December 1969

    This might be a timely topic for me as I'm looking at getting a new computer. My current computer was bought a couple of years ago before I discovered that I wanted to do 3D as a hobby. It was sufficient for my needs then (desktop publishing, video editing, 2D image editing, etc). My system is an all in one (which I thought was a great idea at the time, not so much now!!), so not upgradeable. It runs Windows 8.1 Pro (64 bit), Processor is AMD A8-3800 APU with Radeon HD Graphics, 2.40 GHz (4 cores), RAM is only 6GB :( Hard Drive is 2TB. I will say for the most part it works ok and I've run a lot of graphics and 3D programs on it with only a few groans if I'm loading one of Jack Tomalin's great scenes which I recently purchased in the PA sale. :)

    Since $$ are an issue I can't go out and buy something with all the bells and whistles so trying to find out what I need for a moderate end system. I know that some people prefer Intel and others AMD but since I've run both over the years (my laptop runs Intel i5) I can't say I have a preference as they both have their strong and weak points.

    I'm looking at one system on sale at the moment as a possibility but not sure if it is going to be enough. The specs are 4th gen. Intel i7-4790 processor, up to 4.0 GHz, RAM 16 GB, Graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750Ti, Hard Drive 2 TB and 32 GB SSD.

    All suggestions very much appreciated.

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited November 2014

    As well as having only 2 cores, the other big problem is that these are the mobile versions of the chips.
    The i5-4200U and the i7-4500U are designed for low heat and maximum battery saving.

    In terms of performance they are both a bit faster than an A8 (or Pentium duo) but actually slower than a desktop i3!!!

    You really want full powered desktop components if possible, look for the phrases "desktop replacement" or "gaming laptop".
    It won't be cheap though, you pay a big premium to squeeze desktop components into a laptop format.

    Post edited by prixat on
  • Optimus ShepardOptimus Shepard Posts: 186
    edited December 1969

    So if I buy a desktop computer (possible at the pawn shop) and upgrade it with intel core i7, then the graphics NVIDIA and some rams will that will be a better deal or should I just wait for a little while to buy a game laptop?

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    Basically, yes, unless portability is an essential requirement for you, then just stick to desktops.

    As for upgrading a second-hand machine that depends on the exact specs. so its difficult to give a general answer.

  • RoLoWRoLoW Posts: 346
    edited November 2014

    Other than time, money and patience, I have found several things that can have as a great impact on performance in 3D applications:

    - Using 64-bit O/S will help with the right CPU and 64-bit apps (if available)
    - Max out your RAM memory but try for at least 16Gb memory (32-bit is capped at 4Gb)
    - Good non-integrated Video card (ATi, Nvidia, etc..) with adequate and fast memory (DDR3 or higher)
    (integrated video uses a shared-memory architecture which means that your CPU and Video share memory thus impacting performance)

    While recently upgrading/building a new F-A-S-T PC for my son, it took me 6-months to find and afford all the right components.

    Building a new computer is not an easy task and should not be undertaken without any experienced assistance.

    If you are a Windows user, plan on either suffering through the Product Key transfer or simply buy it cheap when it is on sale.
    (You definitely want to start with a freshly installed O/S regardless of machine type).

    Post edited by RoLoW on
  • StratDragonStratDragon Posts: 3,249
    edited November 2014

    having seen DS run on various i5's, i7's and Dual Xeon CPU's the best bang for the buck has been the i7. The Dual Xeon 2.26 is faster than my i7 2.4 for rendering but only rendering and didn't justify the cost, other than that the i7 is overall faster with most tasks.

    and if you buy a PC at the pawn shop what are you getting in it, how old is it, what are they asking for it and are you using it "as-is" or do you plan to wipe it out just in case someone didn't update their virus definitions and you have an infested junk heap with a lot of useless hardware that can be strangely expensive to replace due to inventory shortages.

    Post edited by StratDragon on
  • Optimus ShepardOptimus Shepard Posts: 186
    edited December 1969

    Ok I found this Dell desktop computer: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-i3847-5386bk-desktop-24-led-monitor-package/9999237600050004.p?id=pcmprd236400050004&skuId=9999237600050004

    I was wondering are dell's ok for 3d rendering. I could buy the i7 core buy itself someday to make it faster and expand the ram to make for faster. Please let me know. Thanks

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    Dells sometimes use non-standard components which might affect your upgradeability.

    Is there an i7 system with minimum memory and no graphics? That way you can avoid an expensive processor swap later.

    Although I'm speaking as a person who has a bag full of old processors in a drawer somewhere.

  • Herald of FireHerald of Fire Posts: 3,504
    edited December 1969

    I'm always of the mind that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. At least, when it comes to PC building...

    Instead of buying overpriced bundles, you can save yourself a lot of money by purchasing the individual components and putting them together yourself. Not only does this generally mean a cheaper PC overall, but it also means that everything is perfectly to the specifications you want or need it at.

    My own PC was custom built. I chose the motherboard, the CPU, the RAM, the drives... you get the idea. I'm currently packing an i7, which is a decision I don't regret. It's a bit more costly than the i5, and the performance increase while nice may not be significant enough for some people to justify the costs, but in my case I just wanted the best I could get.

