7+ Best PC & Desktop Computer for 3D Animation 2023

January 30, 2023
8
 min read

3D animation has become one of the best practices for creating stunning visuals, and it requires a powerful desktop or PC to make this happen. Whether you’re modeling, sculpting, rigging, compositing, animating, or rendering 3D content - having the best computer for animation is essential to ensure smooth performance and high-quality results. 

But what makes a great animation desktop? 

From CPU power to GPU horsepower - there are many factors that can determine whether your hardware will be up to the task of running 3D software efficiently. 

In this article we'll go through all the important components you need in order to get the best out of your 3D animations.

3D Animation PC Requirements

Before choosing the best desktop for animation, we should know the PC requirements of different software. Let’s find out which animation desktop specification you should consider while working on specific software. 

Blender

CPU — Minimum 64-bit quad-core (recommended — 64-bit eight-core CPU)

RAM — 8 GB (recommended — 32 GB RAM)

Display — Full HD display (recommended — 2560×1440 display)

Mouse, trackpad or pen+tablet for creating 3D elements

GPU — 2 GB RAM, OpenGL 4.3 (recommended — Graphics card with 8 GB RAM)
(Check here for the best laptops for Blender)

Autodesk Maya

CPU — Minimum 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set / Apple Mac models with M series chip

RAM — 8 GB (recommended — 16 GB RAM)

Operating System — Windows 10 / Apple macOS 11.x, 10.15.x, 10.14.x, 10.13.x 

Mouse — Three-button mouse

GPU — No recemmenendations. Maya only provides links to "Maya Certified Hardware"

Cinema 4D

CPU — Minimum 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set / Apple Mac models with M series chip

RAM — 16 GB of RAM

Operating System — Windows 10 / Apple macOS 10.15.7 or higher / CentOS 7

GPU — NVIDIA Maxwell GPU (Minimum GTX 1660) / AMD Polaris with DirectX 12

3DS Max

CPU — Minimum 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction 

RAM — 4 GB (recommended — 8 GB RAM)

Operating System — Minimum Windows 10

Mouse — Three-button mouse

GPU — 16 GB of RAM (Recommended — 32 GB)

Recommended GPU Model — NVIDIA RTX 3050/3060 / AMD RX 6600

Zbrush

CPU — Intel Core2duo or AMD multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction (Recommended — Intel i5/7/Xeon technology/AMD Ryzen)

RAM — 8 GB (recommended — 16 GB RAM)

Operating System — Minimum Windows 10

Display — 1280×1024 (Recommended — 1920×1080 with 32-bit color)

Three-button mouse and Pen Tablet are highly recommended

GPU — OpenGL 3.3 or higher / Vulkan 1.1 or higher.


Can You Create 3D Animation on a Cloud Desktop?

Absolutely! You can create amazing 3D animation on a cloud desktop. You can run your preferred software and create amazing projects on the cloud.  

Cloud computing offers on-demand access to hardware resources. So, you no longer have to worry about investing in expensive hardware to build the best computer for 3D Animation. 

Instead, you can easily access powerful CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and other components from the cloud. All you need is just to focus on your creative projects.

If you're looking for an all-in-one solution, Flaneer Cloud Workstation for 3D Animation is the way to go. Its comprehensive selection of hardware options makes it easy for animators to create amazing visuals with no compromise on performance. What else?

You can scale up or down the hardware as needed, giving you the perfect balance of power and flexibility. 

7+ Best PC & Desktop Computer for 3D Animation 2023

1. Desktop in the cloud for 3D Animation

When it comes to choosing the best desktop for 3D animation, we will prefer a cloud workstation for creating your next animation project. 

Why?

When you are using a desktop for creating stunning animation, you are also investing in a system that is barely flexible and does not adapt to project changes or peak workloads. One of the main advantages of using a cloud workstation is flexibility. Because you can create and delete cloud workstations in minutes. You can also adjust your computing power according to your changing needs. 

A cloud workstation also allows animators to access their projects from anywhere, at any time. Animators can quickly and easily switch between multiple projects or tasks, making it ideal for those who need to adapt to project reality quickly.

Accessing your workstation through any laptop makes it also a flexible solution for anyone who loves to travel or move a lot and still wants to complete their animation projects on time.

From workforce mobility to security, there are a number of benefits for businesses of all sizes that switch from the old “one computer” model to cloud desktops.

