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Buying or building a PC for DAZ Studio

Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805
in Daz Studio Discussion

I love my Macintosh computers. But I want more hardware power for DAZ Studio. I'd like to eventually build the kind of PC that can handle at least a 4GB video card, etc. The PC would be used only for DAZ Studio. My Macs would handle my other pursuits. I am easily confused, looking at all the parts descriptions, etc. Does anyone have the patience to describe to me the kind of parts I'd need to put together?! I have a feeling a "premade" PC might not do the job for me.

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Comments

  • FirePro9FirePro9 Posts: 456

    This is a pretty broad subject, particularly given no price point to shoot for.  If you are looking for IRAY rendering then nVidia's 980Ti video card would be my first choice.  Then of course you can have between 1 and 4 of these cards.  IRAY is dependent on the CUDA cores on the nVidia cards, more cores = better rendering speed.  If you are not that familiar with building PC's I'm sure you can find a premade one that will get you going that has a 980 or 980Ti card in it.  Good luck!

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2016

    FirePro9, thanks for taking the time to respond. Yes, I want to handle IRay for DAZ Studio. The budget is a whole issue in itself. I'd likely be looking at buying the stuff in a few months, perhaps a few parts at a time. (Or saving up for the parts). I get confused when people talk of i7 CPUs but I see so many other "designations" for the parts. I'd be looking for a "starter" setup that I can expand upon later. I have built PCs in the past, beginning in the 1980s.

    I'd appreciate it if someone could give me links to existing products. You know, a motherboard, CPU, memory, etc. I've begun to realize it's important to have the right power supply to support the hardware. Also I'd like to know what motherboards to look for that would allow multiple video cards. That makes it easier for me to understand what goes together.

    Post edited by Ron Knights on
  • FirePro9FirePro9 Posts: 456

    Your best bet  is to check out http://pcpartpicker.com/  this will show you current pricing and check your build for parts compatibility.  Also numerous ready made builds are available to look at.  I would start with the best video card within your budget and build the rest around that.  Other than the video card recommendations above I'd also go with an SSD drive in lieu of or in addition to a HDD. 

  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,436

    For Iray you want an nVidia video card with 4GB or more of its own RAM (not system RAM). That starts with a 4GB 740 and goes up to a TitanX with 12GB (ignoring Quadro cards for now). The CPU is not critical if you want it only for Iray renders (as long as the GPU, the video card, can handle them), nor is system RAM beyond a certain point - however, it is a good idea to have soem idea how much RAM your scenes will use in the GPU so you might want to get the Sim Tenero Iray Memory Assistant and run it on your current system with some typical scenes http://www.daz3d.com/iray-memory-assistant . You do need to make sure the power supply will run the GPU you pick, and that it and the motherboard will ahve the capacity to add more GPUs in future

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805
    edited March 2016

    Thanks, guys! Hey Richard, it's great to see you again. I think we're going in circles here. I know the general principles (a powerful video card, etc.) I get lost on the specifics. I don't do well with charts etc. I need people to trasnlate, explain etc.

    I went to NewEgg and used their "Configurator" tool. Let's use this as a starting point, and see how it compares to what I'd eventually want. These parts cost $554.99.

    Intel Core i7-4790K Devil's Canyon Quad-Core 4.0 GHz LGA 1150 BX80646I74790K Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600

    ASRock Z97 Extreme4 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

    CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B

    Mushkin Enhanced ECO2 2.5" 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MKNSSDEC240GB

    I've had my eye on this Cooler Master HAFX full tower case for a long time. I have big hands and need room to move inside the case. Also I'd like to install a few different hard drives. I'd appreciate your input. 

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S68Q0Y/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=24AHGWWII75E&coliid=I3SN9JFIOPNYM9&psc=1

    NewEgg doesn't appear to have many choices for motherboards that handle two video cards. What about the Gigabyte Ultra Durable GA-Q170M-MK

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128893

     

     

     

    Post edited by Ron Knights on
  • Richard HaseltineRichard Haseltine Posts: 102,436
    edited March 2016

    You don't have a power supply there, that's very important. Are you sure about the lack of video card support? What you are looking for is multiple PCI-e 3.0 x16 (ideally) slots. Do you need an SSD? It will boost boot times, but is that vital in a box that is essentially a render appliance rather than a workstation?

