People who work around computers and engage in advanced processes like 3D modeling & rendering require the latest compatible systems. Are you wondering what is the best computer for 3D modeling and rendering? Do you want to get your hands on one? Well, you need to keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, you need to know that not all computers are programmed to run 3D modeling and rendering. Your system would require certain specifications to run these tasks successfully; hence proper knowledge and understanding of such aspects are vital. Before you make a purchase, you should have all the critical points in mind.
With this article, we will not just help you understand the workings and specifications of these programs. We will also provide a list of the best computers for 3D modeling and rendering so that you make a perfect choice and create the best designs.
1- Asus ZenBook Pro Duo – Best Overall
2- Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Value for Money
3- Dell G3 15 3500 – Cheapest Option
4- – Best 2-in-one
1- OMEN by HP – Best Overall (Professional)
2- HP Pavilion Desktop – Best Cheapest Option
3- Dell OptiPlex – Budget option
4- CyberpowerPC Supreme – Best all-rounder option
Check below the Full Review of each selection and the Buying Guide!
How to choose the best computer for 3D modeling & rendering?
To be compatible with this fast-evolving digital world, you need to stay technologically updated, especially when carrying out intense 3D modeling and rendering tasks. To choose the best computer or laptop for the same, you should be able to distinguish and understand specific requirements and criteria surrounding your purchase.
If you feel like you are not familiar enough with technology yet and all these details make you confused, then you should know that selecting a suitable device doesn’t need any sort of expertise. You need to look for these few basic things mentioned below and make a checklist of what is most suitable for you.
1. Budget
It is wise to have a budget before you invest in a system like a laptop or a computer unless you have no limits on your expenditure. As these are not easy investments, spending a lot of money on something that doesn’t provide you with all the functions required could backfire on you.
You should only invest in a system that satisfies your needs at a reasonable cost. For example, 3D modeling is available in a wide range of moderately priced modern laptops, and you don’t have to go for an expensive high-end laptop believing that it would do the work better.
A lower-end laptop with a strong processor would benefit you the same way. Read the list ahead for the best budget laptop for 3D modeling and rendering along with budget computers.
2. Processor
The processor is the critical component of your system, be it a computer or a laptop. The processor unit handles all sorts of calculations and simulations related to the 3D work. While working on 3D modeling, you need to ensure that your processor allows you to multitask at a reasonable speed along with fluidity.
You should always go for the updated and latest versions available. If we talk about specifications, you will require a processor with at least a four-crore core count, 8+ being the best. A good core performance would need at least a 2.4GHz base clock rate and a 3.5 or higher boost clock rate.
Also, make sure that the name of the CPU has an “H” instead of ”U”; it indicates a good power draw allowance.
3. GPU
Graphics Cards or GPUs are responsible for graphics processing in the system. They process all the visual components on your screen. Hence looking for a good GPU should be your top priority when you are looking for a device to carry out 3D modeling and rendering work.
To settle with a good GPU, you need to make sure it has a decent amount of Cuda core processors. Your system’s video memory or VRAM should be high; ideally, 8+ and it should have optimum power performance to ensure efficient functioning of the GPU.
4. RAM
Random Access Memory, abbreviated as RAM, is the system memory. RAM allows you to switch between programs without any hassle so that you can multitask efficiently on your computer or laptop.
For 3D works, the higher the RAM, the smoother the functioning. An ideal RAM would be around 16GBS. However, you can also execute the job in a lower RAM, but there would be chances of hurdles in your work or some future risks in terms of system inefficiency.
Nowadays, you also can choose from a wide range of ‘add-on’ RAM available in the market, which can improve the memory capacity of a lower-end system. Hence you can customize it according to your budget.
5. HDD, SSD or NVMe
Hard Disk Drives(HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), and Non-Volatile Memory Express SSD (NVMe) are nothing but the types of commonly used hard drives in a computer or laptop. These drives are responsible for loading the applications on your device, saving, booting, etc.
Hard disks are the oldest and most frequently used storage drives. They can provide larger capacities than SSDs and NVMes and are pretty affordable comparatively. However, SSDs and NVMes are faster, and they allow better performance. NVMe is the quickest and most efficient choice but is very expensive at the same time.
Talking about the ideal drive for 3D modeling and rendering, an SSD should do the work for you, but you can invest in a laptop with an NVMe SSD for optimum performance. If that isn’t possible, you can always upgrade your system with external drives.
6. Power efficiency
The battery of your laptop could be a game-changer too. A good or a bad battery can make or break the efficiency of your system. If your work generally involves moving from place to place, you need a good battery backup to carry your laptop for extended periods.
