i have a 5-6 year old xeon workstation that needs more ram, but i got a quote today (2x 1gb for $175) and i’m not sure if i should get the ram or start saving for a new workstation. below are my specs, any thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks!
2.8Ghz. single core 32-bit Intel Xeon (upgradable to 3.06Ghz. 32-bit)
1GB ram upgradable to 12GB (what’s the point of more than 3GB on a 32-bit OS)
nVidia Quadro4 980 xgl 128mb (AGP slots only)
80GB IDE HDD (i have 2x 256GB seagate externals, i also have a SCSI port)
Windows XP Pro 32-bit
after ZBrush boots up, over 500mb of my available 1024mb is already in use so there isn’t much i can do right now in ZBrush before i run out of memory. Thanks again!
Given your specs, I think you should start saving for a new system, if you want to get the most out of ZB.
Yes, you need more Ram, but you are hamstrung by a weak CPU and 32 bit OS as well.
Temporarily, it would help to throw in a couple more gigs of ram, yes, but you’re right, theres no point in going over 3gb on 32 bit OS.
Ideally what you want is a more current dual/multicore cpu, 64 bit OS, and at least 4gb of ram. Your system is significantly out of date, and it is probably not worth upgrading individual components. Anything that you can find to put in there, will still be under performing, and good money after bad. You’'ll need an entirely new core system, down to the PSU likely, although some peripherals might be salvageable.
175$ for 2 gb of ram of what is certainly an old ram standard in particular sounds like way too much money.
yeah, it’s PC2100 DDR ECC registered. the registered part is what makes it cost so much. any idea on a good PC, i can’t afford to buy another Xeon workstation, and i’m never getting an hp again, had a Dell but not sure i can afford that either right now.
I build my own. Pretty easy once you take the plunge, read up, and get over your initial fears.
Since ZB is not video card dependent, if you kept all your peripherals/drives/monitor, you could probably go on Newegg and put together a machine, that while not “cutting edge”, would significantly outperform your current one (not including OS) for 500-600 bucks…and more importantly…be back in the current upgrade path so you can put legitimately worthwhile upgrades into the architecture as you can afford it.
If you want a workstation grade GPU, of course this gets much more expensive. Unless you have industrial needs with other applications though, even a mid range modern gaming GPU will do pretty well for you. ZB doesn’t care about GPU at all.
Minimum, you’re going to need:
New CPU (64 bit/multicore). This will almost certainly require a new Power supply, and definitely require a new motherboard, which will definitely require new Ram (minimum 2gb to even run modern OS efficiently, 4-6 gb would be far better), and a new GPU. You’re stuck behind some very obsolete AGP architecture, and upgrading anything in that system is going to be a waste, even if you could find any significant upgrades. It’s a hard place to be, believe me, I know, but once you’re out from under it, life improves significantly, and you will be able to more efficiently upgrade individual components at your leisure.
Failing that, I recommend asking around people you trust, and getting some recs on a good independent system builder. Don’t buy a Dell or HP. Cost you more though.
Don’t forget, you will want a 64 bit OS…either Vista or Win 7. Not XP 64…that’s nowhere. Or buy a Mac…but that’s more money yet, plus converting all your software.
i found an Alienware for about $1,900 here are the general specs:
Intel 2.6Ghz Quad
12GB ram
nVidia Geforce 250 512mb
500GB 7200rpm HDD
750w psu
standard cooling
compatible mobo
no monitor or speakers
1 year warranty (my Dell i bought in 1997 still hasn't broken).
everything else is on board or standard
the problem with building a PC myself is that i don't know which brands to buy. i assume Dell only uses good brands based on my last dell.
I built my new pc for about 900. I used an asus p6t motherboard, an intel i7 920 quad, and 6bg ddr3 ram. There are new ati cards 3750 i think, that are 99$ each. I used my 8800gts, but these 2 cards will significantly outperform it. 99$ hard drive. add a case and psu. Mine was an 800w prudent or something like that. its a monster. I would do this before i would touch the alienware. They are good, but overpriced. besides, you would still have 1000 left over to move it to 12gb ram, and the 8 core chips when they come out! This is the cheapest i7 and it flies! easiest build i ever did too. plug it in and boot.
good luck, you really should build it, learn how now and you can stay cutting edge for 1/2 to 3/4 the price.
i found 2GB PC2100 ECC REGISTERED used for $39.99+free shipping, so i decided to upgrade now, and see how far it gets me. also, i am considering buying a used workstation off of ebay that would fit my needs, but not right away. thanks for everything.