Buying a 3D Graphics Design Computer: What You Need to Know Before Wasting Millions!

In the field of 3D graphic design , the most important tool is a powerful and optimized computer . If you are a 3D designer, you must have encountered the situation of software lag, rendering takes many hours or the computer suddenly hangs when processing complex models. This is a sign of a system that is not strong enough to meet the job. So how to choose a suitable computer that both ensures performance and optimizes costs? In this article, SaDesign will help you understand the important criteria when buying a computer for 3D graphic design.

1. Related criteria for choosing to buy a 3D graphic design computer

There are many different factors that you need to consider when choosing a computer to use, such as CPU, RAM, etc. Specifically, to own a computer that meets your work needs, the necessary criteria are:

1.1. CPU of 3D graphic design computer

Note that users need to choose a 3D graphic design computer with an I5 CPU chip or higher to ensure the most effective performance. Ideally, you should consider using an i7, i9 CPU chip in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop for faster processing.

1.2. What is the computer screen like?

The next important criterion is the computer screen when designing 3D graphics. Users should choose a laptop with a screen larger than 14 inches to view images with a larger and more diverse viewing angle. Moreover, color accuracy is also necessary when designing 3D graphics to ensure the quality of the finished publication.

1.3. Has a discrete graphics card when in use

When choosing to buy a 3D graphic design computer, you also need to consider a discrete graphics card. Specifically, images need to be processed well, colors displayed accurately, then the design work will be impressive and sharp. To meet this, you need to equip a discrete graphics card such as NVIDIA's Quadro or AMD's Firepro.

1.4. Choosing RAM when designing graphics

RAM is a storage device that the CPU uses to store data in a cache memory so that users can access it very quickly. When the RAM memory is full, it affects the transmission of data or the processing of information by other hardware.

Most graphic design software will consume a lot of RAM. Therefore, you should choose a computer with 16GB RAM or more for smoother operation.

1.5. Choosing Mainboard

The motherboard is an important factor that connects computer components together. A good motherboard will provide enough power for the computer components to operate. Therefore, this is also an important criterion when choosing to buy a 3D graphic design computer.

You need to check if the socket of the Mainboard is compatible with the CPU or not. For example, the Intel i7 10700K CPU is suitable for motherboards that support LGA 1200 socket. As for the AMD Ryzen CPU, it will be suitable for motherboards that support AM4 socket. At this time, if you plug the Intel CPU into the AMD motherboard, it will not be suitable and the computer will not be able to boot. People also need to pay attention to the PCI-E slots. If you want to plug in 1 or 2 graphics cards, the motherboard when choosing should support 1 or 2 ports. 

1.6. Computer with good heat dissipation

Normally, using heavy graphic design software causes the computer to heat up very often. Therefore, you should use a computer with a good heat sink to maintain a stable temperature when using. 

1.7. Buy dual HDD and SSD hard drive

If you need to store large amounts of data when designing 3D graphics, you should use a dual hard drive that integrates HDD and SSD. This is the solution to optimize processing speed and data storage capacity on your laptop.

1.8. 3D graphic design computer resources

The computer power supply is the lifeblood of the entire machine, helping you ensure the performance of the device. You should choose a power supply with a higher capacity than required to have more options for future upgrades. Some suggestions are choosing a power supply brand such as Corsair, Seasonic, Coolermaster... For example, if the computer consumes 500W of power, you should choose a 600W power supply so that you have some room to upgrade.

1.9. PC case for graphic design

3D graphic design computer cases today come in many different designs, styles, and materials. For example, whether the case has a transparent glass window or not… increases the aesthetics. SaDesign recommends that you choose a case that suits your preferences and the display area in your office or room.

1.10. Some other machine selection criteria

In addition to the above basic factors when choosing a 3D graphic design computer, you may also care about weight, connection ports... For example, a thin and light computer design makes it easy to move. Or a touch screen and a touch pen integrated with the computer to freely draw as you like. Or having many connection ports creates convenience for customers to use...

2. Notes when choosing to buy a 3D graphic design computer

When choosing a computer for 3D graphic design work, you not only need to pay attention to the configuration but also consider many other factors such as the level of suitability for your needs, reputable purchasing address and the ability to upgrade in the future. A right decision will help you optimize work performance, avoid waste and ensure the durability of the device.

2.1. Based on usage needs to choose the appropriate configuration, avoid waste

One of the common mistakes when buying a computer for 3D graphics is choosing a configuration that is too powerful but not fully utilized or, conversely, buying a computer that is too weak, causing work to be interrupted. Therefore, before deciding, you need to clearly define your usage needs:

3D design beginners or graphic design students

Just a mid-range configuration, can handle software like Blender, SketchUp, or Cinema 4D at a basic level.

Configuration suggestions:
CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600.

RAM: 16GB.

Hard drive: SSD NVMe 512GB + HDD 1TB.

Professionals working on animation, 3D games or heavy rendering

High performance machines are required to ensure smooth handling of complex projects.

Configuration suggestions:
CPU: Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9 or Threadripper.

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070/4080 or AMD Radeon PRO.

RAM: Minimum 32GB, ideal 64GB.

Hard drive: 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD or more.

Clearly defining your needs will help you choose the right configuration without spending too much money on unnecessary components.

2.2. Buy a computer at a reputable address with a good warranty policy

A computer for 3D design is often of high value, so buying from reputable units not only helps you feel secure about the quality but also ensures your rights throughout the usage process.

Criteria for choosing a reliable place to buy computers

Genuine warranty papers, long warranty period (from 1 - 3 years).
Technical support and upgrade advice as needed.
Tested and performance tested before purchase.
There is a return policy if there is a hardware failure during the warranty period.
If you buy online, check customer reviews carefully and only buy from stores with official distributor certification.

2.3. Prioritize choosing an SSD hard drive of 256GB or more to optimize working speed.

Hard drives play a very important role in data storage and directly affect software processing speed. For 3D graphic design, traditional HDD hard drives are no longer a good choice because the read/write speed is too slow, easily causing lag when working with large files.

Why choose SSD instead of HDD?

Read/write speed is 5 - 10 times faster than HDD.
Reduces computer boot and software launch times from minutes to seconds.
Increased durability, less error than HDD.
Meets the needs of working with large files.
What is the appropriate SSD capacity?

256GB SSD: Just enough to install the operating system and software, but it gets full easily after a period of use.

512GB SSD: Recommended minimum, good for software installation and small project storage.

1TB SSD or more: Ideal for professional designers, ensuring comfortable storage and increased working speed

Choosing a computer suitable for 3D graphic design work not only helps you work more effectively but also saves time and effort. Hopefully this article will help you more easily in choosing to buy a 3D design computer accurately and effectively.