Custom Computer for Gaming and 3D modeling

[Milanesa]

Hello, I have read the megaguide in order to understand better what I'm looking for. I am a Game Design student and I am looking to upgrade my computer (it's old and cannot handle UDK + Maya) so I can work on my projects outside the school labs. I have to commute, and coming back at 1am and waking up again at 6am isn't that much fun. I know how to model and optimize, but building computers isn't my forte.

I assume it has to be high-end since I'll be making the assets of the games, real time rendering, lighting, shaders (these totally break my computer!) and much more.

I'm looking for a new GC, but I'm unsure whether I need to upgrade anything else in order to use its full potential.

Budget
I have USD $2,000 in my pocket. I would prefer to have something to spare for my school needs, though. (This is technically a school need?)

Resolution
1920x1200...?

Games / Settings Desired
Hmm, I guess as long as it runs Crisis 3...
I need to have games at least High-Ultra so I can explore, research, take good quality screenshots/videos and stuff like that.

Any other intensive software or special things you do
3D modeling parallel UDK. I usually have open UDK, Maya/3Dmax, Mudbox/zBrush, Photoshop and misc in the Computer Labs of my school. I don't know how much strain this is for a normal computer. I need one that can forgive some mistakes with the polycount as well. xD
I also do animation, but that must not take too much of a toll.

My computer can barely handle Photoshop, Maya and zBrush at the same time. (It slows down and at times crashes...) I figured it is time for an upgrade.

Country
USA

Parts that can be reused
This is what I have:
CPU: Intel Core i7 2600 3.40GHz
Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology
RAM: 8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. H61M-USB3-B3 (Socket 1155)
Graphics: DELL U2410 (1920x1200 60Hz)
ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series (Sapphire/PCPartner)
Storage: 465GB Seagate ST3500413AS ATA Device (SATA)

I suppose I could reuse the CPU, the RAM and the Storage. I'm not so sure about the Graphics card and Motherboard.
Not every graphics card is compatible with what I have, and buying an old model might just not be enough for UDK and etc. That's why I'm here, I'd like some advice in that regard.

Also, would a new case be in order? My case is Antec One Hundred Mid Tower (I think). The Power Supply is Accent 550W PL820R, would it be enough in case I buy a new GC?

Do you need an OS?
No, I have my Windows 7 Ultimate copy already. I like it. xD

Do you need peripherals?
No, I already have these.

I hope I'm not forgetting anything...

[n0cturnal]

Both Maya and UDK have support for PhysX and CUDA which might be something that you want to look into.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...on,3474-4.html

http://forums.epicgames.com/threads/...g-showstoppers

[Milanesa]

Wow, that's really cool! Thank you. I'm on it.

[Fluorescent0]

SLI down the line:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($160.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($85.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1374.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-08 13:46 EST-0500)

No SLI down the line:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($160.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1308.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-08 13:47 EST-0500)

[n0cturnal]

I would advice you to replace that PSU you have as well, looks to be some random no-name deal that I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole.

There is also the choice of getting a 6 core CPU with a new motherboard and quad channel RAM but that is a $1000 investment.

[Cyrops]

I adjusted @fluorescent0 build abit. I personally prefer ATI so around that price you can get R9 280x

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($157.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($160.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($349.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Zalman 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1437.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-08 14:04 EST-0500)

Also if you have those program open all the time and since you do 3D stuff, higher speed RAM will be a good addition. I chose a newer WD HDD (performs better) as well.
How much does your 3D stuff take space now? On hard drive that is.

[Fluorescent0]

snip

With how big of an advantage nVidia is because its technology is supported by the applications the OP is using, personal preference doesn't really seem like a great factor to switch the GPU on. That PSU also pushes out only 46 amperes on the 12V line out of 50 it could possibly do. While sufficient, that is usually a sign of bad quality in the making process. In general, try and keep clear of any PSU not in the recommended list.

Faster RAM is.. meh. I mean, a 266 mhz increase is about a 2.5% RAM performance gain, which isn't exactly stellar at all, and that for a 18% increase in RAM price. Not really a good deal, especially because that 2.5% increase won't really be noticed outside of benchmarks either.

The hard disk, heh. Depends on what its used for. Write and read speeds are identical for the two drives, what differs is only access times. Seeing as the most important programs and the operating system will be on the SSD it doesn't seem worth it, but this is one thing the OP should decide on since it's him who knows what he will be doing with the drive itself.

[Cyrops]

Thanks for the PSU list Noticed something about it but then it left my mind hehe.

The many reviews I read about RAM speeds were naming 3d software as main benefactor with faster RAM's. It all could be bull ofcourse.