For those looking for the best computer for animation, the Flaneer workstation in the cloud is an ideal solution. 

Not only does it allow you to create animations with minimal fuss and cost, but you can also move large resource-intensive processes such as 3D animation and rendering into the cloud with ease.

As a result, you can free up valuable resources on your desktop or laptop computer to be used for other tasks. Furthermore, it allows animators to access professional-grade software such as Autodesk Maya, 3DS Max, and others.

Flaneer’s powerful cloud-based computing platform ensures that all of your animation projects benefit from lightning-fast performance. It will give you the power to create high-end animation projects without the need for expensive workstations or desktop PCs. The cloud is also infinitely scalable, allowing users to increase their storage capacity and computing power as needed with just a few mouse clicks.

With Flaneer’s cloud-based animation workstation, you can achieve professional results at an affordable price if you take the total cost of ownership into consideration. As 80% of total IT costs occur after the initial purchase, you no longer have to worry about this. You can take advantage of powerful animation tools and services from any PC or laptop connected to the internet. Whether you are creating animations like “The Lion King” or “Finding Nemo”, Flaneer has the power and scalability to make your projects a reality. 

So, if you’re looking for the best computer for animation, look no further than Flaneer. With unbeatable performance, pricing, and versatility – it is an ideal solution for animators of all skill levels. Get started today and take advantage of its powerful features! You can work with multiple 4K monitors that put you ahead of other animators. With the 3 Gb/s+ bandwidth of the best computer for animation, you can create anything with less than 30 ms latency. In a nutshell, With Flaneer's Cloud Workstation for 3D Animation, you can easily take any project to the next level without breaking the bank. 

So why not give it a try? You'll be surprised at what Flaneer is capable of.


Shortlist of specifications currently available

  • CPU:  Intel Xeon Processors (2.5 GHz) or AMD EPYC 7R32 processors (2.8 GHz)
  • GPU: 8 GB AMD Radeon Pro 520, 16 GB Nvidia Tesla T4, or 24 GB Nvidia A10G
  • RAM: from 8 GB to 256 GB
  • SSD Storage: from 128 GB  to 2 TB
  • Cloud storage: anything up to 1 PB

Pricing

The price starts from €37 per month. You can configure your own workstation and view the prices here.

2. ALIENWARE AURORA RYZEN™ EDITION R14 GAMING DESKTOP

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Specifications

Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900X 

Speed: Up to 4.80 GHz Max Boost Clock

RAM: 64 GB, 2 x 32 GB, DDR4, 3466 MHz, XMP

GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3090

VRAM: 24 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: 1TB SSD (NVMe M.2 PCIe) + 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s

Cooling: Liquid-Cooled Processor with 750W Platinum Rated Power Supply

Highlights

If you are looking for the best desktop for animation or gaming, Alienware Aurora R14 Gaming Desktop is our top choice. 

This gaming PC is powered by AMD's new Ryzen™ processors and provides cutting-edge performance. It also provides optimal computing power for 3D animation software apps.  With up to 12 cores, 24 threads, and up to 4.8 GHz of processing speed, it can handle an intense workload. 

It features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 graphics with 24GB GDDR6 dedicated memory. This powerful graphics card allows users to create stunning visuals for their 3D projects quickly and easily. 

In addition, the desktop includes an expansive storage capacity of up to 1TB SSD. So, you don't need to worry about space for animations and other digital files. 

The special cooling components ensure maximum performance during intensive tasks like 3D animation. 

What's it?

The animation PC uses the Alienware Cryo-Tech 360° thermal cooling system with liquid metal on both its CPU and GPU. It reduces temperatures while drawing heat away from both components. It also reduces fan noise levels so you can focus on your work without worrying about overheating or interference from noise.  

On top of these features, the Alienware Aurora R14 Gaming Desktop comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed. So, users can be up and running right away with all the latest tools needed for their 3D animation projects. 

In a nutshell, it is one of the best desktops for 3D animation with everything needed to create amazing animations from start to finish in no time at all!

Pricing

The price of Alienware Aurora R14 is approximately $4,049.99. 

