Computer Advice for Daz Studio Iray Rendering

[Amethyst Star]

I am in the process of sorting out a second computer that I can use specifically for high end rendering tasks using Daz Studio Iray and Blender. Ideally I would like an Nvidia RTX 3090 GPU and at least 64GB of RAM.

I 'created' a custom PC which I have now saved, but being new to all this, I am not sure whether I am doing this correctly. I also have some personal specifications regarding Operating System language and 'computer location' that I would like to ask about as well. I selected Windows 10 pro and English US/International as my language choice, but I would also like Hebrew as a second language. Though I know I can install Hebrew once I have my computer. I have UK-Israel dual nationality and generally prefer US English.
I am also not interested in Microsoft Office. I use Open Office and Jira Office. Since there is no 'none' option for Microsoft Office, I assume I can just uninstall that along with all the other bloatware that Microsoft pushes on us? I am also not going to link my computer to a Microsoft Account. So I also assume when my computer arrives, the OS will not require me to do so?

I have to admit, if it was not for Daz Studio, I would probably just go Linux, but at the moment it seems I am stuck with Windows 10. However I will probably also be ordering a Linux OS laptop from here at some point in the future.

Do you supply keyboards with a US/International layout? Or, better still, a US layout with additional Hebrew characters? At the moment I am using one of those white and silver Apple Mac keyboards because I love the silence and the feel of the board. But I had to purchase stickers for the keys to add the Hebrew characters. Obviously the Hebrew option is not essential because I can just add stickers like I have already, but it would be great if you can supply US layout keyboards as well. Otherwise I will have to order a keyboard separately elsewhere.

My other issue is the case. I am not interested in cases with transparent sides and LED lights. I would find the lights too much of a distraction and there's something about seeing the insides of a computer that just unnerves me. There's no white cases, so I selected a black non-see-through case in hope this will be adequate for my requirements. If you think a different case is more suitable, then please let me know.

My computer also HAS to be quiet. I cannot have a machine that sounds like an aircraft taking off from the moment I switch it on.

So, with all that in mind, here are the specifications as they currently stand for my proposed build. Will this be suitable for my rendering requirements?


Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 10 Core Processor i9-10900X (3.7GHz) 19.25MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X299-E GAMING II: ATX, USB 3.2, SATA 6 GB/s, Wi-Fi AC - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2666MHz (4 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3090 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB PCS 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 470MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
24x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
INTEL SOCKET 2011/2066 STANDARD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 8 CHANNEL (7.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
NOT REQUIRED
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 6 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [MUP-00003]
Operating System Language
US International/USA - US English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
Browser
Google Chrome™

 

[jamiephillips909]

Please read before posting:- Collaboration of Helpful Hints

NB: These forums are not an official support channel. None of us work for PCS, we're all either customers or techies who just like to help out where possible. For any official support, you need to contact PCS directly either through your PCS account, or via the contact details on the main...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

Have a read of this especially the amd vs intel and lets us know how you would like to proceed

 

[Amethyst Star]

I would prefer Intel. So far as I am aware AMD and Radeon do not perform well with Daz Studio's Nvidia-Iray render engine.

Edit: I have since learned that there is no issue with AMD and Nvidia in Iray rendering. That was an error on my behalf. Apologies for that.

As for my budget: I am reasonably flexible, but ideally I am looking at somewhere between 3000 and 3500 GBP.

 

[jamiephillips909]

How would I like you to proceed? I would like you to answer my questions and help....

I would prefer Intel. So far as I am aware AMD and Radeon do not perform well with Daz Studio's Nvidia-Iray render engine.


As for my budget: I am reasonably flexible, but ideally I am looking at somewhere between 3000 and 3500 GBP.

I am not a gamer and I am not interested in gaming. I am searching for a second computer able to perform 3D rendering tasks quickly. I would like to get this right from the start, hence why I asked all those questions to make sure my new computer meets my requirements.

What's the balagan?

Ahh sorry was thinking of a amd cpu and nvidia gpu combo seeing how you are are set on a intel build and because intel are at the moment subpar to amd on almost every level maybe someone else can help you with more knowledge of the intel cpu and supported motherboards goodluck !!!

 

[AgentCooper]

How would I like you to proceed? I would like you to answer my questions and help....

I would prefer Intel. So far as I am aware AMD and Radeon do not perform well with Daz Studio's Nvidia-Iray render engine.

This isn’t necessarily true, your CPU would be far better off as an AMD choice, for both single and multi threaded work. It’s the brand of GPU that Daz has historically had issues with. Pair an Ryzen processor with an Nvidia GPU and you’re onto a winner.

Your current build is little subpar. The cooler choice is nowhere near strong enough for the CPU, the fan would be working overtime and likely burn out. With your choice of case, you’d really need an AIO as the cooling medium. The storage could also be improved significantly, there are faster drives and better ways of storing your data.

As an addendum, the forum is looked after by volunteer moderators and tech enthusiasts. With that in mind, this is by far the best place to get build advice as there’s some real experts on here. For your more sales-based questions such as the keyboard layouts, you can speak to the sales team on 0333 011 7000.

