High end computer for 3d graphics, rendering, and gaming?
Hi!
I need a new computer to meet the needs of intensive 3d graphics (maya, 3ds max, etc), rendering, and gaming. I am pretty novice when it comes to hardware so I really need help! Willing to build it or buy it pre-built..nothing over $3500…cheaper = better 
so yeah, top notch graphics card (ati or nvidia?), pcu (intel or amd? which model?), amount of memory? open to mac or pc…which is better for intense usage?
Thank you 
Thanks so far everyone!
I am american, not australian.
What sites can I create a custom computer on? That would be much easier than piecing it together myself.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Dont get a Mac if cheaper = better. I like to build it myself. If you are in America then you can buy top of the line pre-built systems for $3000 easily. I am going to take it as if you are in Australia with $3500 to spend. Have a look at the scorpion technology systems at and try the Hornet Core I7 for $3200 or the Venom Core I7 for $2200 and just upgrade the CPU to extreme and upgrade RAM etc. and it will come to about $3250 australian. Anyway I would be happy with the Hornet gold for $1100. But in your class go for the Venom Core I7.
Thanks!
April 15th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Wow thats a lot to spend.. You can get a ridiculous system for less than that.
Intel I7 965 (999$)
P6T Deulxe Motherboard v1 (has scsi adapters – 15k hdds) – 300$
Hard drives are up to you, seeing as you can get the 15000 rpm go for it. – 300$
1000w Corsair PSU.. unless you really want a 1200.. up to you. The corsair can put out to 1200w but is set at 1000w – 240$
12 gb ddr3 2000 mhz – 170$
2x GTX 295. – 999$
Thermal Right Extreme Heat sink – 70$
LG 22x dvd/rw drive
Antec 1200 Case 140$
Grand total = 3200
Granted this is extreme… If you want to cut corners the difference in the i7 965 and the 920 are not insanely significant if you overclock the 920 to 4.0 ghz – that would save you about 600 right there.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:46 am
In regards to the processor, AMD tends to be “more bang for your buck,” but they don’t have the high-end processors that Intel does. Personally, I prefer nvidia for graphics cards. PC’s, as a general rule, are more customizable with a wider array of software available, whereas Macs are more user-friendly.
You could very easily get a top end computer with $3500, especially if you build it yourself and don’t get a ridiculously sized monitor (assuming that was included in the price tag.).
If you get it pre-made, I don’t know how much choice you’d get in regards to the brand of the components, but, really, there isn’t a ridiculous difference in terms of quality between brands. One distinct advantage that buying a pre-built machine has over a self-built machine is that you can get the entire thing covered on a nice warranty with good technical support, meaning you don’t necessarily have to troubleshoot what the exact problem is and the likes, though your dollar never goes as far with pre-made computers. (Unless it’s on the low end, in which case you can get an entire computer, minus the monitor, for about the cost of the operating system it comes with…)
April 18th, 2009 at 7:50 am
you can go for a alienwre desktop. they are little hig in cost but works fine. mdofpc site sells alienware clones. the price starts from 800USD. this may be useful for you.
April 18th, 2009 at 8:21 am
mac aren’t gaming computers
list of parts for high end computer
newegg.com computer parts site
resellerratings.com
bbb.org
use these sites to make sure sites are legit
mdofpc got a low score of 5 i wouldn’t buy from them