Pros

  • Excellent design
  • Enough ports and connectivities
  • Cryo-Tech 360° thermal cooling system
  • Top-end frame rates to create 3D animation

Cons

  • Mechanical data drive
  • Expensive than a cloud computer for animation

3. ALIENWARE AURORA R13 GAMING DESKTOP

Specifications

Processor: 12ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700F(25 MB cache, 12 cores, and 12 threads)

Speed: Up to 4.80 GHz Max Boost Clock

RAM: 16 GB, DDR5

GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 Ti

VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: 1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD

Cooling: Cryo-Tech™ cooling feature with 120x120x30mm heat exchanger

Highlights

The Alienware Aurora R13 Gaming Desktop is an excellent choice for those looking for the best computer for 3D animation. This powerful machine features an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6X graphics card. 

These specs make it ideal for tackling animation projects with ease, allowing you to render realistic 3D designs quickly and efficiently. The Alienware Aurora R13 also comes with a variety of other features that make it a great fit for animators. Its large 1TB hard drive provides plenty of storage space, while its four USB 3.0 ports ensure quick data transfer speeds. 

In addition, the system runs Windows 11 Home edition, giving you access to more than 50 applications specifically designed for animators and creators alike.

When it comes to design, the Alienware Aurora R13 boasts a sleek black chassis with signature blue accents – making it look as good as it performs. 

It’s stylish enough to be placed in any professional or home workspace without clashing with existing decor. 

As far as performance goes, this machine packs an impressive punch – delivering up to 4.8GHz gaming performance that’s perfect for heavier projects such as 3D animation rendering. 

If you’re looking for the best desktop for animation that won’t compromise on quality or power – then the Alienware Aurora R13 is your best bet!

Pricing

The price of ALIENWARE AURORA R13 starts at $1,479.99

Pros

  • Mid-range pricing with spectacular features
  • Eye-catchy design with a sleek black chassis
  • Plenty of ports

Cons

  • Face difficulties while creating high-end animation for its 120mm CPU cooler limits time

4. XPS Desktop

Specifications

Processor: 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-12900(30 MB cache, 16 cores, and 20 threads)

Speed: 2.40 GHz to 5.10 GHz Max Boost Clock

RAM: 32 GB, 2 x 16 GB, DDR5, 4400 MHz (Maximum: 128 GB)

GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 Ti

VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s 

Cooling: Advanced CPU air cooling (Upgradable to performance CPU liquid cooling)

Highlights

The Dell XPS Desktop is one of the best computers available for 3D animation and advanced video editing. It has all the power and performance needed to make creating complex projects a breeze. The XPS Desktop offers some of the most advanced graphics cards and processors in its lineup, providing smooth and responsive GPU rendering for creating high-quality visuals.

Whether you're building 2D animation, 3D models, or even real-time video game assets, you can be sure that the XPS Desktop can handle it with ease. 

The XPS Desktop also features plenty of storage space with up to 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD and another or 1TB 7200RPM SATA options available. So, you'll have plenty of room for all your files, including large textures and 3D models used in animation projects. 

On top of this, there's a wide range of ports such as USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3, allowing you to quickly connect external devices such as hard drives or 4K monitors when needed. 

The XPS Desktop comes with Windows 11 installed as standard, so you have instant access to programs like Adobe Creative Suite or Autodesk Maya right out of the box. It is powerful enough to take advantage of GPU acceleration when rendering complex scenes with these applications too, meaning faster render times than ever before. 

Whenever it comes to providing technical support, Dell provides excellent support if any issues arise during your workflow. 

For those looking for a comprehensive solution for animation workflows, the Dell XPS Desktop is an excellent choice. It boasts cutting-edge hardware that can easily handle any task without slowing down your workflow and it runs on a reliable operating system with plenty of software support from both Microsoft and third parties. 

With plentiful storage options at hand and multiple ports available for connecting devices simultaneously, this machine is ideal for animators who want to create jaw-dropping visuals without compromising on quality or speed.

Pricing

The price of a Dell XPS Desktop starts from $2,199.99.

Pros

  • Professional design 
  • Easy to upgrade
  • Enough external ports

Cons

  • The power supply should have more watts of power
  • Dust filters should be removable

5. HP Z1 G8 workstation

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Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i9-11900 Processor (Configurable to Intel Core i5-11400 Processor) 

Speed: 2.5 GHz Base frequency (5.2 GHz maximum turbo frequency)

RAM: Maximum 128 GB RAM with 4 slots (3200 MT/s)

GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Integrated Intel UHD Graphics)

VRAM: Maximum 8 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + Maximum 2 TB 7200RPM SATA HDD

Highlights

The HP Z1 G8 workstation is an ideal choice for those looking for the best computer for animation. It’s a powerful desktop with advanced processing capabilities that can handle complex tasks, making it the perfect companion for animators and 3D artists.

