It depends on your budget but I'd say get minimum 2 gig RAM, minimum 9600 geforce card or higher, the ati radeon HD 4870 is apparently good right now but I went with the latest geforce card the GTX 260 which is very fast in max and games. processors, core 2 duo or a core 2 quad. the quads are great for rendering, but if you cant afford the core 2 quad Q9550 its probably better to get the core 2 duo 8600 which gets very good performance in games and overclocking. If you're buying a new system make sure you look up and rate the motherboard as well, theres loads of good ones that don't cost much but there seems to be quite a few that fall short in important places. Just make sure it has all the plugs you're going to need in abundance.

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wow..thanks tyson....

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i wish i can do that too......
i need more practice....

Yeh, can't really add to much to that, it's good advice.

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[Link to www.3dprevis.com]

a question to add to that... graphics cards...
How much am I looking at spending for a fairrrrly decent but not over the top new one? I dont really touch 3d stuff but I would maybe like to learn.

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Gee Greenslade [Link to www.missgee.net]

Nvidia 9600 is probably a good middleground. I picked mine up for 120 bucks and couldn't be happier with it.

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Please support us and post a [Link to www.digitalartsfront.com] on your website.

--Matt

o0o0 thats actually cheaper than i expected... i can affoard that!

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Gee Greenslade [Link to www.missgee.net]

Hello gee

I just brought a 1gig 4870 Radeon for $300 which is really damn good for price, good from games and what not...

But you have to watch out with new video cards as you may need the extra SLI plugs that your PSU doesnt support (espically if your PSU is a stock case one)

but yeah your looking at price range from $150-$350

you know if you ever need help

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It is ok, I wouldn't talk to me either...

yes yes my psu is definately a stock standard case one... Unfortunately a last minute thought when I was building this computer. I meant to get a better one but msy hardly had any in at the time and i was impatient.

So what are these sli plugs i need to look out for? I need a new psu any way, should prolly think about upgrading that while im at it.

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Gee Greenslade [Link to www.missgee.net]

Just check if you have a 6-pin power connector, and a PCI-express slot. Dont need to worry about SLI if you're only getting one video card.

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Please support us and post a [Link to www.digitalartsfront.com] on your website.

--Matt

orright will do!

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Gee Greenslade [Link to www.missgee.net]

well if you look at this picture (was first picture I found of them lol)

[Link to www.pccasegear.com]

You see that there are the PCI express plugs. The are a plug made of 6 nodes, 6x2 and alot of video cards with SLI/crossfire will have these plugs, as they need more power than what they can get from your motherboard to run them.

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It is ok, I wouldn't talk to me either...

Yea I have one, great card will certainly allow you to do what ever you want.

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