What computer should I buy to run 3ds Max?

[clover.kelly10]

I am a student who is just beginning to learn authodesk and I'm looking to buy a computer to run 3ds Max and Maya. I found this one, but I have some questions:

Dell xps 8700 Desktop

• Intel Core i5-4440 Processor 3.1 GHz
• RAM 8GB DDR3
• 1 TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 635 1GB DDR3

I have no idea if this is a good choice or not. I have looked at the compatibility requirements and I think it would work. Should I buy more RAM? Should I update the graphics card or is this alright? I know I should probably buy a customized computer, but I have no idea where to start with that, and since I'm just learning I think I should start with a basic one that can handle the program and rendering and save the big bucks for later one when I am better at the program. Any help would be great!!

[darawork]

Hi,

I would opt for an i7, 16gb ram and at least a 2gb nVidia graphics card.

Like these: http://www.dell.com/ie/p/xps-8700/pd

Or the x51s: http://www.dell.com/ie/p/alienware-x51-r2/pd

[paulneale]

Without question an i7 and 16+ gigs of RAM minimum with a good nVidia gaming card in it. If you are really pushing hard to learn Max and Maya you will soon push the machine that you posted specs for past the point of being useful. 

[clover.kelly10]

Thanks for the reply! This is the computer I am now looking at:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-8700/pd?oc=fdcwgs105r&model_id=xps-8700#overrides=fdcwgs105r:5985~S2440...

Would the graphics card it comes with work? it's a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745.

[clover.kelly10]

I should add that I don't know what I need to do to upgrade the graphics card. If I buy a NVIDIA GeForce 760 can I just pop it in the computer? Do I need a better power supply? This is the card I found on amazon, I think it will work:

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperClocked-Dual-Link-Graphics-02G-P4-2765-KR/dp/B00DHW4HXY/ref=sr_1_1?i...

[darawork]

Hi,

From here: http://www.techbargains.com/dell-xps-8700-deals 460watt PSU looks a little underpowered, minimum requirement for the GTX760 is 600watt (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1746206/psu-requirement-gtx-760.html).

I myself had to get a new PSU for my Lenovo E30 Thinkstation as the one supplied was not powerful enough for my GTX760. So when you add up the cost of a PSU, and upgraded card... plus the initial outlay for the Dell, it's not really a good idea.

You'd be better off looking at a dedicated workstation type tower pc such as the Dell Precision series or HP Z workstations, rather than trying to drag a consumer spec pc up to 3DSmax grade.

Or start from scratch and build your own PC, it is not really that hard after a bit of research.

[darawork]

Sometimes you can find cheaper Dell PCs from their 'Outlet' store: http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&brandid=2... Have a browse, there are some nice PCs up there at the moment.

Like this one:

Intel Xeon E5-1607 v2 Processor (Quad Core, 3.0 GHz, 10 MB)
Windows 8.1 Pro, 500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
8GB, DDR3 UDIMM Memory, 1600MHz, Non-ECC (4 x 2 GB DIMMs), 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
2 GB NVIDIA Quadro K2000 (2DP and 1DVI-I) (2DP-DVI and 1DVI-VGA adapter)

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/AccessoriesAndWarranties.aspx?familyId=1415&category...