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If you’ve messed around with 3d modeling before, you must know just how demanding it can be to smoothly run programs on a PC. Without the right CPU, you’re going to struggle with making your 3d modeling software work. Finding the right CPU for this specific need can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t aware of the specs that you need.
There are lots of CPUs that are perfect for the specific task of 3d modeling. If you want help with finding out which ones are perfect for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found the 6 best CPUs for 3d modeling out on the market right now. Whatever your need may be, there’s a good chance that there’s an option here for you.
In terms of processing power and capacity, AMD’s Ryzen series isn’t the best in the field of CPUs. Don’t get us wrong, though; their CPUs are still pretty formidable, but what’s better is that they are more affordable compared to other top-tier CPUs.
While it’s not the latest, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X still holds its position as one of the best CPUs by AMD. Since launching in 2019, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X features one of the biggest upgrade gaps that AMD has made for their CPUs. It’s certainly an upgrade that’s worth making for your PC. If you’re into 3D rendering, then the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X will definitely be more than enough to give you your money’s worth.
Although the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X has the same eight-core and 16-thread design as previous AMD CPUs, it is much faster. It comes with a standard base frequency of 3.7 GHz. With overclocking, you can get speeds of 4.3 GHz. In comparison, the Ryzen 7 1700X runs around 3.8 GHz, while the Ryzen 7 1800X works at 4 GHz at best. When it comes to speed and processing power, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X is the clear winner. It’s a major upgrade from its predecessors, and that alone should be enough reason to get it.
Best bang for you buckBiggest generational leap in AMD processors
There are more updated versions out there
If you want something a little newer from AMD and you have more cash to spare, then you should get the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X. It’s one of the best that AMD has to offer, and it shines in its own ways.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X serves as the first mainstream CPU from AMD that makes use of the 7 nm manufacturing process. AMD has been building up to make this move over the last two years, but with the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X, they now have something that can be considered one of the top CPUs for gaming. If it’s good enough for gaming, then the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is definitely a great choice for 3D rendering as well.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X makes use of the new and improved L2 TAGE branch predictor. This is basically a larger micro-op cache which is double what other AMD CPUs have been using. Additionally, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X also used multiplication latency to improve bandwidth. In terms of performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X makes use of every upgrade possible, which explains the price increase from previous models.
The performance of the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is improved by at least 10% compared to its predecessor. Overall, you’re getting a very fast CPU for your 3D rendering needs. When it comes to software compatibility and overall performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X doesn’t hold back, and it’s easily one of the best CPUs that you can get right now. Understandably, there are other, better options, but the price of the AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X sits well with most people.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900 X is the second best AMD CPU to be used for 3D rendering. For casual use, it might be overkill, but it’s perfect for professional use.
Offers more coresFast and efficient build
A bit of an overkill for most apps
If you’re really looking to up your game when it comes to 3D rendering, you shouldn’t hold back on what you spend on your CPU. We are talking about none other than Intel CPUs.
The Core i9-9900K is currently the fastest mainstream desktop processor that you can buy right now. Of course, that kind of performance comes at a price. In the case of the Core i9-9900K, it’s a price tag that’s almost $700. If you do have the budget for it, the Core i9-9900K is definitely one of the best CPUs that you can get for 3D rendering.
To make the Core i9-9900K better, Intel has made use of Solder TIM. This improves the thermal transfer efficiency between the heat spreader and the core body of the CPU, so you’re getting the most efficient heat dissipation possible with the Core i9-9900K. What this entails is that the Core i9-9900K is more than capable of handling heavy-duty programs as well as multitasking. These are definitely must-have features in a CPU for 3D modeling.
The base frequency of the Core i9-9900K is 3.6 GHz which is a good enough start already. When overlocked, the Core i9-9900K can easily reach 5 GHz. Thanks to the extra cores of the Core i9-9900K, you’re getting one of the fastest CPUs around. Understandably, the Core i9-9900K is a bit pricey for most people. However, you should instead see it as an investment in a quality product on your end. The Core i9-9900K might be pricey, but what you get in return is a highly reliable CPU.
Fastest processor aroundGreat heat dissipation
Pricier than most options
If the previous entry is a little too much for you, you can always go down a notch and pick a cheaper, but also formidable, CPU from Intel. That is none other than the Intel Core i7-6800K.
The Intel Core i7-6800K used to be Intel’s biggest seller up until the latest model arrived. It offers the biggest generational leap for any Intel CPUs currently, which makes it more than fitting for this list. The Core i7-6800K is the successor to the i7-5820K. Both of these CPUs from Intel come with six CPU cores, all of which have Hyper-Threading. Additionally, the Core i7-6800K is equipped with 28 PCIe Gen3 lanes. These upgrades to the newer model result in great performance that will certainly benefit those using heavy software.
The CPU does come with a few downsides, though. It’s not as fast as the newer models, but on the other hand, you’re still getting one of the strongest CPUs that Intel has to offer at a great price. It’s a great introductory CPU if you’re new to 3D modeling.
Great and cheap alternative from IntelGreat performance
Not a big upgrade from previous models
The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a CPU in a class of its own. It has one of the best performances that you can find in an AMD CPU. Most importantly, however, the price of the AMD Ryzen 9 3950 X isn’t that heavy compared to its competitors and predecessors.
This CPU comes with 7 nm processing. This allows for a variety of density advantages that can result in higher performance. It has better power efficiency, as well as more cores and caches that are packed into a smaller area. With that said, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950 X is certainly one of the most well build CPUs that you can find right now. Again, this is all packed into a very affordable CPU made by one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
In terms of tasks like video editing and 3D modeling, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X performs well when compared to competitors like the i7-6800K. It’s slightly faster than that CPU and costs considerably less. If you’re looking for a CPU for this specific task, then the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is definitely going to be one of the better options that you can find without going over budget.
Of course, not all is perfect with the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X. The CPU struggles slightly when it comes to heat dissipation, but other than that, it’s a great CPU all-in-all.
OverclocklableGreat for 3d modeling
Requires better cooling
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