 

[Bigfoot]

Where are you getting the advice that Intel will be better? All the info I can find says that with Intel or AMD will work. As AMD trounces Intel in almost all scenarios, a Ryzen CPU is almost certain to be better for you (you can pair an AMD CPU with an NVidia GPU - most do). The configuration will list what is available in terms of keyboard options. If you want to check about non-standard options, you will need to contact PCS directly, as most of us on the forum do not work for PCS but are enthusiast volunteers.

Intel CPUs run hot, so you will likely need much better cooling to get the best performance and to keep the noise down, particularly in a case like the Fractal 7. The RAM you have selected is slow.Bullguard is not advised.

 

[Scott]

How would I like you to proceed? I would like you to answer my questions and help....

While I hope it wasn't intended in this manner that particular statement comes off very rude and condescending. As suggested above this forum is ran by volunteers who want to help people get the best tech they possibly can for their money. There is no personal affiliation with PCS at all and no customer service or payments made to anyone that is involved (other than administrators).

Most people won't have time for this sort of attitude if it was intentional, so if it was I would suggest the customer service approach and wish you very well with your endeavours.

 

[Amethyst Star]

Hi Everyone,

First of all, I apologize if my previous comment came off as rude. That was not my intention. I could not sleep last night and was not in the best of moods. Probably not a great time to be online. It was just badly worded.

I take your points about the AMD processor. I was under the impression that AMD processors do not function as well with Nvidia and Iray rendering. After a little extra research though, I have just found out this is in fact wrong and an AMD is perfectly fine. Iray uses GPU rendering, so the Nvidia RTX 3090 is the most important component in this. Ideally I would like this coupled with a high-end processor. I immediately went for Intel because of what I had been informed elsewhere, and because my current computer has Intel. So again, I apologize for the way I worded my reply last night.

I also take your points regarding keyboard layouts. I thought I would ask all my questions in the same thread. I just assumed, again stupidly, that this forum was a board for communicating with PCSpecialist staff. That the forum is ran by volunteers is actually much better.

So with all that in mind, and taking on board what you have said about my set up, how can I improve the computer? What AMD processor would you recommend?

 

[AgentCooper]

This is a little over the preferred budget but would annihilate rendering tasks…

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (4 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3090 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
SATURDAY DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (BEFORE 2PM)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 18 to 21 working days
Price: £3,606.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/TQr3W2N7YH/

 

[Steveyg]

Hi mate, I know I'm probably capping out at the high end of your budget but there are number of areas I can make savings here if required. This is where I'd be aiming though if I was you

One thing I'm not super well versed in is the Fractal Define 7. I know it's a great case but I'm not sure what the optimal set up is for airflow or if adding fans is a good way to help promote airflow or not, being fairly closed in to keep volume at a minimum. Hopefully someone else can help on that side

EDIT: Beat to it by a second by Coop

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (4 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3090 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2700MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100x Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
NOT REQUIRED
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 18 to 21 working days
Price: £3,584.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/6hfMyVqW0k/

 

[Amethyst Star]

This isn’t necessarily true, your CPU would be far better off as an AMD choice, for both single and multi threaded work. It’s the brand of GPU that Daz has historically had issues with. Pair an Ryzen processor with an Nvidia GPU and you’re onto a winner.

I think the Daz community may have been where I was 'misinformed' about the issues with AMD processors. That was quite some time ago and the message got stuck in my subconscious. I have since discovered this morning that a lot of other Daz users have AMD processors with RTX 3090s. So I will definitely look into the Ryzen processor.

Your current build is little subpar. The cooler choice is nowhere near strong enough for the CPU, the fan would be working overtime and likely burn out. With your choice of case, you’d really need an AIO as the cooling medium. The storage could also be improved significantly, there are faster drives and better ways of storing your data.

What would you recommend for this? I am new to building computers so any help will be appreciated.

Where are you getting the advice that Intel will be better? All the info I can find says that with Intel or AMD will work. As AMD trounces Intel in almost all scenarios, a Ryzen CPU is almost certain to be better for you (you can pair an AMD CPU with an NVidia GPU - most do). The configuration will list what is available in terms of keyboard options. If you want to check about non-standard options, you will need to contact PCS directly, as most of us on the forum do not work for PCS but are enthusiast volunteers.

Intel CPUs run hot, so you will likely need much better cooling to get the best performance and to keep the noise down, particularly in a case like the Fractal 7. The RAM you have selected is slow.Bullguard is not advised.

The advice came from quite a long time ago, and it popped in my mind when I began searching for a second computer for Daz Studio rendering. That was a mistake on my behalf.

I take your points about the cooling and the RAM. I have to admit I just selected the first options on the dropdown menus, or just left them as they were.

 

[Scott]

You can see the similarities with the suggested specs from @AgentCooper and @Steveyg. They would absolutely smash your requirements and make any Intel offering look quite silly.

Unfortunately, because of the base requirements for such a high end system it has pushed the budget past the initial threshold but I would whole heartedly agree that it's the right thing to do.

