Animation students need a powerful computer that can handle demanding 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software. With processor-intensive programs like Maya, Blender, and ZBrush being staples of an animation curriculum, having the right desktop hardware is critical for smooth workflow and fast render times.
When equipped with a capable CPU, GPU, sufficient RAM, fast storage, and a quality monitor, an animation computer can significantly improve productivity and reduce frustrating lags. Animation projects with lots of polygons, high-res textures, and complex rigs require strong hardware to preview and render smoothly.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover how to choose the best computer for animation students on a budget. You’ll learn what CPU and GPU specs are ideal for 3D work, the RAM capacity needed for real-time preview, which storage options provide the best performance for large projects files, and what display factors matter most for digital art.
We’ll also provide multiple budget-friendly PC build suggestions that are optimized for animation, 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and rendering. Whether you’re building your own animation desktop or buying a pre-built workstation, you’ll learn how to maximize performance without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive in!
Best Prebuilt Desktop Computer for Animation Students
There are many great desktop computers on the market for 3D animation, so it’s important to do your research and find the best machine for your needs and budget.
The best prebuilt PC for animation is one that has a powerful processor, graphics card, and plenty of RAM and storage. It is also important to choose a computer with a good cooling system and power supply.
If you are a serious animation student, you will want to invest in a prebuilt PC that has the latest and greatest hardware. The computers listed below will be able to handle even the most demanding animation tasks.
iBUYPOWER Trace – A Powerful Animation PC That Won’t Break The Bank
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700F @ 3.0 GHz (8 Cores) with 4.7 GHz Turbo | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz | Storage: 240GB SSD, 1TB HDD
The iBUYPOWER Trace gaming desktop provides excellent performance for animation and 3D modeling software, while fitting within a reasonable budget. With its fast Intel processor, dedicated NVIDIA graphics card, and combination SSD/HDD storage, this pre-built PC has the specs animators need without breaking the bank.
Powerful Performance for Animation and Modeling
The Trace comes equipped with a 3.0GHz 8-core Intel Core i7-9700F CPU and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. This hardware configuration delivers speedy performance in animation programs like Maya, Blender, and ZBrush. Even complex scenes and models won’t slow down this capable chipset. The CPU also features a turbo boost up to 4.7GHz for quick rendering.
Smooth Graphics from the GTX 1660 Ti
For graphics, the Trace includes a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU with 6GB of VRAM. This mid-range card handles real-time 3D environments smoothly. Animators will appreciate stutter-free animation and camera previews while working in viewports. The GTX 1660 Ti provides snappy performance for shader compiling and texture management as well.
Reliable and Fast Storage
Storage in the Trace consists of both a 1TB hard drive and 240GB solid state drive. This allows animators to boot fast and run programs off the speedy SSD, while also having abundant space for project files and archives on the HDD. The combination of SSD and HDD storage works well for balancing performance and capacity.
Cool Aesthetics from the RGB Case
The tempered glass case and customizable RGB lighting offer visual flair to match the Trace’s gaming personality. It’s a nice looking PC that will stand out on any animator’s desk. IBUYPOWER also includes a gaming keyboard and mouse in matching style.
Verdict: Great Value Desktop for Animators
At its price point, the iBUYPOWER Trace hits a sweet spot for animators who don’t want to spend excessively. It provides excellent CPU and GPU technology optimized for 3D graphics and animation workflows. Animators seeking strong performance without breaking their budgets will find this pre-built tower to be a smart choice.
Alienware Aurora R13 – A Top-Tier Animation Powerhouse
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700 @ 2.1 GHz (12 Cores) with 4.9 GHz Turbo | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 12GB | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 1TB HDD
The Alienware Aurora R13 is a high-end pre-built gaming desktop optimized for demanding tasks like 3D animation and visual effects. With top-of-the-line components including an Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA RTX graphics, this system delivers exceptional performance for animators and CGI artists.
Fast 12th Gen Intel Processing
At the heart of the Aurora R13 lies a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor. The latest generation Intel chips provide significant improvements in multi-threaded workload handling. This translates to faster rendering times in animation apps that leverage CPU power. Complex scene assembly is snappy and responsive.