    Post edited by Richard Haseltine on
  • nicsttnicstt Posts: 11,715

    Wait and see what Pascal cards from Nvidia have to offer; if nothing else, they may allow for some deals on the current cards.

    Whilst an SSD is great for many things, it doesn't do much for rendering, and can be a way to save a little cash; although the prices of em are constantly dropping.

    I'd much rather have 16GB of RAM, than 8GB with an SSD - you will notice a difference in boot times and some other tasks, but RAM is more of a requirement for 3D stuff - it's a trade off.

    And I'd sooner have the RAM than have the SSD used as swap memory - but don't let anyone talk you into turning off swap btw, just because you have an SSD.

  • namffuaknamffuak Posts: 4,176

    I'd look at a motherboard with an X99 chipset, support for 8 memory sticks, and 3 or 4 PGIe-3 slots. Add a 1,000 or 1,200 watt power supply and a well-ventilated case that supports an 8-slot motherboard. Then get the CPU you want to live with and a suitable cooling system, air or water.

    Then start looking at the upgradeable extras - memory, video cards, and hard drives.

    It has been my experience that swapping the motherboard just isn't a viable option after building a system, so getting an board that supports maximal expansion up front, and a case to put it in is critical.

  • nicsttnicstt Posts: 11,715
    namffuak said:

    I'd look at a motherboard with an X99 chipset, support for 8 memory sticks, and 3 or 4 PGIe-3 slots. Add a 1,000 or 1,200 watt power supply and a well-ventilated case that supports an 8-slot motherboard. Then get the CPU you want to live with and a suitable cooling system, air or water.

    Then start looking at the upgradeable extras - memory, video cards, and hard drives.

    It has been my experience that swapping the motherboard just isn't a viable option after building a system, so getting an board that supports maximal expansion up front, and a case to put it in is critical.

    Good point.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    OK, now we're getting somewhere. I just threw out a few possible parts or combinations to get the discussion moving along. Sometimes it's easier when you have something to comment on. I haven't begun to start assembling an idea of a new setup yet. We're at the building blocks stage! I'm not a huge fan of SSD drives. A friend gave me one for my Macbook, and it doesn't provide enough storage space.

    Can you provide a link to a motherboard with the X99 chipset and support for 8 memory sticks, etc?! 

    I'm retired, living off a small monthly income. I'd like to put together a system over time. Start with a good choice for CPU, motherboard, PSU, case, fan etc. Start with a decent amount of memory and plan ahead for upgrading memory. I know it's important to plan your memory acquisition so you don't need to replace some memory when you upgrade.

    Start with an "OK" video card and allow me to save up to buy a better video card later. An "average" 1 GB nVidia card would be a good starter. Once I save money for a better GPU maybe I could use the old one for the monitors?! Let's look for a motherboard that handles two video cards, rather than more. It's likely to be less expensive, but still good. 

    I might not have any money to spend on a PC till summer. In the meantime, I'd like to put together an idea for a new home-built PC I can use from the start, while I'm saving up for more expensive parts. I'd really love any links to products you care to share.

  • frank0314frank0314 Posts: 14,263

    You should only put the programs on a SSD drive. You have to have a normal HD for all the data

  • jeffglobalmedicjeffglobalmedic Posts: 23
    edited March 2016

    This is the only real way to get "realtime" rendering.

    Otherwise, you have to sli gtx's of the highest quality you can afford, (get used, the computer stuff except for hdd and sdd seem to last a long time) and if not water cool them, enjoy the tropical landscape of your workspace like I do with mine.  I only have the cpu self contained in a watercooler, cause it seemed to run hot the fastest.

    Hey, I'm pretty sure the Pascal cards are even more powerful than the Titan X.  Now I have to look it up...it's been a while.  I'd marry a computer with Pascal cards.  Oh crap, Pascal Async is in trouble!  Ok, that sounds like my last marriage.

     

    Is the person above that made the youtube vid a woman, I think it's a she...I don't want to misreference a gender...no matter how fluid such things supposibly are...