As it is one of the best workstation desktops for animation, you can configure your hardware parts before purchasing. You can select your custom processor from Core i5 to Core i9. Based on your animation workloads, you can choose your desired processor. 

RAM upgrade is also easy. There are 4 dedicated RAM slots so that you can easily use up to 128 GB RAM. 

The HP Z1 G8 workstation is also equipped with an impressive array of ports that allow you to easily connect peripherals such as monitors, cameras, external drives, and more. This ensures that you don’t have any problems when transferring data between devices or when setting up additional input methods such as control panels or tablets. 

Furthermore, it comes with a generous amount of storage capacity; you can choose between traditional hard drives or SSDs in various capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB of total storage space – more than enough room for your projects and files! 

With tons of features packed into its slim design, robust specs, plenty of ports, and storage options - it's undoubtedly a great choice for any professionals who need reliable support for their creative endeavors!

Pricing

The price of the HP Z1 G8 Tower desktop starts at $1622

Pros

  • Upgradable with plenty of hardware options
  • Workstation grade desktop
  • Powerful desktop
  • DisplayPort & Thunderbolt 3

Cons

  • No consumer version
  • Inappropriate rear port placement

6. HP Z4 G4 workstation

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Specifications

Processor: Intel Xeon W-2223 Processor 

Speed: 2.5 GHz Base frequency (5.2 GHz maximum turbo frequency)

RAM: Maximum 128 GB RAM with 4 slots (3200 MT/s)

GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Integrated Intel UHD Graphics)

VRAM: Maximum 8 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + Maximum 2 TB 7200RPM SATA HDD

Highlights

The HP Z4 G4 workstation is one of our top choices as the best computer for animation.  It features a powerful Intel Xeon W-2223 processor to tackle any creative task. 

However, you can also customize HP Z4 as per your budget and requirements. That means you can also have an Intel Core i9-10900X processor with a massive 512 GB RAM. 

The graphics card also comes with a lot of variation. You can boost your animation journey with the powerful AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200 GPU. With the secondary GPU option, you can also go for any high-end GPU like NVIDIA T400. 

You can now deliver outstanding visuals with customized GPUs and RAMs which allows you to create stunning 3D animations with ease.

The HP Z4 G4 workstation also offers excellent build quality that ensures your animation projects will run smoothly without interruption. Its durable metal casing protects against dust and debris while its fans keep the system cool even under heavy use. 

Its internal components are designed and tested for reliability so you can work on long projects without having to worry about unexpected errors or crashes. It packs enough power to handle any creative challenge while also providing reliable performance and excellent build quality that won’t let you down in critical moments. 

With this in mind, investing in an HP Z4 G4 workstation is certainly a wise decision if you need the best computer for animation.

Pricing

The price of the HP Z4 G8 Tower desktop starts at $1,757

Pros

  • Powerful desktop with upgradable hardware
  • Highly configurable
  • Silent cooling fans with removable dust filters.

Cons

  • Limited warranty
  • Expensive with high-end hardware

7. OMEN 45L GAMING DESKTOP

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Specifications

Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900X ( 64 MB L3 cache, 12 cores) 

Speed: 3.7 GHz base clock, up to 4.8 GHz max boost clock

RAM: Up to HyperX 64 GB DDR4-3467 MHz XMP RGB Heatsink RAM (4 x 16 GB)

GPU: AMD Radeon™ RX 6700XT

VRAM: 12 GB GDDR6X

Harddrive: 1 TB HDD storage + 512 GB SSD storage 

Cooling: OMEN Cryo Chamber for maximum cooling

Highlights

The OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop from HP is the perfect choice for 3D animation and other demanding graphic design tasks. 

This powerful, yet sleek machine comes equipped with a 12-core processor and liquid cooling technology, allowing you to work at blazing-fast speeds with ease. 

With up to 64GB of RAM, you can multitask without breaking a sweat, and its AMD Radeon™ RX 6700XT graphics card provides smooth visuals. 

As well as this, HP's Omen Command Center software allows you to customize your animation experience by tweaking the lighting effects, thermal settings, and fan speeds. 