RTX 3060 Ti Handles Advanced Graphics Workloads
NVIDIA’s Ampere-based RTX 3060 Ti GPU brings real-time ray tracing and AI-accelerated tools to the Aurora R13. RT cores speed up ray traced scene previews while tensor cores enable AI denoising. For animators, this means cleaner renders in less time. The 3060 Ti also provides silky smooth animation playback thanks to its 8GB of video memory.
Cooling Design Keeps Things Running Smoothly
Alienware designed the Aurora R13 with an optimized airflow system to keep critical components cool. Strategic top and rear vents allow hot air to exhaust efficiently. Less thermal throttling means consistent CPU and GPU performance even under heavy loads. Reliability is crucial for animators working on complex projects.
Easy Access for Upgrades and Maintenance
The Aurora’s wide and tool-free chassis design makes component access straightforward for future upgrades. With roomy interior space, cable management is simpler as well. Moreover, Alienware includes a 6 month subscription to Dell Migrate for easily transferring files and settings from an old PC.
Verdict: Well-Suited for Animation Workflows
From modeling and rigging to rendering and compositing, the Alienware Aurora R13 provides the power animation professionals require. With an intelligent design optimized for cooling, cutting-edge processing and graphics technology, and ample room for expansion, this desktop can handle intense CGI workloads with ease.
Overall, the Alienware Aurora R13 is an excellent high-end choice for animators wanting top-tier performance without the hassle of a custom build. It delivers on all fronts including power, reliability, and upgradability.
SkyTech Archangel 3.0 – A Budget Animation Workhorse
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 @ 3.6 GHz (6 Cores) with 4.2 GHz Boost | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3000MHz | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
The SkyTech Archangel 3.0 gaming desktop provides strong performance for animation and visual effects workloads, while keeping the price relatively affordable. With its AMD Ryzen CPU and NVIDIA RTX graphics card configuration, this pre-built PC can handle intensive animation software.
Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU
At the core of the Archangel 3.0 sits the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-core/12-thread processor. The latest generation Ryzen chips offer excellent multi-threading capabilities to accelerate rendering and effects simulations. The base 3.6GHz clock speed and 4.2GHz boost speed provide responsive timeline scrubbing and playback.
RTX 2060 Handles Complex Graphics
For graphics duties, the Archangel packs an NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU with 6GB GDDR6 video memory. RTX cards bring advanced capabilities like real-time ray tracing and deep learning super sampling to amplify image quality. The 2060 delivers smooth workflow performance in 3D packages.
16GB DDR4 RAM for Large Scenes
Animation projects with high polygon counts or dense effects require ample RAM. The Archangel 3.0 is equipped with 16GB of fast 3000MHz DDR4 memory to allow working with complex assets without slowdowns. More RAM means less disk paging to system storage.
1TB NVMe SSD Offers Fast Access
Storage comes in the form of a speedy 1TB NVMe solid state drive. The SSD’s high throughput and low access times make bootups, project loads, and timeline scrubbing feel extremely snappy. This level of responsiveness can enhance an animator’s workflow.
Well Ventilated for Reliability
Keeping high-end components cool is key for stability. The Archangel 3.0 case includes 3 RGB cooling fans and the AMD stock cooler for ample airflow. This prevents CPU/GPU throttling during rendering or simulation tasks. Reliability is critical for animators.
Verdict: Great Value Animation PC
For those seeking strong animation performance without breaking the bank, the SkyTech Archangel 3.0 hits a sweet spot. With its future-focused AMD/NVIDIA technology, high speed SSD, and ample cooling, it can handle demanding animation and CGI workflows.
Dell Inspiron 3020 – A Reliable Animation Workstation
CPU: Intel Core i7-13700 @ 2.1 GHz (16 Cores) with 4.9 GHz Turbo | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | RAM: 32GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB HDD
The Dell Inspiron 3020 provides a robust pre-built platform for animators and CGI artists needing reliable performance for intensive 3D workloads. With a new 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA RTX graphics, this desktop delivers smooth productivity for digital content creation.
Latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
At the heart of the Inspiron 3020 lies Intel’s newest 13th generation Core i7 processor. The improved 10nm architecture provides significant per-core performance gains for rendering, simulation, and effects heavy tasks. Smoother timeline scrubbing improves workflow.
NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU Handles Complex Graphics
The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU brings real-time ray tracing capabilities and AI-boosted tools that benefit animators. With 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM, it can handle complex models, textures, and effects. Animation previews are stutter-free.
32GB DDR4 RAM for Large Assets
Animation and VFX projects require ample memory capacity. The Inspiron 3020 is specced with a generous 32GB of DDR4 RAM to allow working with massive scene files. More RAM means less slowdowns when manipulating complex rigs and assets.
Reliable Dell Support
The Inspiron 3020 comes with 1 year of on-site Dell hardware support. Animation professionals will appreciate quick assistance for critical production systems. Reliability is key for animators working on tight deadlines.
Expansion Options
The Inspiron provides room to grow with support for up to 3 FHD displays. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless networking and abundant USB ports. Overall, it’s designed for long term use.
Verdict
For studios seeking a dependable pre-built workstation for 3D artists, the Dell Inspiron 3020 checks important boxes like reliability, performance, and support. It brings animation powerhouse specifications in a proven Dell platform.
HP Omen 30L – A Capable Pre-Built Animation PC
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G @ 3.9 GHz (6 Cores) with 4.4 GHz Boost | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD
The HP Omen 30L gaming desktop provides solid performance for animation and CGI workflows at a reasonable pre-built price point. With its AMD processor and NVIDIA RTX graphics card, it can handle intensive 3D software.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU
At the heart of the Omen 30L is an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 6-core CPU. AMD’s Zen 3 architecture delivers excellent single threaded speed for timeline interactivity in animation apps. The 5600G strikes a balance between core count and high clock speeds.
NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU
Graphics duties are handled by a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM. RTX cards bring advanced capabilities like ray tracing and AI to amplify image quality and rendering speeds. It delivers smooth viewport and playback performance.
16GB DDR4 RAM
The Omen 30L is configured with 16GB of fast HyperX DDR4-3200 RAM. This allows working with complex scenes and assets without slowdowns. More RAM means less disk paging to the system drives.
Dual Storage Drives
For storage, the Omen 30L pairs a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD and 1TB HDD. The SSD offers incredible speeds for project files and programs, while the HDD provides abundant cheaper storage for media libraries.
RGB Lighting and Expandability
The tempered glass case includes customizable RGB lighting for a stylish animation workstation. There are plentiful USB ports and expansion room for future upgrades. Overall, the Omen 30L hits a sweet spot for price and performance.
Verdict
For animators seeking a solid pre-built PC without breaking the bank, the HP Omen 30L checks important boxes. It provides modern AMD/NVIDIA technology and enough RAM and storage for animation needs.
Apple iMac – A Powerful and Compact Animation Workstation
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU | GPU: Apple M1 chip with 7-core GPU | RAM: 8GB unified memory | Storage: 256GB SSD
The 24-inch Apple iMac provides a potent combination of performance and elegant design for animators and CGI artists. Apple’s innovative M1 chip brings speedy processing and graphics along with an stunningly slim all-in-one form factor.
Apple M1 Chip: Fast and Efficient
The M1 system-on-a-chip houses an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, delivering excellent speed for animation software. The unified memory architecture and power efficiency of M1 means snappier response times when working with complex assets.
Vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display
Animators will appreciate the iMac’s expansive 24-inch screen with a crisp 4.5K resolution. The display reproduces rich, accurate color thanks to P3 wide gamut support and 500 nits of brightness. Perfect for evaluating detailed 3D models.
Powerful Six-Speaker Sound
The iMac’s six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers produces full, detailed sound. Animators can hear their creations come to life in immersive high-fidelity audio when screening work.