Especially for work related to 3D modeling and rendering, you will require a solid backup and efficient power performance. Don’t go for the claims made by manufacturers about the lasting hours of a battery, and they are usually not accurate.
For example, if the brand says that it would last for 12 hours, it will be only around 6-8 hours with a moderate load of work and even less if the work is intense.
7. Others
There are other factors to look for in a system as well. For example, the type of screen, panel type, refresh rate, and response time are essential points to look for while buying a laptop.
A perfect laptop for 3D work should have a good screen of around 16 inches, preferably an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) pane, a refresh rate higher than 60Hz, and a low response time of 5ms or less.
Laptops or desktop computers for 3D modeling & rendering?
When it comes to choosing between a laptop or a desktop for 3D modeling and rendering, one thing you must remember is the intensity of your work and how much time and power it drains out of your computer system.
Even though laptops are portable and seem to be the most feasible option when you move around places for work, you should know that laptops aren’t suitable for long, intensive work. Unlike a computer, they don’t have built-in cooling systems and tend to heat up fast. Desktops also have the upper hand in terms of storage. However, laptops could be good for small works.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Laptop
Using a laptop for the purpose of 3D modeling and rendering comes with its own set of pros and cons. Some are discussed below:
Advantages
- Portability- The best part of using a laptop is the ease of carrying it around. If your work demands you to move around, then a laptop is a perfect choice. Even though you might struggle to get the best performance and results, it should do most of the work.
- Lightweight and compact – Laptops are easy to transfer from one place to another compared to workstations. They also don’t require much space.
- Hassle-free wireless operation- Another advantage is that it doesn’t need wired connections for power or connectivity. Hence handling a laptop is easier.
Disadvantages
- Overheating- A laptop might heat up soon since 3D modeling and rendering calls for prolonged and exhaustive tasks. Because of the absence of a cooling system in a laptop, it doesn’t cool down as efficiently as a desktop does, affecting your work. There’s also a risk of burning out your laptop, so it makes the use restricted.
- Performance- 3D works require high-performance systems that are usually easier to achieve with a desktop than a laptop. Many robust laptops are available in the market, but certain limitations like budget, heat, and power can still turn out to be a disadvantage.
- Upgradation- Another disadvantage of a laptop compared to a desktop is the limitation to be upgraded. You need to adapt to changes quickly with evolving technologies, but this is not possible with a laptop as it is a pre-assembled system. You can only replace the RAM or Hard drive at the most.
Laptops are not customizable according to changing needs which is usually possible with a desktop. Hence it becomes challenging to commit to one for a long time. You might feel the need to get a new one quite frequently as the use becomes limited in the future.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Desktop Setup
There are several pros and cons related to a desktop as well. Here are a few for your better understanding.
Advantages
- Cost-effective- Desktops are usually very affordable compared to laptops. You can get a system with already existing specifications that you need or also customize one according to your needs. The best thing here is that it won’t cost you a fortune, and you will pretty much be able to get everything done on a budget.
- Upgradability- Desktops are upgradable, and you can constantly modify your system with upcoming technologies. Be it a new RAM, Hard drive, new graphics card, or another processor altogether. Upgradation is usually not achievable with a laptop. A desktop gives you the freedom to build a system of your choice.
- Performance- A desktop usually provides better performance than a laptop at the same price. It can be attributed to the cooling capacity of desktops and excellent power efficiency, and more robust components. For something like this, you will require strong hardware components along with the software.
The RAM, processor, and GPU of a desktop are better performing than a laptop, and the freedom of upgrading them to enhance the performance is an added advantage.
Disadvantages
- Mobility- Movement is restricted with a desktop. It’s heavier, and you cannot carry it around when you are on the go. Hence the use becomes limited to your workspace. Laptops usually give you the freedom to work anywhere and move around.
- Wired and spacious- Desktops usually take up a lot of space, and a lot of wiring also makes them difficult to handle. So it usually calls for proper space and maintenance, which could be a con for someone lacking the resources.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for 3D modeling & rendering
You should be aware of the specifications you will need in your system to carry out 3D design-related work, modeling, or rendering. Even though it is not the hardest of the tasks, it still has some minimum requirements.
Always go for the recommended specs, don’t settle with the minimum if you want to choose best PC for 3D modeling and rendering and gain a top-notch computing experience.
