new processor

[nfsc]

if u wish to spend $100+ dollars for a 20% increase in render times, which is barely noticeable and its probably the best increase you will get, by all means go ahead...your better off looking at core count than u are at architecture when it comes to rendering. also got to keep in mind that ur wallet may not have over $9000 in it (just saying) although i will tell you, the quality of work you produce wont change much. i've seen awesome, realistic renders done by people with pentium 4 processors and the like.

i think that last question really sums things up for the original poster. Yes, an Athlon II x4 can handle 3d applications as pretty much any processor being sold these days can.

[ravenzep]

Dont know..... But if i wanted, would just be a matter of seeing the benchmarks. I m out of my field in this area really.
I have always used intel+nvidia, and it s the way it s going to be. I m happy so far.

Bye the way mate..... You have xbox360?... I like games too

[nfsc]

keep in mind, that even benchmarks won't give you the full story, i used to go on benchmarks aswell but was dissapointed to find out i spent over $1000 on an upgrade that didnt give me much. if u like intel then thats fine, you should stick with them i dont favor either company, i go for best priceerformance ratio.

as for gaming, i go have an xbox360 and ps3, but they're sitting in a corner collecting dust, i have no use for them even though they are in perfect condition. i'm a PC gamer which reminds me, i should update my signature. i haven't been on these forums in AGES!! i recently started working on a new-ish 3d project and came here for some inspiration to find this thread

[TOUGH]

I agree processing the data is more than 1 item. I bought an amazing motherboard AsRock. For my I7 I also rock a SSD. Memory, Cpu and Gpu...all needed in renders I have read huge things about the EVGA extreme 580 gtx series 3 gig videocards crazy fast with max! Goodluck...