Focus on Visualization
Rendering on CPU and GPU is different from all other architecture tasks. All modeling and drawing software runs on the CPU and is single-threaded, meaning that it relies on one CPU core running as fast as possible to process information. Rendering is the only software that architects use that is multi-threaded, using as many CPU or GPU cores as possible running very fast. These types of software are fundamentally incompatible. Traditionally, rendering software has been CPU based. This means that you were balancing the incompatibility of the single- and multithreaded workloads of drawing and rendering. Now, however, there is a new option with GPU-based rendering. This way, you can use a fast single-threaded processor and offload rendering to the GPU. The industry standard of V-Ray and 3ds Max is still a CPU-first solution, although that is changing slowly as V-Ray adds more GPU-focused features.
A Mostly Complete List of Choices
The Most Popular Choices
For Octane, Redshift, V-Ray GPU, and F-Storm
You may want more GPU power to fully leverage these systems for complex, high resolution final images and animations
But, you’ll be fine with one or two powerful GPUs for most rendering projects with a building and a little bit of site entourage. Two NVIDIA 2080Ti, two NVIDIA Titans, or two NVIDIA RTX 5000 cards will suffice for most renderings. If you want to add significant amounts of foliage, lots of context, animations, cars, people, etc. in VR, then consider going to a four-GPU system or multiples of that type.
Check the build guide for how to build a desktop system focused more on visualization than modeling and drawing tasks.
Boxx Apexx T3 or T4 or A3
Many custom configurations available, from merely very fast to truly the best available. It’s hard to imagine the city block VR walkthrough that the priciest option here couldn’t handle with ease. The A3/S3 models here excel at both modeling and rendering tasks.
A3 - 2x RTX 5000 16GB GPUs - $8,200
T4 Series for Extremely Complex Models
T4 - 4x RTX 5000 (16GB) - $18,000
HP Z8
This one is only appropriate if you vastly prefer HP to Boxx for some reason.
Thinkpad P53 or P73
Lenovo offers two RTX 5000 (16GB) based workstations that would serve well enough if you must use a GPU renderer in a portable system. They are also excellent for modeling and drawing and have on-site warranties available. Take this to a client’s office with an Oculus VR rig and they can walk through a rendering.
Razer Studio
If you must use a GPU renderer on a portable machine (but please don’t), then this is one of the best choices. 16GB of VRAM, nice build quality, but without enterprise level support.
Alternate & Mobile CPU Rendering Systems
HP Z6
HP’s alternative offers many fast CPU cores, but fewer than the Boxx. Modeling and drawing still suffer a bit with this machine, but less than with the Boxx.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Lacking in aesthetics, build quality, screen quality and resolution, this is nonetheless the fastest CPU for rendering available in a mobile machine. And it’s a 14” thin and light and a tremendous value.
Review
$1,450 from BestBuy
Alienware m17 R3
The 17” model offers parity with other of the most powerful rendering systems in the world, but with Dell’s on-site warranty service.
Buy at Dell - $3,600
Order Code wnm17r340s
MSI Creator 17
Build quality, noise, and warranty service all suffer with this MSI laptop. It does, however, run its CPU at a higher wattage (and therefore higher performance) than the rest of the competition.
$3,600 from B&H Photo