I recently did an article on GPU acceleration and ultimately mentioned that I’ve decided to build a new computer for fun to see how much better it preformed with a proper graphics card opposed to the current Mac lineups. After ordering parts, assembling them, and installing proper drivers, here are the results.
Before I get into the specs, note that this isn’t suppose to be a Mac Pro replacement, it’s simply a decent custom build (a bit over $1000) that most of you could probably afford. The goal is to get a sense of differences in performance gap between a fairly moderate PC compared to an equivalent Mac, whether it be a iMac or Mac Pro, you decide.
Specs
First, we have the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 motherboard which supports USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, a pretty awesome feature to have when transferring a lot of large files. Next is the Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge (3.5GHz) processor, with quad core, over-clocking abilities, and turbo boost up to 3.9GHz, this fairly decent processor does a great job at handling demanding work. The main show is the GeForce GTX 670, with 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 and 1344 CUDA cores, this GPU is amazing at handling all those GPU plugins like Element 3D and ShapeShifter while maintaining a decent budget. Finally, we have 32GB of DDR3 1600 RAM, standard CD-ROM drive, and a Crucial M4 256GB SSD.
As mentioned earlier, I will most likely be using Windows 7 64-bit on this computer as GPU compatibility and drivers work much more efficiently. On the 2nd hard drive, I have a 100% functional Mac OSX Mountain Lion installed (Hackintosh) which supports my hardware quite well. (OSX is on there just for the heck of it. I wanted to have some fun!) In total, all the hardware came at roughly $1479.95. (This includes the PSU, case, fans, etc).
Benchmark Performance
CineBench:
OpenGL: 43.88 fps
CPU: 7.49pts
GeekBench (32 bits): 12,767 (I’m a little sketchy on this, it should be a bit higher)
Compare those benchmarks to:
2011 iMac 27″ Core i7 3.4GHz (Quad Core) $3399:
OpenGL: 44fps
CPU: 6.8pts
Geekbench: 11,648
2012 MacBook Pro 15″ Retina Core i7 2.6GHz (Quad Core) $2799:
OpenGL: 39.4fps
CPU: 6.7pts
Geekbench: 11,675
If you guys would like to see other benchmarks, let me know!
Conclusion
Although this isn’t the most powerful PC on the block, it definitely performs very well, especially compared to mid-level Macs. Yes, the CPU isn’t the greatest (8 total cores with hyper-threading), it definitely does suffice. The main game changer isn’t the CPU though, it’s the GPU. By adding in a upgraded graphics card, the boost in performance definitely skyrockets compared to the standard GPUs included in upper iMacs/MacBook Pro Retina. (No, not the Intel ones, the ATI/NVIDIA ones). This simply demonstrates that adding a moderately priced GPU can definitely boost your workflow fairly easily, all it takes is an upgrade. If you’re stuck running an iMac/MacBook Pro which can’t be upgraded GPU wise, you may want to look into PCs if you’re running graphical intensive stuff. GPU acceleration is simply the future in this industry, jump ship now so you can get a head start.
Passmark is a great site to compare graphics cards/CPUs so you can get the best performance for your buck. Definitely check it out if you’re planning to upgrade anything in your build. If you guys have any further questions or comments, feel free to leave them down below, I’d love to hear them!
Nice review, although you didn’t really put much emphasis on how much more performance/dollar you can get on a custom PC compared to a mac.
Just updated the post with some benchmarks/prices!
That’s pretty cool
I need a little help though!
My specs:
nvidia Geforece 450
4GB of ram
Intel i5 processor
Win 7 64bit
Can you tell me or give me an idea on what kind of spec i should go from here to do all those professional stuff.I mostly work on 3ds max and after effects also Photoshop. So,for beginners,this was pretty good to deal with and got it off for like 800$ .
I’m in India right now and moving to Singapore to learn Industrial design at “FZD school of design”.
So planning to get a new comp there with new specs where PS can handle really high res pic’s and 3ds max can handle lot of polygons and render fast.
$800 can you buy you a lot more these days. First of all, Photoshop can run smoothly on pretty much any modern computer now a days. For 3DS Max, invest in a processor with lots of cores (8-12 total cores recommended, so probably a Xeon). Also, upgrade your RAM to at least 16GB. Finally, invest in a good graphics card. In your case, the processor most likely will cost the most as you’ll be needing a pretty strong one.
