Best cpu config?

[SIAM1]

Hi

I'm planning to change my os and my max version soon.

Here's the system info :

Windows xp x32 family edition , 3dsmax 2008 x32
Intel core 2 quad q6600 2.40 ghz
2go ram ddr2
nvidia geforce 8600 gts

I think switch to xp pro 64 and max 2009 x64 is the better option. Is there any issues with max 2009/xp pro 64/vray?

Wich is the best combo I have to use to get the maximum performance?

I use this cpu for hires 3d modeling, vray or mental ray rendering and animation

Thanks

[DenimTiger]

The 64-bit version of Max, to my knowledge, is no more problematic than regular X86 Max.

But then x64 has yet to make a firm case as a faster alternative. I've noticed no significant difference between x86 and x64 versions of either Max, mentalRay or VRay.

A sidenote. I run the same setup, a Q6600 with 2GB of RAM and an 8600GTS.

I'd say you're already styling, there's no real need to change your OS.

[tom120934]

64bits are only useful if you want to use more than 4GB of RAM. In theory. Because Windows doesn't handle more than 3GB with 32bits software, even if you put 4GB in the box.

If you stick with 2GB, you should really stick with 32bits OS : be warned than you'll otherwise need 64bits version of all the software you use.

[Elchin.3d]

And which VGA is better or just for 3d programs, especially for 3dsmax, i do not mean i need a VGA for gaming.
As your all know, VGA is important thing while working in viewports of 3d.

[tom120934]

If you can afford it and really don't need to play video-games, go for a NVIDIA Quadro.

If you can't afford it, I read once you can flash a standard gaming graphic car to its equivalent Quadro. The goal is to be able to use optimised drivers for CG, especially for some 3D packages like 3DS Max. But I guess it's not legal to do it. Any specialist about this process ? Maybe some feedback anyone ? As I'm using Blender, I doubt it's relevant to me : I guess there is no driver optimized for Blender

Otherwise, you'll just be fine with any modern video card : I'm using just a 8600GT (stock frequencies) and I'm running Blender fine with a million polys. A 8800GT or 9800GT would be the right choice currently, in terms of efficiency over cost.

[ewok_vn]

I run XP 64 and it is a lot faster than the 32 bit, and also all my 32 bit progs still run, you won't have to replace any with 64 bit ver.

[Elchin.3d]

How can i make sure my Motherboard Asus p5b supports Nvidia Quadro, I have updated my motheroard bios to its last realese of version update. If it's possible please tell me how to know it supports or not. But my motherboard supports Intel Quad Core CPU till e9550 2.8ghz. But what about VGA?

[tom120934]

The ASUS P5B mainboard is using one 16x PCI-Express port. So you'll be able to use any Quadro video card, just make sure to use the right drivers from NVIDIA.

[Elchin.3d]

Thanks Tom, it is nice to hear good news that my motherboard supports quadro vga
Thanks for everything.

[christopherh101]

quadros are a huge waste of money unless you're working with enormous poly counts like entire city scenes. they also don't help you render any faster, they only help you manipulate the viewports smoothly without lag. You can easily handle huge scenes anyway by hiding portions you're not working on or displaying them as boxes. If you have gobs of money to spend on a quadro you're much better off buying horsepower or a second or third box to use as a render node.

The only other thing they do is point line antialiasing, which makes straight diagonal lines non jaggy in the viewport. Unfortunately you also can't flash geforce to quadro anymore.

your best bet is to get a dual quad core xeon machine. this gives you eight little boxes in the render window instead of four. each of those is a cpu. it also doesn't matter how fast the xeon is, just go for as many cpu cores as possible. if you can afford 2 machines for the entry level xeon go for it. You should be able to get a machine with 10,000 Cinebench points for close to $1000 that will blow the pants off any pentium system