Additionally, it comes with plenty of storage options - up to 1TB HDD drive and 512 GB SSD offering loads of space for storing your high-end animations. 

With its modern design featuring tempered glass side panels for that extra wow factor, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop is definitely one of the best computers for animation out there.

Pricing

The price of OMEN 45L GAMING DESKTOP starts at $3,999.99 (AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900X variant).

Pros

  • Very good gaming performance
  • Stunning design with LED lighting
  • Upgradable
  • Excellent cooling system
  • Both Intel & AMD processors are available

Cons

  • No i5 processor option
  • Need more connection ports

8. Build your own Computer for 3D Animation

Unless you are not interested to purchase a pre-made desktop for 3d animation and video editing, you can build your own computer. In fact, many professional 3D animators build their computers instead of purchasing a ready desktop.

Let’s check out what type of hardware would be a great fit for your next 3D animation desktop. 

The Best processor for 3D animation 

The processor is one of the most important factors in determining the performance of your computer. You will need a powerful processor to meet the demands of rendering complex 3D scenes. Since Intel and AMD both offer processors suitable for 3D animation, you should aim for an Intel Core i9 or an AMD Ryzen 9. These processors will provide you with enough power for your 3D projects.

Always consider the number of cores while choosing a processor for 3D animation. Though you can run animation on 6 cores, the more cores you have, the more efficiently your CPU can process tasks. An 8-core processor is ideal for most 3D animation tasks. However, you can go for a 10-core processor or higher if you are looking for something even more powerful.

Another factor to consider is the clock speed of the processor. Higher clock speeds allow your CPU to process more instructions per second. This can significantly improve overall performance. However, such processors come at a price, require more energy, and can generate more heat.

So here they are, the recommended processors for 3D animation -

AMD Processors For 3D Animation

  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 

Intel Processors For 3D Animation 

  • Intel i9 12900K
  • Intel i7 12700K

The best motherboards for 3D animation

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a suitable motherboard for 3D animation. We have highlighted a few of them -

  • The most important fact is the compatibility of the motherboard with your processor. Use Intel-compatible motherboards for Intel processors. Similarly, AMD-compatible motherboards are available for AMD CPUs.
  • Although ATX is the most popular and offers more features, there are also EATX, mATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. So, you need to decide on the form factor of the motherboard.
  • The next factor to consider is the chipset. The most popular chipsets for 3D animation are the Intel Z370 and AMD X570. Both are excellent for excellent 3D performance.
  • Next, take a look at the number of slots. There should be enough slots for graphics cards, RAM, and storage.
  • Last but not least, check out any additional features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.

So here they are, the recommended motherboards for 3D animation -

  • ASUS Prime X570-P (Best value for money)
  • X99 Xeons motherboards
  • TRX40 motherboards (For high-end performance)
  • Either a B550 or X570 motherboard
  • X99 series motherboards

The best GPUs for 3D animation

GPUs are a vital component of any 3D animation computer setup. Having the right GPU is essential for creating high-quality visuals. So, choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your workflow.

Since the memory of the GPU is a crucial factor for 3D animation, you should have at least 8 GB of VRAM (Video RAM).

Additionally, the GPU should be able to display the resolution and frame rate that your animation software requires. 3D animators also consider the chipset of the GPU. They tend to go for NVIDIA cards rather than AMD ones.

That is because NVIDIA cards feature CUDA cores and support for industry-standard APIs, such as OpenCL and OpenGL. Some of the best GPUs for 3D animation include the NVIDIA Quadro P6000, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080.

So here they are, the recommended GPUs for 3D animation -

For Nvidia lovers -

  • Nvidia RTX 3090
  • Nvidia RTX 3080
  • Nvidia RTX 3070
  • Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti
  • Nvidia RTX 2070
  • Nvidia RTX 2060 Super

For AMD lovers -

  • AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
  • AMD Radeon RX 6800
  • AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
  • AMD Radeon RX 5700

The best RAMs for 3D animation

RAMs like - Team Delta, Team Vulcan, HyperX, Corsair VENGEANCE, G.Skill Ripjaws, and Kingston FURY can be some top-notch options. And always choose either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM to keep up with the latest 3D animation software requirements.  

