$1200 Productivity PC upgrade?

[Mr. PixelCakes]

Budget (including currency): $1200

Country: USA

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: most likely used for rendering and working on CAD (computer assisted design) models.I usually have two monitors plugged in (32"+24") and thinking about getting a third. This will also most likely be hooked up to a 4k TV via HDMI. would like to build a modest true mid tier rig that would handle most of these tasks.

3-D modeling > Gaming+Streaming

YES: Autocad, Revit, Rhino, Vectorworks, V-Ray, Keyshot, Lumion, Adobe Suites (ID,Illus,Photo mostly)

NO: video encoding, heavy gaming (like AAA games are fun but meh not really a huge gamer, like I'll check out a game but that's about it)

 

MAYBE: very VERY light gaming (mostly free games like LFD2, LOL), Streaming, Virtual Reality

 

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 
 

Current running: (8 years old)
CPU: i7-3770k
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon 7870 HD (2GB)

RAM: 8GB 1333 (2x4GB)
STOR: 512gb crucial (SSD) + 7200RPM WD 2TB Black

Option 1: (https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MdjYFG)
CPU: R5 3600
GPU: RTX 2060 S (8gb)
RAM: 32GB 3200 cl14 (4x8gb)
STOR: 512gb ADATA XPG (NVME) + 7200RPM WD 2TB Black

would like to experience this pcie 4.0 stuff and would like to have a small upgrade pathway if possible. I know there is no such thing as future proofing but if there is a good option in this budget I'm all for ideas.

Much thanks!

[YT_DomDaBomb20]

3 minutes ago, Mr. PixelCakes said:

Budget (including currency): $1200

Country: USA

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: most likely used for rendering and working on CAD (computer assisted design) models.I usually have two monitors plugged in (32"+24") and thinking about getting a third. This will also most likely be hooked up to a 4k TV via HDMI. would like to build a modest true mid tier rig that would handle most of these tasks.

3-D modeling > Gaming+Streaming

YES: Autocad, Revit, Rhino, Vectorworks, V-Ray, Keyshot, Lumion, Adobe Suites (ID,Illus,Photo mostly)

NO: video encoding, heavy gaming (like AAA games are fun but meh not really a huge gamer, like I'll check out a game but that's about it)

 

MAYBE: very VERY light gaming (mostly free games like LFD2, LOL), Streaming, Virtual Reality

 

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 
 

Current running: (8 years old)
CPU: i7-3770k
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon 7870 HD (2GB)

RAM: 8GB 1333 (2x4GB)
STOR: 512gb crucial (SSD) + 7200

Option 1: (https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MdjYFG)
CPU: R5 3600
GPU: RTX 2060 S (8gb)
RAM: 32GB 3200 cl14 (4x8gb)
STOR: 512gb ADATA XPG (NVME) 

would like to experience this pcie 4.0 stuff and would like to have a small upgrade pathway if possible. I know there is no such thing as future proofing but if there is a good option in this budget I'm all for ideas.

Much thanks!

Pretty good build, add a brand new 2tb hdd on eBay for around 25$ and you’re set. Use the hdd for your light gaming and I guess vr 

[marmour]

9 minutes ago, Mr. PixelCakes said:

 

Just a couple of things I would change. Since you aren't in to gaming or streaming that much, I think a 5700XT would be a better choice of GPU. It's more powerful and the same price as the 2060S generally. I haven't looked at CAD specific benchmarks though so you may want to check yourself.

I would also get a TXM or RMx PSU if your buying from Corsair. Have a look at the PSU tier list in the sub-forum and pick one from the A or B+ tier.

 

Otherwise looks good

[The Sloth]

1 hour ago, marmour said:

Just a couple of things I would change. Since you aren't in to gaming or streaming that much, I think a 5700XT would be a better choice of GPU. It's more powerful and the same price as the 2060S generally. I haven't looked at CAD specific benchmarks though so you may want to check yourself.

I would also get a TXM or RMx PSU if your buying from Corsair. Have a look at the PSU tier list in the sub-forum and pick one from the A or B+ tier.

 

Otherwise looks good

CUDA is just better for CAD.

[SSOB]

For the use-case and budget, I'd get this:

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor  ($419.94 @ Walmart) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler  ($35.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($139.99 @ B&H) 
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($119.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 580 8 GB GTS XXX ED Video Card  ($169.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Corsair Carbide 175R RGB ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Corsair) 
Power Supply: Corsair CV 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($69.99 @ Best Buy) 
Total: $1215.87

 

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-01 21:01 EDT-0400

 

If you need CUDA etc, get a GTX 1650 SUPER

[SSOB]

1 minute ago, nerdslayer1 said:

CUDA is just better for CAD.

It is, but at some points, Raw CPU cores can outperform even CUDA

[i_build_nanosuits]

The softwares you've listed all heavily favor intel and nvidia...for support, stability and performance it's a given.

