Since I recently landed a new job, I will soon start to work on a very large and very detailed model (we’re talking about 300m long architectural corridor) and I think I need to upgrade my machine.
So far I’ve been relying on a I7-8550U, 8GB RAM and a Radeon 530, but as I started using Grasshopper and setting up interior scenes I hit the roof (slowdown, overheating, crashes). I think I need to get a CPU with a high base clock speed to handle the modeling part, and then, since I’m sacrificing multicore a bit, a decent GPU to get the renderings done.
My budget sits around 1400€, and I’m thinking of a desktop solution (not willing to assemble it myself). Can somebody validate my thought process? Am I missing any key factors (maybe the motherboard?)? I’d appreciate it so much if you could suggest setups that suit my needs and wallet.
Hi Olivaniccolo,
I am running with the same questions. Maybe some professionals can help us. I will add some questions and a possible built:
-
Intel or AMD processor?
As I understand Rhino / GH mainly uses single core. Currently the Intel CPU’s are more affordable, but the AMD’s are better in the benchmarks.
-
GPU and the current prices
Is it worth to spend 700€-800€ on a RTX3070 or rather go for the RX 6700 XT ? Especially with vRay I have made doubts on if the can do the realtime raytracing?
-
RAM
I think 32 GB would be the minimum to work with big models.
-
M2 hard disk?
What is recommend? 512 GB together with a more affordable SDD?
-
Pre-built vs Self-built?
I am leaning to a self built, since you get more bang for the buck. Secondly I have a friend who can help me built it. What are your experiences with this?
I hope I am not making it more confusing. Otherwise ignore my message 
built 1:
Intel Core i5-11600K - €250
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 Ti - €860,-
Samsung 980 1TB M2 - €120,-
Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2D3600C18 - €165,-
Motherboard - appr €150,-
Case - appr €60,-
Cooler - appr. €30,-
Power - appr. €100,-
Total: €1735 (Dutch Market and over budget 
)
built 2:
Ryzen 5 5600 x - €260,-
Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 6700 XT - €860,-
Samsung 980 1TB M2 - €120,-
Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2D3600C18 - €165,-
Motherboard - appr €150,-
Case - appr €60,-
Cooler - appr. €30,-
Power - appr. €100,-
total: €1745,-
Most config is the same, just diff in GPU CPU.
To go back to €1400,- the GPU should be downgrade to a MSI GeForce RTX 2060 VENTUS GP OC - which will cut the cost with €400,-.
Best,
Georges
p.s. I added some model names based on user reviews of a dutch website. By changing some brands etc the costs can be cut with maybe 5-10%. GPU + CPU is always the budget killer.
1 Like