    Post edited by jeffglobalmedic on
  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    Ron Knights   I recommend to look for  Workstation Mainboards...

    You can start with a cheap CPU and can always update to 10 or more cores later (XEON)..

    Entry workstation mainboards are MADE for graphics/CAD Tasks

    ideally your Workstation should let you upscale on CPU, up to  64/128GB RAM  and offers as many as possible full PCI 3.0 16 (up to 4x16 lanes or more (expander))  

    do NOT save on the motherboard AND CASE - instead save on the CPU - RAM - and Powersupply...and upscale/add those when you are able to finance.

    You start with the minimum....  and it will take you a year or longer to be able to load your workstation with GPU's. RAM and so on (that's how i understand you)...    so just grab a cheap second hand powersupply first 500 watt.. add a gtx 740 2GB or something like that... and you still have enough power to add a GTX 960...

    The advantages of a Workstation Mainboards are later upscale abilities! and midtherm/longtherm support!

    cheap gamerboards change chips and other things (which you dont need) way to fast.

     

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    jeffgloblmedic, that is one impressive video. 

    What do you people think of this ASRock Fatal1ty Gaming motherboard?! It has the X99 chipset. I'm not familiar with the brand at all. $274

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157540

  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910

    there are now boards just a little bit more epxensive with 8 RAM slots and 4x16 PCI... just stumbled over this one..

    ok also a "gaming" branded one: Gigabyte GA-X99-Gaming 5P should run for 300usd...


    the advantge of 8 ram slots you can start with 2x4 GB (or 2x8) ... and they are not wasted when you update/add ram blocks to 64Gb...

    "GIGABYTE X99 motherboards feature a unique PCI Express design that utilizes 100% of all 40 lanes from the CPU when in a 4-Way or 3-Way graphics configuration. Standard designs limit all 4 main PCIe lanes to x8 (64Gb/s) bandwidth,"

     

     

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    OK, looking at Gigabyte X99 motherboards. Thanks.

  • FirePro9FirePro9 Posts: 456

    If there is no budget in mind then the sky is the limit, there are many ways to spend your money and get ever more performance.  Here is, for example, a decent $2600 dual SLI 98Ti build that aint bad:

    http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/YNWG3C/2600-sli-render-build

    Plenty of other builds on pcpartpicker to look at, including this $4100 beast of a box with 3-sli 980Ti video cards:

    http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/KM6MnQ/thesparkgames-outrageous-dream-build

    And if you got even more money, go for the Titan video cards, such at this $5100 dual Titan setup.

    http://pcpartpicker.com/guide/ZRH9TW/the-lottery-build

    Almost everyone I knows has a budget, I suggest you start there otherwise there is no end to your options.  Good luck!

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    My imaginary budget is rather meager. I'd be ecstatic if I could at least start a new system for $1,500. Then I could slowly upgrade as time passed.

  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    @FirePro9

    Yes with the sky as the limit life is easy smiley...

    Unfortunately i sit in the same boat as Ron Kinght does.. and just putting me togther a future proved system - which let's me update/upscale over some years .. step by step... but something which i still can have fun in 4 years smiley..

    the board above has workstations specs.. supports I7 and Xeon.. up to 128GB full PCI lanes..   something like this and a good case with the cheapest possible cpu for now.... and then add the power over time.. simple but smart strategy smiley

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • FirePro9FirePro9 Posts: 456

    For $1500 the best bang will be a somewhat stripped down box with one 980Ti. 

    If you can do the build with an X99 MB and a 980Ti within your budget that should be a nice box.

  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    a skyline i7 is very limiting .. just saying.. for sure it is possible to get a "cheap" build" for one GPU card.......   but for those which plan to stack up over some time.. thinking ahead means to invest in a very good motherboard... and wait a little bit longer for the GPU power..  soon we can buy many second hand titan x... smiley

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    actually i jumped in this thread because i tought hey! here is someone else (Ron above) thinking the same way as i do...  

    Ron Knights said:

    My imaginary budget is rather meager. I'd be ecstatic if I could at least start a new system for $1,500. Then I could slowly upgrade as time passed.

     

    That is possible... you could even start < 1000usd..