But your budget heavily favor AMD lol

Stick to nvidia for the graphics cards that's a no brainer...for CPU i guess 3600 could do...

but this would be better in every way:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 3 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($319.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z390-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($130.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $450.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-01 21:05 EDT-0400

[The Sloth]

1 hour ago, SSOB said:

It is, but at some points, Raw CPU cores can outperform even CUDA

even with that AMD driver crashes has been plaguing a colleagues PC( crashes every time they launch CAD, even after DDU) . so i would not recommend it for CAD.

[SSOB]

Just now, nerdslayer1 said:

even with that AMD driver crashes has been plaguing a colleagues PC( crashes every time they launch CAD, even after DDU) . so i would not recommend it for CAD.

This could be very true, but then again: 

 

 

 

 

[SSOB]

1 minute ago, nerdslayer1 said:

even with that AMD driver crashes has been plaguing a colleagues PC( crashes every time they launch CAD, even after DDU) . so i would not recommend it for CAD.

I never base my recommendations of the hardware with the current state of affairs with  the drivers. It will get fixed, we only don't know when  and yes CUDA is a safer option, which I have mentioned in my post as well! Get a GTX 1650 super if u need cuda!

[DailyProcrastinator]

For productivity go for a R7 3700x, budget allows for it. Also huge overspend for on memory, CL14 is nice but $220+ for a 32GB kit is not worth it.

I recommend:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2D4YDx

[i_build_nanosuits]

6 minutes ago, SSOB said:

It is, but at some points, Raw CPU cores can outperform even CUDA

ohhh...god no.

If the softwares you are using can leverage the performance from your graphics engine then it's another story completely.

There's A LOT more computing capabilities to harvester within a modern nvidia GPU than there is in even 12 or 16 core CPU.

When it's about speed and your workflow can be parallelized the GPU is hands on the better.

[5x5]

30 minutes ago, Mr. PixelCakes said:

Budget (including currency): $1200

Country: USA

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: most likely used for rendering and working on CAD (computer assisted design) models.I usually have two monitors plugged in (32"+24") and thinking about getting a third. This will also most likely be hooked up to a 4k TV via HDMI. would like to build a modest true mid tier rig that would handle most of these tasks.

3-D modeling > Gaming+Streaming

YES: Autocad, Revit, Rhino, Vectorworks, V-Ray, Keyshot, Lumion, Adobe Suites (ID,Illus,Photo mostly)

NO: video encoding, heavy gaming (like AAA games are fun but meh not really a huge gamer, like I'll check out a game but that's about it)

 

MAYBE: very VERY light gaming (mostly free games like LFD2, LOL), Streaming, Virtual Reality

 

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 
 

Current running: (8 years old)
CPU: i7-3770k
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon 7870 HD (2GB)

RAM: 8GB 1333 (2x4GB)
STOR: 512gb crucial (SSD) + 7200RPM WD 2TB Black

Option 1: (https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MdjYFG)
CPU: R5 3600
GPU: RTX 2060 S (8gb)
RAM: 32GB 3200 cl14 (4x8gb)
STOR: 512gb ADATA XPG (NVME) + 7200RPM WD 2TB Black

would like to experience this pcie 4.0 stuff and would like to have a small upgrade pathway if possible. I know there is no such thing as future proofing but if there is a good option in this budget I'm all for ideas.

Much thanks!

The list is good and about the max you can get for the money. I'd say add a 30$ cooler so that you can run PBO enabled. Other than that, get a TXM 550W or Be Quiet Pure Power Gold 600W. Your system will only draw 300-350 under load.

 

Also yeah, stick to Ryzen/Nvidia for CAD. While the 5700 XT is a superior card, you will benefit from CUDA here. But intel doesn't make sense at all the software suites you listed scale very well with cores and can't use the iGPU at all, so a 3600 will outperform the 9700K easily.

[SSOB]

5 minutes ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

ohhh...god no.

If the softwares you are using can leverage the performance from your graphics engine then it's another story completely.

There's A LOT more computing capabilities to harvester within a modern nvidia GPU than there is in even 12 or 16 core CPU.

When it's about speed and your workflow can be parallelized the GPU is hands on the better.

Do you have any benchmarks  CUDA cores are super powerful but at this pricepoint , 1200 dollars, you can't even get a Quadro that will  compete with the new ryzen CPU's tbh...

[i_build_nanosuits]

10 minutes ago, SSOB said:

Do you have any benchmarks  CUDA cores are super powerful but at this pricepoint , 1200 dollars, you can't even get a Quadro that will  compete with the new ryzen CPU's tbh...

what?!

again...you don't need a quadro for cuda..any nvidia card has cuda capabilities and something like the 2060S OP selected will do AWESOME with the applications he listed.

[SSOB]

3 minutes ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

what?!

again...you don't need a quadro for cuda..any nvidia card has cuda capabilities and something like the 2060S OP selected will do AWESOME with the applications he listed.

https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray-gpu

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-Autodesk-Revit-171/Hardware-Recommendations

Yes of course, all Nvidia cards of this era have cuda cores!

