This is semi-topical but it doesn't really fit any of the on-topic forums, so I posted it here.

I'm planning to get more serious about this digital art hobby. I'm trying to install 3D software to augment my abilities and I'm looking at tablets so I have more flexibility. But the main obstacle to growth at the moment is the computer itself. I'm doing all this on a Compaq Presario laptop. That's fine for pretty much everything I do at the moment. But if I want to start working on larger pieces or working with animation a laptop just isn't going to cut it. So I thought I'd get some ideas from others who have built machines to handle the task.

I have built a computer before. It isn't really much more complicated than building Legos, honestly. I guess my main question is, "how much do I need?" I'm not as rich as I look so I can't say money is no object. Would the video card be the place to go big and then skimp other places? How big a drive is enough? I'd definitely be running Linux too. So that's a factor.

Anyhow, I'm just interested in finding out what others have done. Or what would you change about the box you currently run even if you haven't built it yourself?

You have enough room to store the accumulated knowledge of all humanity in that box. Very nice setup. I bet it blazes through scripts and filters.

The specs you recommend seem very close to the box I built before. So I guess I had it right. All I have to do is build it cheaper this time. I'll start gathering parts as soon as I figure out where to put it.

Thanks.

Maybe I should check the classifieds for an out of date computer I could update. That could be cheaper than buying all new. And even an old desktop should be faster than my laptop. So I'd still be better off than I am now.

Could be false economy. You will end up replacing everything except maybe the PSU and the DVD. Even then DVD drives are dirt cheap and a good PSU is a real investment.

Just decomissioned (scrapped) my video editing desktop, if you were not on the other side of the Atlantic you could have had that.

Been using linux for the last 12 years, only thought there, is if you go for a high-end video card make sure the distro kernel supports it. If your proposed distro has a forum, ask the question there.

Check your local independent computer repair shops. That's where I get most of my deals on quality used parts and base systems to build on.

Definitely something to watch for. I have a "scrap" computer that became scrap when the PSU misbehaved. So I won't be cutting corners on that this time around.


Great idea. I'll look around today. There's a shop very close, but it isn't highly recommended.

You live in a populous region, I'm sure you can find a relevant computer group's web site with recommendations in your area.

Kinda fun looking back at this thread now. I actually ended up buying a Craigslist Special with very similar specs to what Wallace listed above; a Q6700 with an outdated Asus board, 8 gigs of RAM, and a Geforce 550 GPU. I had to "upgrade" the GPU pretty quickly with an RX 460. The board was more recently updated and the Q6700 got replaced with a Q9650. I've also replaced the PSU. So I basically paid the guy $100 for the case since everything inside is new.

I have another case sitting on the table waiting for the full build I planned before. But I'm still broke and parts aren't getting cheaper. My wife's car will be paid off soon, that should free up the cash I need to finally build a proper rig.

Nice! I've decided to go with a Threadripper build. A bit more money up front but a ton of room for growth.

Going with the Asrock Taichi board. I think you may be thinking of the Ryzen line which has two chipsets available. As far as I recall Threadripper only has the X399 chipset. But I'm sure there are still compatibility issues, especially at the lower end of the price spectrum. With just the board and CPU costing about $650, for an entry-level first gen CPU, it is going to be a minute yet before I can pull the trigger. But it's the logical step for someone who wants to grow into more involved creative ventures.