    With one of the motherboards from above you can also go with a cheap XEON at first..   and use the saved money for let's say a GTX 970....
    Motherboard 300 usd.-
    A case maybe 100 - 200.-
    Cooler.. for a cheap CPU .. 40.-
    RAM 16GB - 32GB ..   80 - 200 usd 
    Powersupply..  500 watt is fine for the start (use a second hand!) ..  20- 60 usd. (that one you replace later for a > 1000 Watt..
    GTX card 300usd.. or just use a 740 2GB ram.. runs for 70 usd i think... there is a version with 380 cudas or so... or try to grab a second hand > 770... 

    CPU - well...  let's say a simple six core xeon 300usd.... that one you replace later.. but it is enough to have fun with DAZ. and IRAY and supports 40 pci lanes..

    It is a system which you can really upscale to a power horse!

    I forgot the Harddisk :-).. but well i have so many old ones around me... use your old ones at first.. and buy a 256GB SDD for the OS they are now to get for < 100usd...

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    Thanks for the info. You know what's weird?! My largest concern right now is my eyesight. I may have cataracts. I get tired of scaling my monitor screens just so I can read the text and see the thumbnails on DAZ Studio, etc. Out of curiousity I ran DAZ Studio on my Mac Mini, attached to my 50" LCD TV, running a 1080p screen. I loved it! I could see and read everything. 

    Now I'm scheming to buy a 40-50" TV to use as a main monitor for one of my Macs. I usually watch TV all day, even when I'm doing stuff on the computer. It would be easier for me to save up $300-$400 for a TV to use as a computer monitor. Maybe I'm better off forgetting about building a PC until I win the lottery. (I don't buy tickets!) or find a rich woman. Not likely.

  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    As i worked every day 8 - 12 hours on monitors.. i installed also a large TV screen..  in adition to my normal monitor. (dual screen)..  i had them that way in position that i could watch both at the same time without turning my head much (just moving the eye focus)... in my case it helped to relax my eyes .. the TV about 3 meters away.. nearsight/farsight..



     

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    This is a fairly recent view of my setup. I added a 24" monitor on the far right. The 50" TV & 24" monitor are connected to the Mac Mini. The 27" iMac is connected to the other 24" monitor. I don't have a lot of room for desks and such. I have to allow room for family to visit. My brother is in a wheelchair and he dominates the living room when he visits.

     

    setup.jpg
    1024 x 768 - 260K
  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910

    well.. enough monitors are there allready.... also a nice large TV... and if you should really have a cataract, this is today not the end of sight... 

    So.. i bookmarked this thread .. and i hope you win the lottery smiley

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    Thanks. I saw an eye doctor to get new eyeglasses. She said I had cataracts. I plan to see a specialist in April to see just what we can do, or what needs to be done. I got stressed out just thinking of trying to build a new PC. To tell the truth I tried working on my Macbook, and stopped. I couldn't see most of the screws!

  • AndyGrimmAndyGrimm Posts: 910
    edited March 2016

    then i am sure you googled allready....

    the success rate is 98%.... success means normal vision is back - the other 2% means not they are blind now..
    one eye nearsigthed the other farsigthed (monovision) is no problem..  i can say that because i have that (lasik to monovison)...   i had 3 months or so problems with distances .. after my brain adapted,  the stereo vision (Illusion of it)  came back...  If you are used to wear glasses allready.. and they cant make monovision because of your age.. you have the choice farsigthed or nearsighted.. Anyway, today there is no reason to be to much worry... you will see the screws when you build your Iray PC :-)

    Post edited by AndyGrimm on
  • nonesuch00nonesuch00 Posts: 18,293

    I know at least 3 people that has had cataract surgery and only one of the surgeries on one of the eyes have failed. They can correct the failed ones if the patient is willing to let the doctors try again.

  • Ron KnightsRon Knights Posts: 1,805

    Bot of my parents have had laser surgery, and had good results. I'm a bit confused because my eye doctor (Pearle Vision) said I have 20/20 vision with my eyeglasses. But I have difficulty reading text or seeing thumbnails if I use the default resolution of my monitors. She did say I had the beginning of cataracts. I ordered my eyeglasses online, and am not totally sure of their quality.

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