I've built a PC a few years back and now that I'm diving into 3D animation, specifically using programs like Plasticity, Blender, and soon Unreal Engine 5 and Maya, I'm experiencing some crashing issues. My current setup includes an Intel Core i7 10700K with an RTX 3070, and while it was great for my earlier projects, it's starting to lag during renders and complex tasks. I'm not looking for the highest-end components, just something that allows for smooth rendering and operation without lag. My budget is around €1000 to €1500 for either a CPU and GPU combo (not each). What should I prioritize in my next upgrade to enhance performance?
3 Answers
It's interesting that Blender crashes for you—have you looked into the potential reasons? Going for a GPU with more than 8GB VRAM would be a good start. Sticking with Nvidia is wise for Blender support too. Budget-wise, are you set on around €1000-€1500 for your GPU?
Totally get it. It's all about finding that sweet spot for the best performance without going overboard.
From my experience in the animation field, the CPU plays a crucial role, especially if you’re rendering with software that relies heavily on it, like Blender and Maya. Upgrading to a higher core CPU will help. Also, consider boosting your RAM—64GB is a solid target. For the GPU, yes, you should definitely stick to Nvidia for the CUDA support, which can help with renders. I think the 5070 TI would give you a good balance between price and performance for your needs.
That sounds like solid advice! If upgrading RAM is feasible, definitely go for the 64GB setup. It's painful running out of RAM mid-project!
Great points! I’ve been eyeing the 5070 TI as well. I think it’ll suit my needs without breaking the bank.
If your work is more GPU-focused, definitely prioritize the GPU upgrade. But also, remember your CPU needs to be able to keep up. If you’re working on bigger projects, sometimes it's better to save up for the right components instead of replacing them all at once. Think about getting the most powerful GPU you can afford within that €1000-1500 range.
That’s smart! Better to have a well-rounded system, and it sounds like you’re on the right track with your budget.
I agree! Balancing those components will help you avoid bottlenecks. Good luck with your upgrades!

I suspect it may be due to running Blender alongside Plasticity. I'm trying to keep the budget reasonable since I won't be able to upgrade everything at once.