help in buying a workstation for combustion

[Aamir]

Hi all,

I have just joined the forum. I am looking for some advice in settinp up a workstation specifically for runninng Combustion only. I might also be running Avid Xpress Pro HD and Softimage or Maya on it but I am ok with optimizing the box for Combustion only, even if that means sacrificing performance on other software packages that I mentioned. After reading through the threads, I have decided to go with a PC-based system. I have quite a few questions and I would really really appreciate any help and suggestions. And I apologize for this might be a long post.

Basically, I am looking for the highest level of interactivity possible with Combustion and thats why I am looking for a box that would get every ounce of
performance out of the software. I will be doing work in both SD and HD (both 1080p and 720p). Most likely, I will end up purchasing a customized system either from Boxx or another vendor. And for customization, I have quite a few questions that I am seeking some help with.

Is there a difference in combustion performance between AMD and Intel based systems? The graphics card that I am thinking of using is Nvdia Quadro FX4400 or 3400. The 4400 has more memory (512 MB), will combustion benefit from it or will 3400 (with less graphics memory, 256 MB) be just fine? (I will be using my Cinema HD display with 1920 x 1200 resolution). I was also looking into the Nvidia SLI technology of using two cards together, can that have any affect on combustion performance? Also, this may seem a bit far fetched, but I read somewhere in the threads about 4 or 8 processsor mother boards (not counting dual cores, etc.). Is there such a thing? and if there is, or if one can be custom made, would combustion benefit from it? Are there any limits to the number of processors combustion can benifit from? Also, is there any performance advantage of running combustion on 64 bit Windows, and does it run as smooth and fast as it runs on the 32 bit Windows. For ram, am I limited to 2 gigs only or does 64 bit Windows allow for more? I was thinking of purchasing later an external medea drive, will that be unnecessary as combustion does not play thru disks directly and everything needs caching? Or will internal SATA raid 0 be just fine? Or will I even need a raid setup at all? Or is it that an internal or external raid 0 drive setup might be helpful when doing final rendering or when simply importing/loading clips into the workspace?

I will also be adding either a Blackmagic or Bluefish444 card for QCing my work on a broadcast monitor. Aside from the obvious price differences between the two companies products, are there any quality differences in there video cards? (I like the Symmetry input/output module that comes with the Bluefish444 Card, is there such a utility that ships with the Blackmagic boards?) Also, if I decide not to purchase a capture board at this time, can I use firewire option with a converter like canopus ADVC-110 or 300? Is there any difference in quality, interactivity, or monitor update response?

Once again, I apologize for such a long post and I would really appreciate any
help. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Hi!
I’m too lazy too read all your post but I can answer to your title request:
So here it is a good working configuration I’m using with combustion.
Recommended dual processor system, the most amount of ram u can afford(i’m using 2gb but I will upgrade to 3gb soon), nvidia 6800gt as graphic card that has a lot of text ram( I would not go for an ATI), dual lcd screen, 1 output monitor (use a tv color if u want) one 10rpm hd for the system and one dual raid sata for your project and footage if u find the ibm 15k it would be a good choice at a reasonable price.
Oh I almost forgot…COMBUSTION 4!!! 🙂
best regards

[Aamir]

thanks Nomak.

I was thinking of putting of the Nvidia Quadra FX line cards (designed for workstations), something like FX 4400 or 3400, will that be ok? Also, when you say texture memory, do you mean video memory or graphics memory in the graphics card…

[Culley]

if you really want the best poss performance.
here you go
http://www.boxxtech.com/products/7400.asp
with a quadro card it will kick serious butt.

[Aamir]

thanks skulleyb.

Yes, you got it, i am looking for the best performance i could get. I have looked at the 7400 from boxx, its a AMD based box. Do you know if combustion is more optimized for intel or AMD? I guess its a Discreet question (sorry, Autodesk Media and Entertainment Division. Doesn’t it just flow right off the tongue…) but they probably won’t comment due to political reasons.

[Culley]

works the same on both procs.
have amd and intel here.

[Author]

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