Verdict
With its compact form factor housing fast Apple silicon, the 2021 iMac is a compelling choice for animators wanting power and beauty. It condenses an animation workstation into a stunning all-in-one.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Desktop Computer for 3d Animation
Choosing the best desktop computer for 3D animation can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the field. With so many different components and specifications to consider, it’s hard to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a desktop computer for 3D animation.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a desktop computer for 3D animation:
CPU
The CPU is the most important component in your 3D animation computer, as it handles most of the calculations required for modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, physics simulations, and rendering.
A powerful multi-core CPU is essential for multitasking demanding 3D software, previewing animations smoothly, and rendering complex projects in reasonable timeframes.
Core Count and Clock Speed
Animation benefits from CPUs with both high core counts and clock speeds. For most users, a 6-core CPU is a good starting point, but 8 to 12 cores is ideal for more complex projects. Clock speed should be at least 3.0 GHz, but 4.0 GHz or higher is ideal for smooth animation playback.
Latest CPU Recommendations
Here are some of the best CPUs for 3D animation:
- Intel: Core i7-13700K, Core i9-13900K
- AMD: Ryzen 7 7800X, Ryzen 9 7950X
These CPUs offer excellent performance for all aspects of 3D animation, from modeling to rendering. They also have a high core count and clock speed, making them ideal for demanding workloads.
Budget CPUs
If you’re on a budget, there are still some good CPU options for 3D animation. Here are a few recommendations:
- Intel: Core i5-13600K
- AMD: Ryzen 5 7600X
These CPUs offer good performance for most 3D animation tasks, but they may struggle with more complex projects. They’re also a good option for users who are just starting out with 3D animation and don’t want to invest in a high-end CPU right away.
When choosing a CPU for 3D animation, it’s important to consider your budget and your specific needs. If you’re serious about 3D animation, it’s worth investing in a powerful CPU that will last you for several years. However, if you’re on a budget, there are still some good options available that will allow you to get started with 3D animation.
GPU
Animation is a demanding task that requires a powerful GPU. The GPU is responsible for rendering the 3D scenes in real time, and it also plays a role in accelerating other tasks, such as simulation and baking.
When choosing a GPU for animation, there are a few key factors to consider:
Video memory (VRAM): VRAM is essential for storing the textures and shaders that are used to render 3D scenes. For animation, it is recommended to have a GPU with at least 8GB of VRAM. 16GB or more of VRAM is ideal for complex scenes or for working with high-resolution textures.
Processing power: The GPU’s processing power will determine how quickly it can render scenes. For animation, it is important to have a GPU that is powerful enough to handle the demands of real-time rendering. A mid-range to high-end gaming GPU should be sufficient for most animation projects.
Ray tracing support: Ray tracing is a new rendering technique that can produce more realistic images. However, it is also more computationally expensive. If you want to use ray tracing in your animations, you will need a GPU that supports it.
Here are some of the GPUs that are recommended for animation:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB VRAM)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB VRAM)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 (24GB VRAM)
- AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB VRAM)
- AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB VRAM)
- AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT (16GB VRAM)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 / 1660 Ti (6GB VRAM)
- NVIDIA RTX 2060 (6GB VRAM)
- AMD Radeon RX 580 / RX 5500 XT (8GB VRAM)
If you are on a budget, you may be able to get away with a less powerful GPU. However, keep in mind that rendering times will be longer.
It is also important to note that some animation software packages may have specific requirements for GPUs. For example, Blender recommends using a GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM. It is always best to check the software’s documentation to see what GPUs are supported.
RAM
Having adequate RAM is essential for smooth performance when running multiple demanding animation and modeling software simultaneously, or when previewing complex 3D scenes and artwork.
For professional 3D animation, we recommend at least 32GB of RAM, with 64GB or more ideal for those working with extremely complex models and textures or who want to future-proof their system.
Even for basic animation projects, 16GB of RAM is a good starting point. This will allow you to multitask comfortably, with multiple programs open at the same time, without experiencing slowdown.
