I have an Acer Predator G3-710 desktop PC since already 8 years. I work with rhino, python and grasshopper, and since I upgraded to Rhino 8, my pc is suffering and i understand that i need to upgrade. Im just not sure how and if its worth to upgrade my PC instead of buying a new laptop. Im limited on my budget and therefore im confused.
The specifications of my PC are the following:
Intel i7-6700 3,40 GHz, 16GB RAM DDR4, 120GB SSD + 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GTX 970, Win10, Intel® Core i7-6700 at 3.40GHz (8 CPUs) / 16GB RAM /
What would be a good improve for me in terms on costs? I appreciate your advice and suggestions.
If you want decent performance, I could losely specify as follows, if you aren’t interested in the “cutting edge” stuff due soon:
Middle option
AMD 7600X (6C/12T)
32 GB RAM DDR5
1 TB SSD
Nvidia 4060 8 GB
Higher option
AMD 7900X (12C/24T)
32/64 GB RAM DDR5
2 x 1 TB SSD
Nvidia 4070 Super 12 GB
Ultra option
AMD 7950X (16C/32T)
64 GB RAM DD5
2 x 1 TB SSD
Nvidia 4080 Super 16 GB
However, I have no idea what type of modelling you do, or how much rendering or such matters to you. I have given what I think provides good hardware at reasonable price points. Also, do you want a pre-built PC or are you building your own?
Also, where you live matters, as that can affect cost quite a bit.
I think there is no point in us suggesting some configuration if you are so vague.
You say you have a desktop now, but want to upgrade to a laptop? Why? What is your budget for a laptop or this upgrade?
If you are doing Rhino, Python and Grasshopper you will mainly want to upgrade your CPU as well as Ram. Getting a more recent graphics card and overall system will also help, but not as much.
But if you are limited on budget, you can buy something used. A good gaming PC from 3 years ago will still be very fast, especially in terms of CPU (there hasn’t been any major improvements in CPUs in recent years, except for Arm-based ones, but that doesn’t matter in this case).
I wouldn’t try to upgrade your current PC, leave that as it is and look for a used desktop PC if you are constrained in budget.
What is an alternative to buy these days (considering recent Intel problems)?
I have to abandon my 7 years old laptop (it has to be one) and my budget can be reasonably high (up to 5k Euros).
I have a 17" MBP running on Bootcamp and the two things I like about it and I would like to keep are compact size and great display. Rest of it I find mediocre. What are my options?
PS I do lots of RH (small to medium), GH (some heavy computation) and a graphic design.
At this point, I would see if you can wait until about January/February.
Intel have always had a stranglehold on the mobile market, but it seems AMD have stepped up recently.
Regardless, both Intel Arrow Lake-H(X) and AMD Strix Point (Halo?) should hopefully both be available or nearly there by January/February.
As you have such a massive budget, it’s probably worth waiting for both of these to release for the power efficiency benefit (cooler), rather than buying the monsterous and aging Raptor Lake or the DOA Meteor Lake mobile CPUs.
I was thinking to withhold the purchase till new year so your advice is highly valued, if only my machine can last this long.
What brand would you go for? I like Zen machine from ASUS (dual display), I know guy who is happy having one, but, on the other hand, I read some negative opinions that Asus isn’t equal quality anymore.
Yes, ASUS have had some bad press recently; mostly relating to poor customer service and a bad warranty process.
However, I think it can happen with any of the major laptop brands.
Usually my goto is MSI; but I’ve never personally had a problem with Asus or Acer either. Lenovo typically fairs very well in reviews too.
Generally you can maybe check out Jarrod’s Tech on YouTube. He seems to have a focus on mobile, and especially gaming laptops. Should be worth a look closer to the time.
I imagine that you’ll get to the new sets of CPUs, but even by this time I think we will still be on 40-series Nvidias. Should be able to get to a 4090M for that price and whatever the top tier CPU is by then.