The best storage drive for 3D animation

The recommended storage drive for 3D animation desktops-

HDD or Hard Disc Drive -
  • The performance and speed of such drives are somewhat outdated. We suggest either going for a Seagate Barracuda or a Western Digital Blue hard drive.
SSD or Solid State Drive -
  • They are five times faster than an HDD. We advise going with the Samsung 870 QVO in the capacity you require.
M.2 PCI-E NVMe SSD -
  • They are 5 to 10 times faster than SSDs. Choosing a Seagate FireCuda 530 with your preferred capacity could be a great decision.

The best power supply for 3D animation

Instead of local power supplies, go for the branded ones, like - Thermaltake, Cooler Master, Corsair, Antec, ASUS, or Deepcool. Branded power supplies come with better warranties and have proven to be more efficient than local ones. 

The best CPU coolers for 3D animation

The right CPU cooler is essential for 3D animation. It keeps the processor cool and prevents it from overheating during intensive tasks. When looking for a CPU cooler, the following keynotes should be considered -

  • Size: Larger coolers have a better cooling capacity. However, they take up more space. If you are looking for a cooler for a smaller case, opt for a smaller model.
  • Noise Levels: Most coolers produce some noise when in use. However, some models are designed to be much quieter than others. If you don't want your system to be too noisy, find a cooler that has low sound levels.
  • Cooling Capacity: Of course, the cooling capacity is one of the main factors to consider. You must select a CPU cooler that can keep your processor running at an optimal temperature. 
  • Brand: A branded CPU cooler is more efficient and reliable than a cheap one. Although you may spend a bit more on a branded CPU cooler, the result will be noticeable. We suggest choosing a CPU cooler from Lian Li, NZXT, Cooler Master, Deepcool, MSI, Corsair, or CRYORIG.  

How to choose the best Desktop Computer for 3D Animation?

Processor

When it comes to choosing the best processor for 3D animation, you need to consider some factors. To make an educated decision, it's important to understand what type of animation you plan on doing and how powerful of a processor you'll need. 

When looking at processors for 3D animation, the most important thing to consider is the number of cores and clock speeds. A processor with more cores will have greater multi-threaded capabilities and therefore better performance when running multiple tasks.

For 3D animation software like Autodesk, Maya, or Blender, this means being able to render large scenes faster. Clock speeds are also important as they determine how quickly instructions can be processed per core. Higher clock speeds mean less time waiting for your animations to render. 

Ultimately, choosing the best processor for 3D animation and after effects requires taking into account all of these factors in order to make an informed decision that meets both software requirements as well as budgetary constraints while still providing enough power to handle complex animations in a timely manner.

Which processor is best for 3D modeling?

For 3D modeling, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is our top choice. However, there are some notable processors for 3D modeling that you can rely on for your next project including - 

  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
  • Intel Core-i9 9900K
  • Intel Core i7-6800K

Graphics Card

It is not only important to find the best GPU for video editing, GPUs are also essential in 3d animation for handling rendering tasks and can significantly speed up the time it takes to complete an animation project.

Choosing the best graphics card for animation mostly depends on the type of software you are using. While a high-powered Graphics Card might be expected to significantly enhance the Animation Viewport and Software Experience, it's typically the CPU that poses greater limitations. 

This is until complex GPU calculations come into play. Some features such as Anti-Aliasing, Anisotropic Filtering, SSAO, and Realtime Shadows require superior GPU capacity for an optimal experience.

You can also get the benefit from a strong GPU as these types of features are available in the Maya Viewport 2.0 or in Blender’s Eevee Real-Time Engine.

So, What should you consider while choosing the best graphics card for 3D animation?

When it comes to choosing the best graphics card for 3D animation, there are a few key considerations one should keep in mind. 

Brand: It is the very first thing that you should consider while making the final purchase. So far, AMD and Nvidia are the two most popular GPUs available in the market. They collaborate with some great hardware companies such as Gigabyte and Lenovo. As there are many versions of them, you also need to check the software compatibility.

VRAM: Video RAM is another factor that you should check. Make sure you selected a GPU that has at least 2 GB of RAM. However, for the best performance, go for at least 8 GB of RAM. Make sure that your GPU supports the upgradability so that you can later upgrade your VRAM to more than 32 GB. 

Ray Tracing: Although most of the popular GPUs come with a ray tracing feature, make sure you choose the GPU that has the feature. Many graphics cards now include dedicated ray tracing hardware such as NVIDIA's RTX line or AMD's Radeon RX 6000 series GPUs. 