Here is a breakdown of recommended RAM requirements for animation programs, based on project complexity:
- Basic animation projects: 16GB RAM
- Professional 3D animation: 32GB RAM or more
- Extremely complex animation projects: 64GB RAM or more
Here are some examples of popular animation programs and their recommended RAM requirements:
- Adobe After Effects: 16GB RAM
- Autodesk Maya: 32GB RAM
- Blender: 16GB RAM
- Cinema 4D: 16GB RAM
- Houdini: 32GB RAM
- ZBrush: 16GB RAM
When choosing RAM, it is also important to consider the speed of the memory. For best performance, look for RAM with speeds of 3200 MHz or higher. Please note that these are just general recommendations. The specific amount of RAM you need will depend on your specific projects and workflow.
Storage
Animation students need fast storage to handle the large files involved in their work. An SSD (solid state drive) is essential for the operating system, programs, and active project files, as it offers much faster read and write speeds than a traditional HDD (hard disk drive).
For students, an SSD of at least 500GB is a good starting point. This will provide enough space for the operating system, essential programs, and a few active projects. If possible, it’s best to get a 1TB SSD or larger, as this will give you more room to grow and work on larger projects.
In addition to an SSD, it’s also a good idea to have an HDD for storing and backing up your work. HDDs are much cheaper per gigabyte than SSDs, making them ideal for storing large files such as high-resolution textures, 3D models, and video files.
A good HDD for animation students is one with at least 2TB of capacity. If you can afford it, 4TB or 6TB is even better. This will give you plenty of space to store your work and back it up regularly.
Here are some specific recommendations for SSDs and HDDs that are popular with animation students:
- SSDs: Crucial MX500, Samsung 870 EVO, WD Blue SN570
- HDDs: Seagate Barracuda Compute, WD Blue
Having both an SSD and HDD is the best way to balance speed and storage capacity for animation. An SSD will give you fast performance for your operating system, programs, and active project files, while an HDD will provide you with ample storage space for your completed animation projects and media.
Display
When animating, the monitor is your canvas and having a quality display makes all the difference for productivity and preventing eye strain during long sessions. Here are key factors to consider:
Resolution – For animation, a 1080p (1920 x 1080) monitor is the minimum recommended resolution. Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K will look sharper but require a more capable GPU.
Panel Type – IPS panels offer the best color reproduction, viewing angles and image quality for digital art. Avoid cheaper TN panels.
Refresh Rate – Aim for at least 60Hz refresh rate, with 120-144Hz providing a smoother real-time preview.
Size – Bigger is better for immersing in your creations. A 24-27 inch monitor is recommended. Can also supplement with a tablet.
Budget – Prioritize image quality and resolution over size if needed to fit your budget. Can always add a second monitor later for more space.
Quality brands like ASUS, Dell, and Acer make excellent monitors for animators at different price points. Overall, a good monitor is essential for animation work. Look for a monitor with a high resolution (at least 1920×1080), wide color gamut, and accurate color reproduction.
In addition to the above factors, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing a desktop computer for 3D animation, such as the motherboard, power supply, and cooling system. However, the components listed above are the most important for 3D animation performance.
FAQs on Desktop for Animation
Is a laptop or PC better for animation?
For animation, a desktop PC is generally better than a laptop. Desktops provide more power, customizability, and upgrade potential for intensive 3D software. Cooling is also better in a desktop. However, a high-end laptop will work for those needing portability.
Is Intel better for animation?
Intel CPUs are excellent for animation thanks to strong single core performance. However, AMD Ryzen CPUs have caught up in recent generations. Both Intel and modern AMD processors like Ryzen 5000 series are great options for animators.
Is graphic card necessary for animation?
Yes, a dedicated GPU is required for GPU-accelerated rendering and working with complex 3D assets. NVIDIA RTX or Quadro cards provide the best performance in animation software. A gaming GPU like RTX 3060 Ti offers good price/performance.
Is 16GB RAM enough for 3D rendering?
16GB RAM is usable for lighter 3D rendering and animation tasks. However, 32GB RAM or more is recommended for complex scenes with high polygon counts, detailed textures, physics simulations, and GPU/CPU rendering. More RAM helps avoid slowdowns when working.
