Tools
Hardware
Building My Ultimate 3D Rendering Machine
In 2020, amid the peak of the global supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, I embarked on my first journey into building a PC tailored specifically for 3D rendering. Hardware options were scant, compelling many, including myself, to make do with what was available, and pay way more than I should have for lower-level hardware. This led to the creation of a functional, albeit less powerful, setup that served its purpose for basic 3D rendering tasks in Cinema4D and Redshift, but it fell short of what I really wanted and needed.
By 2022, the hardware landscape had stabilized, presenting an opportune moment to enhance my setup. I upgraded from a single NVIDIA 3060 GPU to two NVIDIA 3070 GPUs, a strategic move that significantly boosted my PC's capability to manage more complex scenes and rendering tasks with ease. Embracing the modular approach allowed me to incrementally upgrade parts—a stark contrast to the all-in-one, non-upgradable approach of pre-built systems. Although dual 3090s were tempting, they would have necessitated further upgrades, like a new case and power supply, which weren't feasible at the time.
This year marked a pivotal next step in my plan: constructing a new machine from scratch, optimized to harness the power of the dual 3070 GPUs I already had. This setup is not just about keeping up with technological advancements but also setting a foundation for future scalability.
Central to the machine is the AMD Threadripper 5955WX, chosen for its robust multi-threaded performance capabilities, essential for high-intensity 3D rendering. It also allowed both GPUs to be fully utilized.
The Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 cooler ensures that the CPU operates within optimal temperatures, crucial for maintaining performance stability during intense rendering operations. I chose this specific one because of its size and proven effectiveness (as seen on YouTube) of cooling a CPU with such a large footprint. (The Threadripper is massive!)
The ASUS Pro WS WRX80E-SAGE SE WIFI II offers a solid foundation with extensive expansion capabilities, perfect for my dual GPU setup. Its design maximizes the use of PCIe lanes, ensuring both GPUs perform at their peak.
The twin NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPUs drastically reduce render times and handle complex 3D tasks efficiently, proving ideal for my current project scope. Future upgrades will aim for even higher VRAM capacities.
With 256GB of G.SKILL Ripjaws V DDR4, my PC is well-equipped to handle large datasets and complex scenes, typical in high-end 3D work.
The EVGA SuperNOVA 1600 P+ provides more than adequate power with overhead for future upgrades, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery.
The Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL was selected for its superior airflow and spacious interior, accommodating the large motherboard and cooling fan seamlessly.
Throughout this journey, a key consideration has been the delicate balance between cost and performance. Each component was not only chosen for its technical capabilities but also for its cost-effectiveness. This strategic planning has allowed me to construct a machine that not only meets my current needs but is also poised for future enhancements.
As I continue to push the limits of my new setup, I am excited to share the insights and achievements it brings. For fellow creatives and tech enthusiasts considering their own custom builds, remember that every choice counts. Balancing your budget with your technical requirements is crucial for crafting a machine that not only meets but surpasses your expectations.
I also continue to use my 16" MacBook Pro with an M3 Max processor for initial scene setups, due to my preference for its interface for certain tasks, before switching to the PC for final rendering. This hybrid workflow represents the best of both worlds, combining efficiency with powerful rendering capabilities.
Stay tuned as I delve deeper into this adventure, sharing more about how this machine not only enhances my workflow but also inspires new creative possibilities.