Hey guys!
I'm looking to get one or two more computers to help me with 3D rendering, since my primary 4790k setup isn't quite cutting it and when I render things it means I can't do anything else in the meantime.
I've come across a guy selling 2 cheap computers which appear to fit my needs quite well, they each have Dual Xeon X5660 processors, 24GB of ram, a 120gb SSD and 2x160GB HDDs, along with all the other necessities for $700 AUD each.
I don't know much about Xeon processors which is why I'm asking you guys, dual X5660's appear to perform a decent bit better than a single 4790 from what I've researched so this seems like a good deal, but if you guys have any better ideas I'd love to hear them.
I use Renderman and Corona renderer.
Thanks!
What are you rendering and what are you using to render it? If the program supports GPU acceleration (e.g. Blender Cycles with Nvidia CUDA), perhaps you should look into getting a high end GPU or two instead.
Sorry, forgot to mention, updated the OP! all CPU based renderers, video card is not a concern
[QUOTE=someguyihate;51023620]Sorry, forgot to mention, updated the OP! all CPU based renderers, video card is not a concern[/QUOTE]
Even if you have dual X5660 your computer will grind to a complete stop when rendering, due to all cpu cores being used 100%.Just instead of 8 CPU threads 24 Threads will be at 100% which will make the render complete faster.
The only way to fix this is GPU rendering, leaving a core free from rendering (not possible in most render programs). or what most people do, render on a seperate pc.
This last thing can be done by remote desktop or by just porting the render over to the other pc before rendering.
[QUOTE=taipan;51023852]leaving a core free from rendering (not possible in most render programs)[/QUOTE]
Thats new to me. Every renderer I used can select the amount of threads in the settings.
Alternatively you can also just remove one thread via the task manager, renderer usually work fine still.
[QUOTE=Mitsuma;51023944]Thats new to me. Every renderer I used can select the amount of threads in the settings.
Alternatively you can also just remove one thread via the task manager, renderer usually work fine still.[/QUOTE]
My renderers dont allow for this option. But I have to admit, they are for engineering purposes which usually are very short renders anyway.
The renderings I make for non engineering purposes in blender, support GPU rendering so dont have this issue.
Setting affinity is a good point actually. I can foresee it being annoying when you have to do it manually every-time though.
[QUOTE=taipan;51023852]Even if you have dual X5660 your computer will grind to a complete stop when rendering, due to all cpu cores being used 100%.Just instead of 8 CPU threads 24 Threads will be at 100% which will make the render complete faster.
The only way to fix this is GPU rendering, leaving a core free from rendering (not possible in most render programs). or what most people do, render on a seperate pc.
This last thing can be done by remote desktop or by just porting the render over to the other pc before rendering.[/QUOTE]
I am aware of this, which is why I'm looking to get 1 or 2 machines which I can have running seperate from my main computer. I'm also looking to do this as cheaply as possible while also achieving the speeds of my current 4790k at least, so it seems like a pretty good option.
GPU rendering doesn't fit my needs right now so it's not something I'm interested in
[QUOTE=taipan;51023996]
Setting affinity is a good point actually. I can foresee it being annoying when you have to do it manually every-time though.[/QUOTE]
Make a script?
[QUOTE=someguyihate;51024331]GPU rendering doesn't fit my needs right now so it's not something I'm interested in[/QUOTE]
GPU-based 3D-rendering is the future, my dude. I just upgraded to double 1080's at home and I'm blown away by the speed-difference in rendering compared to my previous single 980 using Redshift. At work the computer I use has two Titan X's and two 980 Ti's + Octane Render, and it's magic.
But, if you really want to render with CPU then your main goal should be cores, cores, cores. The more the merrier, and the more clock speed per core the better. A 6850k should do you well then, but given your budget, those Xeons will do I guess.
Really though, use GPU rendering.
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.