 

What I would find interesting to see is , Let's say a 2060 vs a ryzen 3900! Benchmarks, just to see how far CPU's have come!

[SSOB]

4 minutes ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

what?!

again...you don't need a quadro for cuda..any nvidia card has cuda capabilities and something like the 2060S OP selected will do AWESOME with the applications he listed.

https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray-gpu

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-Autodesk-Revit-171/Hardware-Recommendations

You quoted a very old website tho! Let me see if I can find some benchmarks! You might be surprised!

[i_build_nanosuits]

3 minutes ago, SSOB said:

Yes of course, all Nvidia cards of this era have cuda cores!

 

What I would find interesting to see is , Let's say a 2060 vs a ryzen 3900! Benchmarks, just to see how far CPU's have come!

my point was more that AMD is no bueno for a graphics design workstation like that...these are the some of the softwares he listed

 

V-ray

https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray-gpu

Rhino

https://docs.chaosgroup.com/display/VNFR/GPU+Rendering

Revit

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-Autodesk-Revit-171/Hardware-Recommendations

Keyshot

https://blog.keyshot.com/gpu-rendering-in-keyshot

 

you can't recommend him a 5700XT after that lol

 

[i_build_nanosuits]

5 minutes ago, SSOB said:

You quoted a very old website tho! Let me see if I can find some benchmarks! You might be surprised!

im not even posting benchmarks are you troling me?!

ok enough polution on this thread, cut it out

[SSOB]

2 minutes ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

im not even posting benchmarks are you troling me?!

ok neough polution on this thread, cut it out you're clueless.

I'm not , to be honest you have, click the second link, it shows some 2018 CPU stuff.

 

Now of course, CUDA is good for CAD but I'd  just like to see the raw performance per dollar in comparison to the modern AMD CPU's I don't know how much is in it to be completely honest! 

 

Of course abosulte values you're totally right, but, per dollar? I don't know

[SSOB]

4 minutes ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

my point was more that AMD is no bueno for a graphics design workstation like that...these are the some of the softwares he listed

 

V-ray

https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray-gpu

Rhino

https://docs.chaosgroup.com/display/VNFR/GPU+Rendering

Revit

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-Autodesk-Revit-171/Hardware-Recommendations

Keyshot

https://blog.keyshot.com/gpu-rendering-in-keyshot

 

you can't recommend him a 5700XT after that lol

 

 

31 minutes ago, SSOB said:

For the use-case and budget, I'd get this:

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor  ($419.94 @ Walmart) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler  ($35.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($139.99 @ B&H) 
Memory: Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($119.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 580 8 GB GTS XXX ED Video Card  ($169.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Corsair Carbide 175R RGB ATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.99 @ Corsair) 
Power Supply: Corsair CV 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($69.99 @ Best Buy) 
Total: $1215.87

 

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-01 21:01 EDT-0400

 

If you need CUDA etc, get a GTX 1650 SUPER

 

[i_build_nanosuits]

Just now, SSOB said:

I'm not , to be honest you have, click the second link, it shows some 2018 CPU stuff.

 

Now of course, CUDA is good for CAD but I'd  just like to see the raw performance per dollar in comparison to the modern AMD CPU's I don't know how much is in it to be completely honest! 

 

Of course abosulte values you're totally right, but, per dollar? I don't know

again...why ''per dollar''?

All you have to do is NOT buy and amd card, and buy ANY nvidia graphics cards instead...and boom you have cuda compute capabilities...

For example, the machine down in my sig is a WONDERFUL weapon for the tasks OP listed...

 

[i_build_nanosuits]

2 minutes ago, SSOB said:

 

 

LOL sry bro...do you know what hapened? i tought you were this guy:

i havnt even seen the list you posted or anything...i grabed you at the CPU vs GPU compute part...and from then you're talking about AMD CPU cores...

but i thought it was also you who recommended the AMD graphics solution...hehe

[SSOB]

1 minute ago, i_build_nanosuits said:

again...why ''per dollar''?

All you have to do is NOT buy and amd card, and buy ANY nvidia graphics cards instead...and boom you have cuda compute capabilities...

For example, the machine down in my sig is a WONDERFUL weapon for the tasks OP listed...

 

 

Not exactly what I mean, but the overall message is the same. But again

 

I told OP in my post, if u need CUDA get the nvidia, this si just for discussion sake tbh

[SSOB]

Just now, i_build_nanosuits said:

LOL sry bro...do you know what hapened? i tought you were this guy:

i havnt even seen the list you posted or anything...i grabed you at the CPU vs GPU compute part...and from then you're talking about AMD CPU cores...

but i thought it was also you who recommended the AMD graphics solution...hehe

oooooooooooooooo Okay bro , I thought why man !!!!