    Take that Dell computer, for example. It's an i5, 1Tb HDD and 12Gb DDR3 memory. A system I could build manually, knocking at least $200 off the price tag. Of course, what you save in money you pay in convenience. Putting together a PC from scratch requires a bit of technical know-how so if you're not as savvy with the ins-and-outs of a PC it might save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

    I remember cursing my PC supplier thinking that they'd sold me faulty components when I simply hadn't secured the CPU fan power cable properly.

    Still worth it though. It's an older i7 model now, but still close to top of the line in terms of performance. I couldn't have asked for more really.

  • StratDragonStratDragon Posts: 3,249
    edited December 1969

    CPU power has really slowed down the gains CPU's were making with each generation not too long ago, System RAM speed is also being tied down by this trend since one relies on the other.. The advances in performance now are focused on HD's and GPU's; where GPU RAM speed continues to advance

  • Optimus ShepardOptimus Shepard Posts: 186
    edited December 1969

    So HeraldOfFire how could building your own desktop will be less than buying the dell computer and then just upgrade the graphic card and change the ram in order to make it faster? Because I just look at the parts and all those together comes out a lot more than the price. And what website can you get the tower case, ssd hard drive, etc. for a cheaper price? Thank you everybody for help.

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    hi,

    a related question, as i'm looking to buy a new machine myself

    would an nvidia quadcore graphics card (costs about 250$ here) add much benefit in general? (i'm talking about speed, both when using DAZ and when rendering in it)

    other than that my system would ben an I7 with SSD drive, 16G

    i'm currently working on a HP probook and i'm hoping the switch will make quite some difference

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    I think you mean nVidia Quadro.

    The answer is no, only programs designed for the 'workstation features' will benefit from them.
    That's a very small list of programs like 3DS Max or Maya.

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    thanks prixat
    i can save myself some money then

    could you recommand a concrete type of graphics card that would help without being overkill? nvidia brand or something else?
    thx

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    could you recommand a concrete type of graphics card that would help without being overkill? nvidia brand or something else?
    thx

    Daz Studio is not that fussy. A basic nVidia 730 or AMD R7 will do.


    You may want to take other factors into consideration:
    Got a favorite game? ...it's going to demand more than Studio does
    Want a silent machine? ...look for fanless cards
    Have a multi-monitor setup? ...get at least 2GB
    Rendering with Octane? ...get an nVidia with 8GB
    Bitcoin mining? ...get an AMD R290
    4K gaming? ...get two nVidia 980s

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    thank you
    hmm, complicated.
    in case you want to help out further:

    - i don't do gaming at all
    - i will have two screens yes. you mean 2G graphics card?
    - not using octane for now
    - silent machine: always preferable, but not crucial

    i thought the graphics card was important in terms of speed, but apparently i'm wrong?

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    Yes, I meant 2GB of memory on the card.

    Currently Studio makes no use of the GPU for rendering.

    From that list, only Octane uses the GPU for rendering (nVidia cards only).

    Luxrender is working on using the GPU to assist the CPU. But it's not worth buying a top end AMD now for something that's not fully working yet.


    I was thinking of a cheap (almost throw-away) card, to be replaced by a proper one when you know what direction you're going in. If it wasn't for that multi-monitor requirement then even on-board graphics would be OK for Studio!

    Are you thinking more of a mid-range card that will keep you going for a while?

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    in terms of direction: i don't have the patience for a lot of very heavy rendering and speed is more important (churning out a lot of renders rather than very heavy renders). most i use is some omnifreaker with some spotlights.
    i care most of all about a smooth working environment, particularly when i have like four or more characters. i hate it when it begins to slow down and feels sluggish and translating objects feels clunky and is inprecise. that's the main thing that i want to avoid. if rendering goes faster, that's good.
    i don't mind a couple of hundred dollars more or less if that can safeguard me if in the future i start using reality or octane or whatever

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    It's highly subjective but I'd say a 2GB overclocked version of the GTX 750 Ti and put most of your budget on the fastest, latest i7 that you can afford.

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    this i read somewhere else:
    (it doesn't seem to imply that a quad is not beneficial?)

    the quadro k600 is a pretty low performer these days. It is a dedicated workstation card, which I figure is why you're interested. If possible, maybe you could take a look at the k620. The price is a negligible increase and you double your RAM from 1 to 2 GB.

    For about the same price you could get a GeForce card that blows it away in render speed. Even the low-end GeForce cards now use GDDR5 instead of the much-slower GDDR3 that the quadro uses, so the render times (of the screen, not your Daz renders) will be much faster.

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    It says the quadro is NOT beneficial. :coolsmile:

    "Even the low-end GeForce......will be faster."

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    ah, ok. i think i misread

    returning to your suggestion: what does overclocked mean? something i need to do myself?

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited December 1969

    The manufacturers do the overclocking and all the tweaking for you, and label the card as OC or something like that.
    They often have better and quieter cooling then the standard model too.

  • jstiltonjstilton Posts: 134
    edited December 1969

    do you maybe have a URL for this exact product?
    so it should mention overclocked in the description?

  • prixatprixat Posts: 1,590
    edited November 2014
    Post edited by prixat on
Sign In or Register to comment.