Fulfill Software Requirements: It is also important to consider how well a graphics card will work with the software you intend to use for your 3D animation work. 

RAM

Choosing a RAM for 3D animation is not easy. You need to make sure you get the right amount and speed to ensure your computer runs smoothly. In terms of the RAM size, you should at least aim for 16 GB or more.

The amount of RAM a system has will determine how much data can be processed at any given time by both the CPU and GPU. Having ample RAM allows users to work with larger projects without suffering from long load times.

The bus speed of the RAM is also important. For the best performance, look for RAM with speeds of 3000 MHz or higher. Other factors to consider when selecting RAM are brand, compatibility, and the number of RAM sticks. Please confirm that your motherboard supports the exact size of the RAM and has enough slots to install it.

How much RAM do I need for 3D rendering and animation?

It depends on the complexity of your 3D rendering and animation projects, but it is recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM for basic projects. For more complex projects, 16-32GB of RAM is ideal. Additionally, having a powerful GPU can significantly improve your performance in animation and 3D rendering tasks.

Storage

A fast and reliable storage drive can make sure that your projects render quickly and accurately. In our opinion, the best storage drive for 3D animation is an M.2 PCI-E NVMe SSD. This type of SSD has extremely fast read and write speeds.

It can handle heavy loads associated with 3D animation. An M.2 PCI-E NVMe SSD also offers superior reliability over traditional hard drives and will last for many years of use.

If you are on a budget, an SSD or Solid State Drive, is also a good choice for 3D animation. While not as fast as an M.2 PCI-E NVMe SSD, they still offer improved speeds over traditional hard drives. So, either an M.2 PCI-E NVMe SSD or a Solid State Drive can be a really good option for 3D animation projects.

Power Supply

Unless you are planning for the best laptop for 3D animation, you don’t need to worry about battery life. However, you need to think about the power supply that can hold the power to run complex animation. 

You must have a reliable and powerful power supply to power your 3D animation rig. It should have enough power to run your graphics card, processor, and all other components. You may need at least 650 watts of power, depending on the components. 

On top of that, look for a power supply that is certified 80+ Bronze or higher. This can prove to be the most efficient power supply available.

In addition, select a power supply with enough connectors. Please confirm your power supply has at least two 6+2 pin PCI-E connectors and two 4-pin Molex connectors. That is why choosing a modular or semi-modular power supply is recommended. Such power supplies have detachable cables, so you can only plug in the ones you need.

Connection

The connection port is another factor to consider when choosing the best desktop for animation. Not only do you need a powerful machine that can handle high-end graphics, but also one with plenty of connection ports to enable you to plug in your external devices. Whether you're looking for a desktop computer for 3D animation or a laptop for animation on the go, having access to ample ports is key. 

Common connection ports range from USB and HDMI to DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 – each of which comes with its own respective advantages.

USB: USB is one of the most common ports you'll find on computers today. You can use it to connect everything from printers and keyboards to cameras and external hard drives. For a faster connection, make sure you select USB 3.0 instead of USB 2.

HDMI: HDMI is another popular port found on most computers today. As an animator, it will help you to create high-resolution 3D animation output without compression. It also helps you connect other displays for smooth playback without any latency. 

DisplayPort: It is another reliable connection option when it comes to monitors or projectors which support digital audio/video signals over cables at high refresh rates. In fact, DisplayPort works very well for animation work that requires precise timing accuracy.

Thunderbolt 3: It offers the highest speed to transfer huge amounts of data via multiple 4K displays at once for efficient workflow performance. 

Cooling

When it comes to choosing the best CPU cooler for 3D animation, you should look for one that offers great cooling performance and good noise levels. 

A liquid-cooled system can provide exceptional cooling performance, but it is more expensive than an air-cooled system. 

You should also consider the size and compatibility of the cooler with your case, as some coolers may be too large or not fit your particular setup.

It’s important to choose a CPU cooler that is compatible with your motherboard and processor, as this will help to ensure optimal performance from both components. 

Finally, make sure that the cooler you choose is able to handle your system’s power requirements and does not cause any heat-related issues.

Display

Even though you have the best desktop for animation, the display always plays an important role. When it comes to choosing the best monitor for creating stunning visuals in 3D, you need to consider the following factors:

Size: Size always matters. Whenever you use a big display, you can clearly see what you are actually doing on your PC. The ideal display size for 3D animation is 32 inches. However, you can use any display from 27 inches. 