Minimum System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 or higher |
| Display Card | 1 GB GPU, 29 GB/s Bandwidth |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 DDR4 RAM |
| Hard Disk Space | 240GB to 500GB SSD |
| Processor | 2.5+ GHz processor |
| Screen | 15+ inches,1920 x 1080 resolution |
Recommended System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| GPU | 4 GB GPU, 106 GB/s Bandwidth |
| Memory (RAM) | 64GB of RAM |
| Hard Disk Space: | 1TB fastest SSD storage |
| Processor: | 3+ GHz processor |
| Screen Resolution: | 17+ inches, 3840 x 2160 4k resolution |
Understanding 3D modeling
3D modeling is a widely used field in today’s world. You need to know the basics of 3D modeling in order to understand why you need certain specifications.
What is 3D modeling?
3D modeling involves the development of mathematical coordinate-based three-dimensional models using specialized software. It allows you to create 3D shapes and convert them into models and eventually build visuals.
3D models help to replicate components in your environment through scanning and tracing them digitally. This process can have a wide range of applications, and some are-
- Development of visuals for films
- Architectural planning
- Engineering purposes
- Video game development
- For academic or research activities
3D modeling can be easily achieved with any modern laptop or desktop; however, when we talk about resource-intensive work that demands high-quality models, you might need a high-end system.
Being more familiar with your work and understanding the demand would help you settle with the best computer for 3D modeling.
What is rendering?
All the images that you come across every day, be it digital or on paper, are all processed through rendering. It is basically the process of converting a three-dimensional model into a two-dimensional model using software specialized for it.
Rendering produces real-looking images, much like that captured from a camera. Hence it gives a broad scope of creativity to create anything out of a 3D model. It is very helpful in designing and makes it easy and cost-effective.
Some rendering applications are in the field of marketing, architecture, films, simulators, video games, etc. With its increasing demand, better systems are coming out with well-suited specs to match the requirements. Read the options listed below to find out the best pc for modeling and rendering.
Softwares
You should be aware of the software available to execute 3D modeling and rendering. To develop a good design or product, you need to have some knowledge about the software available in the market and how each caters to different needs.
Some of the best software for 3D modeling & rendering-
- Sketchup
- Blender
- AutoCAD
- Maya
- Cinema 4D
- 3Ds Max
- Keyshot
Hardware for support
Other than the ones mentioned above, there are several other important components vital for a system that affect its performance. Without their support, your computer won’t be able to function at its fullest and yield excellent performance. These include-
- A good computer case
- Reliable Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- External storage device
- The monitor
- Cooling station
- Input Devices like mouse Keyboard, Tablet, etc
CPU VS GPU rendering
As mentioned earlier, rendering is the process of transforming a 3D model into a 2D image. For this, the graphics can only be processed through CPU and GPU render engines. They both have similar functions but differ in how they process the tasks.
CPU rendering uses the CPU of your computer. It carries out rendering using multiple cores, good clock speeds, and technologies like hyperthreading. CPU rendering has an advantage over the others as it provides a more significant amount of memory. CPUs can also multitask using different processes at once, making it easy to handle the tasks efficiently.
GPU rendering, as the name suggests, uses a graphics card as the renderer. GPUs have a high speed. One GPU can provide the speed of multiple CPUs, and hence they are becoming very popular in the market. Multiple GPUs can also be used at one time for rendering. However, you need to make sure it has a good memory and cooling capacity for the best results.
Advantages of CPU rendering:
- Handles complicated tasks
- Provides a large memory
- Quality results
- Gives stability
Advantages of GPU rendering
- Fast processing
- Cost-effective compared to CPU rendering
- Continuously updating with technology
- Heavy processing power
Now that you are familiar with both CPU and GPU rendering, you can decide what will be the best option for your computer as a designer. CPUs are conventionally used for rendering and provide satisfactory and good performance, while GPUs emerge as constantly evolving and technologically updated components.
Best laptop for 3D modeling & rendering
A variety of options are available today when it comes to good laptops for 3D modeling and rendering. Before you choose one, you need to keep the required specifications in mind. Following are the best laptops for 3D modeling and rendering in the market:
| Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Asus ZenBook Pro Duo |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Acer Predator Helios 300 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Dell G3 15 3500 |
| Check On Amazon |
| Dell XPS 15 |
| ||
1- Asus ZenBook Pro Duo – Best Overall
Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core i9 9980HK
Ram: 32 GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB of SSD Storage
GPU: 6GB NVIDIA RTX 2060
Display: 15.6-inch 4K OLED (3840 x 2160)
It is the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering. It has an excellent processor with lightning speed which gives you the best performance. It provides a solid core power with 5GHz of clocking speed and other technologies like multithreading.
It can carry out modeling in complex software with ease and short periods. Its 4K UHD screen gives you the best visuals and fantastic resolution. The only thing to look for is the price, and it is pretty expensive. But for a high-end laptop like this, it’s all worth it, and you should definitely go for it if your budget is flexible.
