Hardware question - Polyloop

moorsel · 26th April 2006, 16:41

I am looking for a new system and I would like to have some info on video cards. I am just starting with 3d and have no intentions to become a pro, just for spending free time. In my spare time I would like to make some models (simple person, vehicles, dino's etc) and render them either in to still picture or very short movies. Currently I use Carrara 5 Pro and Silo but I am also considering Hexagon (on my current and outdated system the Silo demo version ran a litle bit smoother then the Hex 1.2 demo (at least that was my impression) and therefore I use Silo for the moment).

Currently I am looking into a Dell system and was asking myself if it is worth to buy a system with a nvideo 7800 gtx in stead of a system with the nvidea 7300 le card. For me there is a substantial prices difference and I am on a budget. So I would only consider the extra money if it is realy needed.

Any help is welcome, thanx in advance!

jtbullet · 28th April 2006, 15:54

Moorsel, you should look at www.anandtech.com. They have guides to cards, as well as real time price engine for finding best cards. I would suggest an ati or nvidia card in the $250 price range. this is going to help you a lot, because the card will be more lasting into the future. make sure your card is 256mb at least. An ati 1600 is good, as are the 850xt. I know it is confusing, but really as long as you are looking at a current generation ati or nvidia card, you will pertty much get what you pay for. I have always had great luck with sapphire tech ati cards, long known for their overclockabillity. As far as the 7800gtx, go with a plain vanilla 7800gt, if you dont have the option, downgrade to the cheapest video option, and add a 7600 or 7900 series yourself since they are more current. But, youll never be unhappy with a 7800gtx!
Good luck!

26th April 2006, 16:41	#1 (permalink)
moorsel Spline Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 44	Hardware question I am looking for a new system and I would like to have some info on video cards. I am just starting with 3d and have no intentions to become a pro, just for spending free time. In my spare time I would like to make some models (simple person, vehicles, dino's etc) and render them either in to still picture or very short movies. Currently I use Carrara 5 Pro and Silo but I am also considering Hexagon (on my current and outdated system the Silo demo version ran a litle bit smoother then the Hex 1.2 demo (at least that was my impression) and therefore I use Silo for the moment). Currently I am looking into a Dell system and was asking myself if it is worth to buy a system with a nvideo 7800 gtx in stead of a system with the nvidea 7300 le card. For me there is a substantial prices difference and I am on a budget. So I would only consider the extra money if it is realy needed. Any help is welcome, thanx in advance!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

28th April 2006, 15:54	#2 (permalink)
jtbullet Box modeling Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 237	Moorsel, you should look at www.anandtech.com. They have guides to cards, as well as real time price engine for finding best cards. I would suggest an ati or nvidia card in the $250 price range. this is going to help you a lot, because the card will be more lasting into the future. make sure your card is 256mb at least. An ati 1600 is good, as are the 850xt. I know it is confusing, but really as long as you are looking at a current generation ati or nvidia card, you will pertty much get what you pay for. I have always had great luck with sapphire tech ati cards, long known for their overclockabillity. As far as the 7800gtx, go with a plain vanilla 7800gt, if you dont have the option, downgrade to the cheapest video option, and add a 7600 or 7900 series yourself since they are more current. But, youll never be unhappy with a 7800gtx! Good luck!