New "What machine should I buy" site

[Andrew Lynn]

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2011: I am no longer maintaining the 3DATSTech site. Instead, I'll be maintaining the recommended configurations as lists on Amazon.com. Amazon.com has the advantages of easier to maintain lists, better prices and selection (they've really upped their game on computer parts lately) and a better affiliates system than Newegg.

Click here for the recommended configurations.

As many of you know, I've gone back to school, so if you do buy these configurations and want to use Amazon, please use that link and help me out with books Or just bookmark this link and use it whenever you go to Amazon.

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This got announced today in the News section of the site, but I wanted to post it here as well.

I'm working with the Brians at 3DATS to put out a web site for those looking to buy workstations for architecture and visualization, and to keep abreast of the latest developments in hardware. This month's articles are on:

-An explanation of the parts that go into a workstation
-Methodology for specifying the workstations I'm recommending
-Four configurations targeted at different price points:
1. "The Intern": an inexpensive configuration for architecture interns doing basic work
2. "The Budget": a minimalist machine for basic 3D work
3. "The Midrange": a more powerful machine suitable for most architecture and 3D work
4. "The High End": a powerful workstation for improved rendering and animation performance

We'll be doing monthly updates to go into more depth explaining the technology, and keeping the configurations updated with the latest hardware.

If you have any feedback to improve the site, please let us know here.

The URL is: http://www.3datstech.com

Edit: Scroll down to post #10 for a free book offer from Brian Smith!

[Steve Shaw]

AJ, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. This may just make my fight in the office a winnable battle - specifically because of your descriptions of the machines! Then on to real software!

[Andrew Lynn]

You're welcome

[Matt McDonald]

If this can cut down on the number of "uregent - what kind of computer should I buy?" threads, I will be very grateful

[Chad Warner]

Looks good so far...the only thing I would suggest it is to use text for your parts listing for easy copying of text for searching.

[William Bryson]

USA,USA,USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!woo hooo!!!!!

[Tom Livings]

2 more options might include: The Node and The Server (various standards of each perhaps)

[Nicolas Bischoff (www.burn.co.za)]

Could you look at the specs/speeds of a mac with bootcamp?
Im very interested to know how they perform for archvis related exercises.

[Daniel Black]

This is very helpful....thanks for adding this!

I, too, am curious about the Apple solution. It is mentioned briefly under the "pre-built solutions", but no details.

I have too many issues with windows and am getting fed up (ever with windows 7 64). I am willing to try another solution. Any input on a Mac would be helpful.

[Brian Smith]

BTW, anyone that purchases a system that Andrew recommends can receive a 3DATS book of their choice. Just post an image of your receipt in this thread (less personal info of course) and tell me what book you want. It doesn't have to be exact, but needs to be close.

Don't know how long we can do this, but wanted to see the kind of help this site can provide and this is probably the best way to find out. As long as we don't give away all our books, we'll keep doing it.