Pros
- Solid GPU
- Stellar visuals
- It comes with a screen pad
- Superfast and strong performance
- Ample storage
Cons
- Expensive
- Low screen refresh rate
- Not lightweight
- Okayish battery life
2- Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Value for Money
Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
Ram: 16 GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
GPU: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
It not only provides the best value for money but is also compatible with all complex 3D modeling and rendering software. The Intel Core i7-10750H processor with a 5GHz processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU provides faster and hassle-free modeling with quality results.
It can easily handle larger files with 16GB RAM, and you also get ample storage with the 512GB SSD. The ultra-fast storage enables your OS to function better. The 15.6-inch 1080p display with no lags or blurs gives you the perfect visuals.
It also provides a 144Hz refresh rate, a good overdrive response of 3ms, and a 72 percent color gamut resulting in the best visualizations. Go for this as it is moderately priced and comes out as the best budget laptop for 3D modeling and rendering with high-end specs.
Pros
- Strong GPU with 6GB VRAM
- Robust processor
- Good power backup
- A reasonable refresh rate of 144Hz
- Cooling technology
Cons
- Display is okayish
- Design isn’t innovative
3- Dell G3 15 3500 – Cheapest Option
Processor: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-10750H
Ram: 16 GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
GPU:4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
It is retailed as a gaming laptop, but the Dell G3 15 3500 has the required resources you would need, and it is quite the best cheap laptop for 3D modeling and rendering. This Dell variant is enough to carry out most of the 3D design works and is appropriate for someone who isn’t hooked on buying a high-end system.
It is equipped with an Intel Core i7-10750H processor, with an exceptional turbo clock speed of 5GHz, making it a high-performance system. The graphics card is compatible with many software like 3Ds Max and is enough to carry out the tasks with good results.
It also comes with good storage of 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM, which would be enough to handle several tasks at a time efficiently. Overall it is the best option for someone who is looking for a budget laptop for 3D modeling with money constraints.
Pros
- Upgradable dual socketed RAM
- Crisp display
- Strong and durable processor
- GPU allows easy functions
Cons
- Heavy
4- – Best 2-in-one
Dell XPS 15 is regarded as the best laptop for 3D modeling and rendering as a 2-in-1 high-end option. It is quite expensive, but the best part is the horsepower it is packed with and a discrete AMD Radeon RX Vega GPU.
You can get all intensive tasks done, create digital art, edit photos, and render all kinds of animations and videos. This 2-in-1 design is slightly more compact, but it is also very robust, and you should definitely go for it.
Pros
- Sleek and ultra-thin design
- Good power
- Strong graphics card
Cons
- Expensive
Best Desktop Computer for 3D Modeling & Rendering table
With various options available in the market to fulfill your needs, selecting a suitable computer for you could be confusing. Here is a devised list of the best computers for 3D modeling and rendering.
| Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OMEN by HP |
| Check On Amazon |
 | HP Pavilion Desktop |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Dell OptiPlex |
| Check On Amazon |
 | CyberpowerPC Supreme |
| Check On Amazon |
1- OMEN by HP – Best Overall (Professional)
Processor: Intel Core i9-9900K
Ram: 32 GB
Storage: 1000GB
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER
Display:
It has a MicroATX build; hence it is smaller and compact. The dimensions are around 17.1×6.5×14.1 inches, and it comes in a regular height and a narrow case. It will occupy less space and will be easier to port compared to other workstations.
It has a strong CPU and GPU along with excellent storage and RAM, as mentioned in the specs. It will enable you to carry out quality designing and rendering work on this desktop along with gaming. It will give you professional experience, and it can be stated as the best workstation computer for 3D modeling and rendering.
Pros
- Compact design
- Portable
- Easy to open and build
Cons
- Noisy cooling system
- No support of flashcard
- Audio output isn’t the best
2- HP Pavilion Desktop – Best Cheapest Option
Processor: Intel Core i3-9100
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD Drive and 1 TB HDD SATA
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Display: Does not include a monitor
Talking about the best computers for 3D modeling on a budget, this is the top choice. It has a sleek design with solid hardware and is the best option if your work includes multitasking. It gives you high-speed performance, and a 1 TB 7200RPM SATA hard drive allows you to store all of your files easily.
The amazing specs make this a perfect choice. You can work with complex software with the Windows 10 OS as well.
Pros
- Chassis is lightweight
- Solid build
- Optical drive
Cons
- Limited power supply
- Not the best computing performance
3- Dell OptiPlex – Budget option
Processor: Intel Core i5-9500
Ram: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Display: Monitor Not Included
It can be utilized for all kinds of advanced operations. It provides a great user experience with a strong hardware game that makes multitasking so smooth. It operates with Windows 10 Pro, which makes running and accessing the office domain very easy.
