[Build Help] I've been tasked to make a $500 3Ds Max machine, any advice?
So I've been asked to make a computer for an animation team that uses 3DS Max. If anyone's interested, this is for a FIRST Robotics team for their animation project. I've come up with an initial parts list, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has any helpful advise to improve/change this. I have a relatively tight $500 budget, so if there are any upgrades, please try to keep them within ~$50 of that mark. Also before anyone asks, this is strictly an animation and rendering computer, it will not be used for gaming.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor | $99.99 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | ASRock H61M-GE Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard | $64.99 @ Newegg |
| Storage | Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $54.99 @ NCIX US |
| Case | Rosewill FBM-02 MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $24.99 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | SeaSonic 300W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply | $45.98 @ Newegg |
| Optical Drive | Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer | $17.89 @ Outlet PC |
| Total | ||
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available. | $308.83 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-02 13:37 EST-0500 |
I also already own the ram I'll be using, I'm reusing RAM that I replaced with a recent upgrade.
I'm also looking towards a professional graphics card, like this affordable Quadro 600. I know it's not completely necessary since the rendering falls almost entirely on the CPU, but I'll need something for the display, and let me make this completely clear, this computer will NOT be used for gaming, so I do not need a gaming gpu (unless a gaming gpu will out-perform the one I have for a lesser price).
So yeah guys, any help would be appreciated. Mainly, I want to make sure my CPU/Motherboard are good enough for this project. I want to give these kids the best equipment they can get for ~$500. Thank you lots!
EDIT: Forgot the optical drive...
Posted Dec 2, 2012, 6:30 PM UTC · edited