Nice! The best thing about this is you can have an amazing gaming experience if you are into gaming!
nice review. After 7 years I decided to go with a new machine too a month ago, it was pain to work with that old one. My specs are nearly same as yours, so with reading this review and having fun again working since a month, I haven’t done the wrong decission. your comparision of mac vs pc just shows to buy a mac is a stylish waste of money…
Glad you share similar views and results! I completely agree, how is your new build holding up?
here are the build I did:
Processor: i7 3770
Mainboard: asus p8z77
Ram: 32GB Gskill DDR3 ram kit (1600),
Grafic: GFX 460 (still the old one)
Sound:Fatality X-fi Soundblaster
Storage: Crucial M4 SSD, several 7200 – 10k rpm sata hdd of different brands
Power: coolermaster 750W power supply
Case: coolermaster 690 II Advanced (white/black edition)
here is my MSI Kombuster test, haven’t run other yet:
http://www.ozone3d.net/msi_kombustor/score_200.php?id=87789
All parts (besides from the taken over Soundcard, HDDs and gCard) roundabout 750 Euro. Gcard is okay but that’s definetly next thing on the list – and replacing 1 of the 7200rpm HDD against 10k ones. for the ssd I wouldn’t go for a that small one again, 256gb should be minimum. I had a tight budget but I think the investment is worth since after the first 2-3 client projects the saved time pays back twice. Rendertime and ram-preview is really smooth even with the 4core and the bit weak 460gtx. the only thing i regret a bit was not buying the deluxe version of the board. The best of it all is really being able to put the previous wasted time into creative stuff instead of waiting, so i recomment everyone who can afford it somehow (and runs a FX/editing business), just upgrade your machine.
Hi Vinhson
I think that i gonna buy myself a new PC, and wonder if you have any advice for what I should look after. I gonna use the PC to the Adobe programs, Autodesk Maya and plug-ins like Element 3D, Trapcode Particular and etc.
Hey Jes,
If you’re planning on using Adobe programs and 3D applications, it’s clear you need an overall powerful computer that can handle many processes. GPU and RAM is very crucial with After Effects and other Adobe applications. For 3D applications like Maya, all those are important too, but the CPU is even more important as you want as many cores working hard. My tip is to buy the best GPU, CPU (with as many cores as possible), and as much RAM as you can afford. (32GB is recommended)
Thanks a lot Vinson!
Hello Vinson! Can you give me some advice on building my own computer? I want to build a computer that is really fast at running After Effects and 3DS Max, and can play games at ultra-settings (games like Battlefield 3). Can you tell me what processors, graphics card, and RAM I should get? I’m still saving money, and I can’t spend more than $1000 because that’s all I have. Help Appreciated
For AE, try to get as much RAM as possible. With your budget, problem 16GB of RAM.
For 3DS Max, processor cores are important so buy a processor (I’d recommend an Intel Core i7) with at least 4 cores.
Next is the graphics card, pretty much buy the best graphics card you can afford in your budget. NVIDIA is the way to go with CUDA.
Of course PSU/Case/Fans are not directly tied to apps, just make sure you can run your hardware.
What power supplies do you recommend and how many watts is enough for handling the GTX-series gpu’s ?
I’d recommend Corsair PSUs and preferably 700+ watts.
Vinhson your right omg, I have a iMac quad core i5 2.7 16gb ram 27″ I loved this machine, until I got into after affects,and cinema 4d, now looking to buy a pc, sell my iMac omg, I would never have said that 6 months ago, but it true my iMac is pretty, but has no balls, lol I was a mac fan but now its time for me to jump ship myself.
Definitely! I love my Macs, they are great for everything I do except vfx/mograph work. If you do jump ship, let me know how it goes. If you’re interested, maybe you should try the Hackintosh route and see if you like it. I know some people who are satisfied with it since it’s a Mac environment with powerful PC parts. Obviously some of the components won’t work as efficiently on Mac drivers, but it’s been working great for my test build so far.
Thanks for the reply vinhson, I will take a look at the hackintosh route, im a little worried about pc problems, I don’t have any problems with my iMac it’s just slow when it comes to A.A & C4D I will let you know how it goes