building a 3d modeling desktop computer

so i already have a case. but if anyone could recommend

a good cpu- for modeling with max 2009 should i go for quad core or stick with core 2 dou?

memory-should i make the switch to DDR3 or stick with the cheap but effective DDR2?

Memory card- what is the best on the market right now?

system board-?

ext...

edithere is what i have so far picked out

case

GPU

Motherboard

CPU

Memory

HDD

dvd dive

power supply

thanks

Get a fast quad depending on what you can afford and also get as much RAM as possible (for you quantity is more important that speeds)

Also will your programs use CUDA? If so then get a 8 series or upwards NVIDIA graphics card.

Let me ask you a question, How hardcore are you with 3D apps? I mean, what's your level? Novice? intermediate? expert?

Anyways, you should spend your money on a good processor (quad+) and RAM. You don't need a FireGL/Quadro GPU unless you are really a pro with 3D apps. Just remember that HW is just a tool and won't make you a better modeler/animator/designer unless you know how to use it properly.

On a side note you will probably are going to need a pen tablet, so you might want to take a look at wacom.com (a pen tablet is recommended for sculpting and texturing more precisely).

One more thing, autodesk recommends a monitor with a resolution of 1280x1024 to work with their apps but as you might know the more space the better.

i'll look at different cases but the main reseaons i chose the 8800 is because first Workstation cards and really really expensive and to answer your questions i'm about an intermediate modeler going into game design for college. the second reason i chose the 8800 is that i am a molder but i also want to use my computer for everything from games to music so i thought why not make it universal since i am putting so my power into itGamefreak1296

Do not forget to get a pen tablet, it will come in handy later down the road.

I'm pretty sure this setup (or a similar one) will be more than enough for your 3D purposes as well as a gaming machine. Have fun do some more research and buy wisely based on your needs and budget (max ain't cheap).

i'll look at different cases but the main reseaons i chose the 8800 is because first Workstation cards and really really expensive and to answer your questions i'm about an intermediate modeler going into game design for college. the second reason i chose the 8800 is that i am a molder but i also want to use my computer for everything from games to music so i thought why not make it universal since i am putting so my power into itGamefreak1296

u should get a fast quad, it`s way better than duo.

i`m kinda expert in 3dsmax ,i have 4GB RAM for now but im planning on getting another 4. it dosen`t really matter if it`s ddr2 or 3. in 3dsmax, the more ram the better. u`ll also need a big hard drive because textures and models can take a big space.

finally the GPU, i have the 9800 GTX+ and it`s great for me, but that`s because im gaming too, but if u`ll use the rig for 3d design only, go for quadro

My bloody Geforce handles Max better than the Quadro handles it at work - your mileage may vary. As far as I'm concerning, I ain't paying a thousand dollars more for some fancy pants drivers. If the guys developing the software can't write it well enough for consumer cards... they just need to try harder.Kev_Boy