Render node on a budget.

[javierseger]

Hi guys,

 

Lately I´ve started doing some animation and particle works, mainly for product visualization, and I would like to speed up the rendering times. I am quite happy with my current build as a workstation, and was thinking on building a second machine as a rendering node.

 

My current PC:

- i5 2500k + 212plus

- Biostar TZ68a+

- Kingston Blue 8gb

- Ati HD 5670 1gb ddr5

- Western digital Caviar Black 750gb sata 2 + 320 gb + external HDD 1tb usb 3.0

 

The render node I am considering buying would be:

- i7 2600k (I found someone that is selling them new OEM for around U$S 200)

- Asrock Z77 Pro3 / Gigabyte Ga-z77-ds3h

- Kingston Blue 8gb

- I believe I would be using the 320 gb disk I already have

- The case and PSU would be quite generic, but I have been using the exact same model with my current configuration for almost 5 years and never have a problem.

 

All in all this build would cost me between U$S 400-500. Do you think it’s worth it? Bare in mind that prices in Argentina are usually 40% higher than in the states and not all parts and models are so easily found.

 

Thanks.

[Jason Matthews]

I think it is a good render node. One question, why not go for the Gen3 i7 instead? I believe it uses a little less power and is a tad bit quicker (not a lot). Have you done a comparison between systems? Just curious because I am always looking to add render nodes to my setup and have looked at the 3rd Gen over second gen. Also, and there is a premium for this, but the new 4th gen i7 will be out third quarter and they are supposed to be as fast as the 3rd gen but use nearly 40% less energy.

[javierseger]

The only reason I was thinking on the 2600k is because I might get it from someone who is selling them OEM and would cost me U$S100 less than the 3770k.