ZBrushCentral

Hardware Question

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hey everyone, I hope this is in the right place, sorry if it isn’t. I am having some general concerns about my hardware setup. Now to date I haven’t had any issues running Zbrush, Sculptris, Photoshop, Muddbox, etc etc. But a friend of a friend told me that I need to get a “work station GPU” instead of my traditional graphics card. So I did some google’n and have found mixed results. Some sites say certain gaming/traditional graphics cards are o.k., and others have said its a no no. Now I do intend in the very near future to start getting into the rigging and animation side of things, but for now, whats the over all take on what you need hardware wise to push the limits? Or even simply play it safe?

Just for a quick run down, I am working on a Windows 7 64bit, with 16 gigs of DDR3 1600 SDRAM, an AMD FX-8120 Zambezi 3.1GHZ 8-Core Processor, and a Radeon HD 7950 3GB graphics card.
I really hate to think I would need a system over-haul, but I would rather know now then run into issues later. Thank you everyone for your help!

#2

What you have right now is perfectly fine for ZBrush and probably most other apps also. ZBrush doesn’t use the video card, only RAM and CPU. Right now, ZBrush is still a 32 bit app and can only use 4 gigs of RAM maximum, although it is rumored that ZBrush 5 will be 64 bit.

On a sidenote, there are certain apps that utilize GPU rendering using CUDA. As far as I know, Nvidia video cards are the only ones that have that capability. I don’t think AMD Radeons have that capability yet. I could be wrong though.

#3

you do not “need” a workstation card. I use a ATI 5800 series card. Renders everything fine at normal to be expected times. Gaming cards are fine.

If you want to blow 2-3$ k on a workstation card, feel free. But it is not needed. I don’t think you will see much of a difference.

Are you a professional in a high dollar studio? I am not, just a hobbyist, with a dream of getting some contract work at some point in the future. I find that my ATI 5800 card is just fine for Zbrush, Carrara, Vue or even Max/Maya. All of which are animation programs. Your 8 core system will be fine. Faster than Mine, I just have a 4 core. Ram is always a bonus, 16 gigs… you will be fine for some time. Zbrush, like many 3D packages is 32 bit, can only use about 2 gigs of your ram atm. Zbrush 5 will be 64bit, that will take advantage of your beastly amount of ram. We all are looking forward to that.

You do have a 64 bit OS right? Win 7 64bit? If not, I would upgrade when you can.

#4

I would not worry about Cuda. CUDA is a physics rendering system developed by Nvidia I believe. It is nothing really to spend tons of money upgrading for.

#5

On a 64 bit OS, it can use 4 GB which is what he has.

#6

No, CUDA is much more than physics, but no rush to get an upgrade for it as the tech will be implemented more in the near future.

The programs you listed won’t really see an advantage to using one as the costs are a bit more than gaming cards. You don’t need a workstation video card until you start doing much bigger projects and scenes and higher end software that will actually take advantage of a workstation card. For now you’re fine with what you have, especially if you’re just starting out.

#7

Blenders Cycles render engine uses GPU/CUDA already and so does Octane Render. Speeds up rendering time considerably.

#8

excellent, thank you very much guys. as i progress in the field, in enter the realm or need for CUDA I can address that issue then, but if I am ok for now thats all that matters! Thanks a bunch. I am sure I will be around often picking your brains for tips and advice on modeling issues.

#9

relax Zber. I guess I didn’t see that he had it. was just speculating. and Actually he has 16 gigs of ram. so yes he is set. :cool:

#10

Relax ???

#11

sorry man, I guess I read too much into your statement. That’s the one thing I hate about Forums… There is no sound of voice to catch the inflection. I think i was reacting to your Avatar. It somehow makes me feel you are agitated. No offense was meant. :o

#12

Group Hug!

#13

lol

‘\ o /’ :smiley:
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