There are a couple of notes I would offer for your consideration, but it would be entirely down to your particular use case.

With the second M2 storage drive, the well received 670 has been proposed. This will be an excellent drive for any fast storage that you wish to have on there. If you wanted to use the drive as a cache, it may be worth investing in one of the faster offerings.

With the cooling, bigger tends to be better but the Corsair range is definitely where you want to start. The H115i Elite Capellix would be my choice, purely because it comes with the controller etc required... for convenience. No need to worry about the RGB aspects of it, they can all be switched off. The larger size of the H115i means that the fan speed is lower to achieve the same cooling capacity. All helps with the acoustics and layout.

Check if you need Wifi. If you do, the AX200 card has you covered. If you don't.... no point in wasting case space

 

[Amethyst Star]

This is a little over the preferred budget but would annihilate rendering tasks…

Hi mate, I know I'm probably capping out at the high end of your budget but there are number of areas I can make savings here if required. This is where I'd be aiming though if I was you

One thing I'm not super well versed in is the Fractal Define 7. I know it's a great case but I'm not sure what the optimal set up is for airflow or if adding fans is a good way to help promote airflow or not, being fairly closed in to keep volume at a minimum. Hopefully someone else can help on that side

Thanks guys, both those set ups look great. I will have a proper look at them when I have more time later.

Amy

 

[Amethyst Star]

You can see the similarities with the suggested specs from @AgentCooper and @Steveyg. They would absolutely smash your requirements and make any Intel offering look quite silly.

Unfortunately, because of the base requirements for such a high end system it has pushed the budget past the initial threshold but I would whole heartedly agree that it's the right thing to do.

There are a couple of notes I would offer for your consideration, but it would be entirely down to your particular use case.

With the second M2 storage drive, the well received 670 has been proposed. This will be an excellent drive for any fast storage that you wish to have on there. If you wanted to use the drive as a cache, it may be worth investing in one of the faster offerings.

With the cooling, bigger tends to be better but the Corsair range is definitely where you want to start. The H115i Elite Capellix would be my choice, purely because it comes with the controller etc required... for convenience. No need to worry about the RGB aspects of it, they can all be switched off. The larger size of the H115i means that the fan speed is lower to achieve the same cooling capacity. All helps with the acoustics and layout.

Check if you need Wifi. If you do, the AX200 card has you covered. If you don't.... no point in wasting case space

Thank you. Yes, the setups are a little past the budget, but that's not a huge issue as it is not overly so. I would rather pay extra for something I know will last a long time, than buy something cheap that will break after a month. This is a computer that I intend to use for many years to come. So it is important I get this right from the start.

Anything that helps with the acoustics is great. I would like the computer to run as quiet as possible.

 

[Amethyst Star]

Forgive me for asking this, but what is the difference between Storage Drive and 1st M.2 Drive and 2nd M.2 Drive? I thought the storage drive was the main drive the OS is installed. At the moment I have most of my files and Daz content installed on the main drive of my current computer, which is why I chose one with a large amount of space. Are the two M.2 drives backup drives for additional data storage? I have generally always gone for external drives for additional space. That's more of a habit I got into than anything else. Probably a habit I should change.

 

[Steveyg]

Forgive me for asking this, but what is the difference between Storage Drive and 1st M.2 Drive and 2nd M.2 Drive? I thought the storage drive was the main drive the OS is installed. At the moment I have most of my files and Daz content installed on the main drive of my current computer, which is why I chose one with a large amount of space. Are the two M.2 drives backup drives for additional data storage? I have generally always gone for external drives for additional space. That's more of a habit I got into than anything else. Probably a habit I should change.

Yeah the smaller M.2 in my build for example is the boot drive. This is the drive for the operating system and any key programs that would benefit from fast load times

The idea is to keep the boot drive no more than 50% full at all times so that it ensures the OS runs at it's optimal speed at all times.

The second 2TB drive is for your actual storage. Everything else goes on this and you can fill it your hearts content.

The benefits of this set up is that it lets you make updates, changes to or even completely reinstall your operating system should you have any problems, without affecting any of your other files.

It also helps keep the system files "Tidy" in a sense. Once you go this route I doubt you'll ever go back, there's just some quality of life things that once you experience them you wonder why you ever did it any other way.

 

[Amethyst Star]

Yeah the smaller M.2 in my build for example is the boot drive. This is the drive for the operating system and any key programs that would benefit from fast load times

The idea is to keep the boot drive no more than 50% full at all times so that it ensures the OS runs at it's optimal speed at all times.

The second 2TB drive is for your actual storage. Everything else goes on this and you can fill it your hearts content.

The benefits of this set up is that it lets you make updates, changes to or even completely reinstall your operating system should you have any problems, without affecting any of your other files.

It also helps keep the system files "Tidy" in a sense. Once you go this route I doubt you'll ever go back, there's just some quality of life things that once you experience them you wonder why you ever did it any other way.

Thank you for your answer. That actually makes a lot of sense. I have to admit keeping the OS and key software on a separate drive from everything else is not something I had considered before.