hardware advice

H

hizzle

n00b
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Nov 4, 2006
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6
I am a architecture student that will be purchasing a new computer for 3d modeling and rendering for mostly graphic stills (programs I will be using include formZ, Maya, and MAX. Any advice? thanks in advance.
 
I think Maya doesn't have a Universal Build out. I don't know if they'll have one out anytime soon. I'm not sure about the other programs you have listed.

I believe the path with less headaches would be a Windows machine.
 
Ok, So what kind of windows machine would you suggest? The other programs I will be using are Form Z for modeling (universal binary version is beta testing), and maxwell for lighting (universal binary version out now). The other major programs I would be using are those from the ADOBE brand which will have UB in the CS3 incarnation.
 
If you really are set on buying a Mac you could dual boot it Windows/OSX if that isn't a huge inconvenience to you.
 
Just out of curiosity, when would you need this by? Like you said one is in beta for universal binary, CS3 isnt out yet, ect ect....just wondering if this is a down the road thing or if its an absolute need right this moment...or maybe starting january/spring semester or something.
 
how does dual booting work? IS it hard to setup? do I have to buy windows? As for the need issue, I'm running stuff on an old powerbook that is about 4 years old and very slow. Not to mention the fact that it's a been beat up. I could wait till next spring, but I figuire I might as well start learning about all this computer stuff now, so that I make an informed purchase.
 
hizzle said:
how does dual booting work? IS it hard to setup? do I have to buy windows? As for the need issue, I'm running stuff on an old powerbook that is about 4 years old and very slow. Not to mention the fact that it's a been beat up. I could wait till next spring, but I figuire I might as well start learning about all this computer stuff now, so that I make an informed purchase.
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http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

It is a very simple process. You'll need a copy of Win XP with SP2.
 
Ya, bootcamp is easy to setup, all documentation is there for ya. Id say a MBP C2D would be good for you, as long as you load it up with ram that is. That way you can still get AutoCAD in windows (that is, if you use AutoCAD...and if not, what CAD do you use in OSX????....i would also like to know :) ) and anything else that you cant find for OSX you can throw it into windows.
 
You want the best processor you can afford, and a lot of RAM.

3D Studio Max 8 ran so good on my system when both cores were OC'd to 2.8.
 
Astrogiblet said:
You want the best processor you can afford, and a lot of RAM.

3D Studio Max 8 ran so good on my system when both cores were OC'd to 2.8.
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While this is true, he is a student not yet a professional. So my guess is the amount of stuff he does with it wont be insane yet....and i stress yet. Some day your going to need a Mac Pro with as much as you or your employer can afford, but i think a MBP maxed out will be fine for school.
 
Yea I agree Octave. Or build your own desktop. That would probably be the cheapest route.
 
Astrogiblet said:
Yea I agree Octave. Or build your own desktop. That would probably be the cheapest route.
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ya, probably, but then it wouldnt be all mac-a-fied
 
Yea, I love Macs. I've owned like 3 or 4 of them. But in this case, since he needs the most powerful computer for his money, I wouldnt suggest going with a mac or any prebuilt system really. I would recommend building your own.
 
Astrogiblet said:
Yea, I love Macs. I've owned like 3 or 4 of them. But in this case, since he needs the most powerful computer for his money, I wouldnt suggest going with a mac or any prebuilt system really. I would recommend building your own.
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If he wants the best for his money right now, during college, then yes, build your own box. But during college i would recommend a laptop, trust me on this. The MBP C2D is a powerfull machine (typing on it right now, gotta update my sig). And i think it will be more than enough for college. After college, he'll likely work someplace where they'll provide him with hardware, or if he freelances then the best bang for the buck applies again, that is unless he is making some serious bank, then go all out, get the Mac Pro souped up with 2x30inchers and post pics to make us all jealous :)
 
How can a speed up my real time modeling? I am into organic shapes and use lots of sweeps and nurb surfaces in formZ, When I do the basic box on box modernism, the program runs beautifully the MBP and MP that I tested out at the store. However, after loading up one of my files for school, it performed better than my current laptop (4 year old g4 PB.) but was still slowed up in wire frame mode. Is it the software or hardware that is the cause? I've heard that FormZ's openGL is bad. Since my school has computers, would it be best to get a desktop and just get a large flash drive to transport files to school computers for plotting. The only thing that would benefit me on a laptop would be the ability to take it to studio so that an instructor could be in the 3d environment instead of looking at stills.
 
A fast desktop will speed up everything for modeling. They require tons of processing and RAM.
 
As for the "getting your money's worth" aspect of it, remember that the Mac Pro is the cheap alternative when it comes to dual-CPU dual-core workstations. Prices may very well be different in the US, but the last time I checked swedish prices, the Mac Pro was actually slightly less expensive than a home-built system made of equivalent parts. And then it still came with better cooling and a nicer case.
 
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