I’m proposing a workstation upgrade to my boss.  I want to get the biggest bang for my (their) buck.  I’ll be running AutoCAD Architecture 09 and VIZ.  Here’s my proposed set up.

Chassis: Dell Precision Workstation T5400
OS: Windows XP Pro Sp2 64-bit
Processors: (2) Quad Core Intel Xeon 5410 @ 2.33GHz each (8 cores)
RAM: 4 GB on 4 DIMMS
Video Card: 512MB nVidia Quadro FX 1700
HD: 80GB SATA @ 10k RPM

For about $150 more I can change the processor to a single Quad Core Intel Xeon E5440 @ 2.83GHz (4 cores).

Would the single Xeon Quad Core @ 2.83GHz actually be faster than the 2 Xeon Quad Cores @ 2.33GHz?  I know VIZ is built for multiple processors (cores), but how many will it actually take advantage of?

My other option is to use a single Core 2 Extreme QX9650 @ 3.00GHz (4 cores) in a T3400 box, but otherwise exactly the same as the above setup, and for about $400 less.  It seems like the Core 2 Extreme is more of a gaming processor, but does 3.00GHz on 4 cores, so on paper it’s better yet than 2.83GHz Xeon.  I’ve heard that gaming processors are not as well suited for ACA and VIZ as a workstation processor.  Is this true?  Any advice would be great!

just get max design 2009 because viz is being discontinued

drp281 23 May 2008 06:41 PM

just get max design 2009 because viz is being discontinued

Oh it is?  Wow, I’m glad I know that now, instead of after I bought it.  Thanks for the heads up!  Ok so then change my question to, “how’s this proposed setup going to handle Max09?”

Search in the Hardware/OS forum about video cards.  Some people are saying the Quadro cards aren’t worth the extra money these days, since everything is running towards Direct3D instead of OpenGL.  Otherwise, things look good for Max.

3DS Max Design 2011 64-bit - Advantage Pack
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Chris Medeck 23 May 2008 07:31 PM

Otherwise, things look good for Max.

What are your thoughts on any of the 3 processor selections above?  Does one in particular stand out as being the best?

Idk if its too late or what, but here where I am we have dual quad core processors and Max takes advantage of all 8 cores.

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Wow!  That’s good to know.  Thanks!

we can use the 3d max, because it is the program that it will be the newone.