What kind of Computer?

Question

so i want to major in animation. haven't decided on 2D or 3D. My old computer is 80gigs and i share it with my brother. I'm about to buy a new computer with more gigs (500) so i can do work while my brother has room to download movies and music and i had a few questions.
1) Does it matter what kind of computer i get. The computer I have currently can't really hand more than one or two programs as a time. Am I gonna need one with better processing, RAM, graphics, etc.
2) Does anybody recommend any programs for starters (free is preferred).
3) How much would the computer cost

Answer 1

1)Yes it definitely matters what kind of computer you get. For a good start a quad core(or above) processor and 4 gb of ddr3 RAM is enough. I would suggest the following config:

amd phenom 2 x6 1055t -$149(amazon)

asus M4A88TD-M -around $150

4 Gb DDR3 1333 Hz Ram



2)Blender for 3D, Pencil for 2D. Both are free. Blender is a very powerful software.



3)$700 max (with above config.)

Answer 2

If you're going into animation, especially 3D animation, you need a POWERFUL computer.

More RAM is required. At the minimum, 8GB RAM (RAM thankfully is pretty cheap).



Processor should be pretty high too. No less than 2.5Ghz, preferably quad core (though I'm not sure if animation programs use more than two cores, so a dual core may work).



You'll need a powerful graphics card as well. But some graphics cards are better for gaming than animation, so search around.



I don't really know many animation programs sadly.



The cost can vary. But it will not cost less than $600. But not some $3000 computer either. It really depends on 1) If you build it by ordering it by parts vs Buying it pre-made 2) How powerful you actually make it.

Answer 3

First of all let me be perfectly clear here I am a 100% pc person period! However some of the guys I went to college with ( Other Nerds from like CompuNerd college Palo Alto Ca types) they work at places like oh Dream works and various other similar type movie industry companies, they all swear by and I must agree that the mac computer * and I know someone will go ballistic here but- Mac is the top end for animation production.Yet I still stand by and maintain that the ibm clones aka PC is superior for all and any other computational function or use.. So if want to do animation go MAC grr its hard to say that for me but sadly its the truth....

Answer 4

well if you know how to build one then build one cause you would have more of an option