Systems and Machines for Sketchup and Enscape

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    So I am currently working off of a Dell 7810 Workstation at my office. After a few projects testing out Enscape and it's capabilities under my belt, I really want more power! The program is BAD TO THE BONE, but I have noticed that my computer is having some lag and trouble keeping up with the demands of the program.


    I've currently got two options, i've got an HP Z800 (older workstation) sitting at home waiting for me to restore her and use or sell. As well, I'm also eye-balling the market to see what is out there for a newer and more powerful rendering/modeling home machine. What types of systems are you guys running with, and if anybody has suggestions on upgrading the Z800 that'd be cool too! My budget overall is sitting from the low-ball of 1k to around 2500 total cap.


    P.S.

    Sorry if I posted this in the wrong spot, figured I can post it where other users are running similar setups with the same programs. 8)


    -Mike

    Hey Mike!


    I'm not sure if upgrading the Z800 is worth it depending on its age and CPU/GPU combo. I'm assuming it has an older or lower end quadro in it (thats what mine had. Also, Do you know what CPU(s) are in it? Finally, the more ram, usually the better. That said, since you're working in SketchUp, it likes a really high clock speed (I'm running 4.0ghz on my i7 6950x) because it only uses a single core and I find it will also process a lot of geometry onto your ram at start up in larger scenes.


    Now that said, The Enscape guys might be better suited to answer what Enscape uses more of, but I'm of the understanding that its primarily using the GPU (please correct me if I'm wrong).


    So, you have a couple options moving forward, if your CPU(s) in the Z800 is fast enough, you might consider just buying a kick ass GPU like a 1080ti and then upgrade the the main rig in a couple more years. The other option is to build your own system. You can build a really nice 8c/16t Ryzen system with some solid ram and a 1060 -1070ti for your top end budget, but you have to be comfortable building your own system. If you build a system you can use a site like http://www.PCPartpicker.com to spec out a machine. Unfortunately the parts keep going up in price so even systems I parted out 6 months ago have jumped substantially in price.


    Finally, you can always buy an low-mid tier gaming rig and swap in better ram/GPU in the future. I've bought a few machines off Woot in the past, I'm pretty thrifty, and have yet to have a problem buying referbs. (https://computers.woot.com/plu…ccessories?ref=w_cnt_wp_2)


    All in all you've got some options with your budget!