The 256GB SSD gives you good boot operation, and an 8 GB RAM allows you to switch between files easily and quickly and work through different things simultaneously. It is ranked as the best computer for 3D modeling and rendering 2019.
Pros
- Small and compact design
- Good connectivity options
- It comes with a DVD reader
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited storage
4- CyberpowerPC Supreme – Best all-rounder option
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700k 3. 6GHz 8-Core
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB PCI-E NVMe SSD
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
Display: No monitor included
With the combination of Intel Core i7-9700k processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GPU, you get the best of both worlds. It gives you the best system performance along with reliability.
What makes it unique is the liquid cooling function which makes the operation quiet and top-notch. A fantastic gaming experience with easy multitasking capabilities makes this an all-rounder and the best computer for 3D modeling and rendering at the same time.
It allows your system to carry out resource-intensive tasks and lag-free operations. It comes out as one of the best options in the market as a high-end, reliable desktop.
Pros
- Strong CPU
- Liquid cooling technique
- Speedy SSD
- Latest graphics card
- Good gaming experience
Cons
- Heavy
- Can become hot
- Liquid cooling can become noisy sometimes.
FAQS
1. Is a gaming pc suitable for 3D modeling?
Yes, a gaming pc is mostly suitable for 3D modeling. This can be attributed to the reason that gaming systems usually come with solid processors, high-end graphics cards, and good RAM. All of these factors work well for both gaming and 3D modeling.
But if you work on high-end rendering tasks, some gaming laptops might not suffice for it. Hence, one should carefully check the specifications of a computer and the system requirement their work demands prior to purchase.
2. How much RAM would I need for 3D modeling?
The minimum requirement concerning RAM would be at least 8GB for basic tasks. However, when you consider resource-intensive or rigorous work, including intricate tasks, you will require 16GB+ RAM and around 32 or 64GB RAM for complex visuals.
3. What graphics card do I need for 3D modeling?
There are a variety of sound graphics cards available in the market. But to choose the best one for you, you should know the key factors surrounding the GPU. The number of CUDA cores in the graphics card, the VRAM, and power limits decide the performance of your graphics card. An ideal graphics card would have more CUDA core processors, 6GB+ VRAM, and a reasonable power limit. Couple of recommended GPUs-
- Nvidia GTX 1660 Super
- AMD RX 6600M
4. Is the GPU important for 3D modeling?
Graphics Processing Unit or GPU is the most vital component of your system when it comes to 3D modeling. It processes the graphics and allows you to create designs with stability and ease.
The GPU has to be powerful and updated to perform complex, intensive tasks easily. It should also be updated with respect to upcoming technologies and compatible with design software.
5. Why does rendering take so long?
Rendering transforms all the components of your model into a single visual, and hence it demands intensive processes at times. It usually depends on the nature and intensity of the work you are handling and the CPU of your system.
The faster your CPU works, the shorter time it would take for rendering. Make sure that the performance of your CPU is optimum and the usage is set to a high level.
When you are working with complex projects involving overlaying and filters, rendering will take time. Keep checking the status of the rendering process to make sure it is not lagging or crashing. Opt for a good GPU and ample RAM while selecting your system.
6. How can I speed up my rendering?
To get the best and quick rendering experience, you need to make sure that your system is compatible with the intensity of the work. Some of the things to keep in mind for speedy rendering would be-
- Selecting a robust and updated GPU
- Upgrading the RAM according to the work you perform
- Cleaning up the compositions which are not in use
- Opting for an SSD
- Turning on multiprocessing in After Effects
- Using apps like Media Encoder to speed up render processes
- Upgrading to a better-suited system
Conclusion
3D modeling and rendering are not normal computer operations. They need special requirements and considerations to be compatible with your laptop or desktop. All this information might turn out to be overwhelming, but you should know that you aren’t alone and there are a lot of resources to help you.
Look for the specs mentioned in this article and decide what would suit you best, depending on the nature of your projects. The better specifications you choose, the better outcome you would get with a smoother user experience. This article should offer you an insight into what actually determines a good purchase when it comes to tasks like 3D modeling and rendering.
If you keep looking for the best specs available, you might feel the need to settle with a high-end system which could be expensive. So when you are tight on money, keep in mind the fact that there are many affordable options available too. You just need to settle with the one that caters to your needs and not the one that is claimed to be the best overall.
Don’t just depend on what you read online, do your own research, leave no doubts, and land on the most foolproof purchase. You can always seek some advice from experts if you have further questions. But leave no stone unturned before you invest in any computer.