Resolution: Resolution is another key factor when choosing your monitor. The ideal resolution for 3d animation work is from 3840 x 2160 (4k) and above. Having a higher resolution helps you to fit more visual areas on your monitor without compromising the quality. 

Color Accuracy: You should also consider color accuracy and range – look for monitors with higher contrast ratios and a wider color gamut for the most vivid colors. Make sure your monitor supports HDR technology so you can view all your projects in stunning detail with accurate colors that pop out of the screen like never before. 

IPS or LED: IPS display is better than LED display in terms of accuracy and sharpness. For animators, color accuracy is always important along with the viewing angles. LED monitors also come with the latest technology to increase color accuracy and viewing angles. 

Refresh Rate: Response time is key. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) tend to have good response times and refresh rates. Whenever your monitor has a good refresh rate, it enables smooth motion sequences.

Ultimately choosing your ideal computer monitor for animation comes down to personal preference – take into account things such as size, resolution, response time, color accuracy/range, and price point when making your decision. But whatever option you go with, make sure it's one that will help elevate your work and give you an edge over other animators!

Ability to upgrade your Computer

When choosing the best computer for animation, it is important to consider if it has the ability to be upgraded. In order to ensure your animation desktop has enough power to run smoothly and efficiently, it is often necessary to upgrade hardware components such as video cards, processors, RAM, and hard drives. 

Upgrading a computer can be an expensive process but this is usually the only way to maintain top performance for animation and 3D rendering. Unless you want to invest in an upgrade, you can choose Flaneer’s cloud workstation where you can simply upgrade your computer without purchasing them. 

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a powerful computer for 3D animation?

Yes, if you wish to do 3D animation, a powerful computer is necessary. The computing power required for 3D animation consists of a combination of processing speed, memory, graphics, and storage. Since powerful computers are costly, the best is to rent a cloud PC like Flaneer for short-term projects. 

Does 3D rendering use CPU or GPU?

3D rendering utilizes both the CPU and the GPU to create more detailed and realistic 3D images. GPU is vital in 3D rendering as it uses its powerful processing power to render the image quickly, accurately, and with detailed lighting, textures and effects. 

How many cores do you need for 3D rendering?

For professional rendering and active work, an 8-core CPU is the recommended starting point. However, for optimized performance, 16 cores offer an ideal solution - offering higher speeds with minimal loss in single-core efficiency compared to more powerful CPUs boasting up to 64 cores such as Threadripper Pro models.

Which GPU is best for animation?

As you are going to use GPU for animation, you should look for a workstation-grade GPU. Here are some of the best GPUs you can use on a cloud workstation for better performance.

  • NVIDIA A10G
  • NVIDIA Tesla T4
  • Nvidia RTX 3090
  • Nvidia RTX 3080
  • AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

What is most important for 3D rendering?

When it comes to 3D rendering, the most important factor is having a powerful computer with hardware that can handle the demands of the software. A good CPU with multiple cores and a strong GPU are essential for high-resolution rendering, as they will ensure the software runs smoothly without any hiccups.

Can I use a laptop for 3d animation?

Yes, you can use any laptop to create stunning 3D animations. If you want to spend a lot on high-configured laptops, you can choose the best laptops for animation. However, if you want to boost your laptop, you can access a cloud workstation via the browser.

Final Words


The world of 3D animation is constantly evolving, and cloud workstations have become a major part of that evolution. 

Finding the best computer for animation and 3D rendering can be a daunting task, but with our detailed guide, you now have all of the information needed to make an informed decision. 

With the right hardware powering your workstation, animators can create stunning visuals with incredible speed and accuracy. 

Whether your budget is limited or unlimited, there are plenty of options out there that will fit both your needs and wallet. 

As most of the best desktops for animation come with a high price, the power of a cloud workstation can make the difference between success and budget.

So if you're interested in taking your animation projects to the next level, look no further than Flaneer's Cloud Workstation for 3D Animation. 

With its selection of powerful CPU, RAM, and GPU options, it provides the best 3D animation experience possible. 

So what are you waiting for? Invest in Flaneer Cloud Workstation for 3D Animation and unlock the potential of your animation projects today! Happy animating! :)

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