New to Poser. Using poser debut at present and realize I need to upgrade to newer version. Is it expected when purchasing a newer computer (64 bit) that they all come with the open GL graphics card? wanted to buy a refurbished laptop and save funds to use for picking up some things for my library. Any recommendations on finding a more robust computer on a tight budget?

You'd be making a mistake expecting a Discrete Graphics Card they usually have a Built in Graphics Chipset an Open GL NVidia GeForce or whatever is going to be an add on at extra cost at least for a Desktop. A LapTop might have a GeForce but a LapTop is NOT what you want for a Render Monster, I've flamed 3 LapTops rendering constantly with them, you just don't have the AirFlow and Cooling ability to keep up with the Rigors of major rendering on a LapTop vs a Desktop. Actually the way to go is use a LapTop to do the Web and Social thing and a stand alone dedicated Desktop for your Graphic Arts Render Monster.

Agreed on the desktop. Rendering causes a lot of heat and laptops are not built to distribute that well. Older model Dell Precision models can be picked used up pretty cheaply if you are into augmenting your own computer. Those things are graphics workstations to start with.

skipdouglas, I had a similar question not long ago and there's a lot of good information here: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/?thread_id=2903420 I was looking to update my laptop, learned a lot about what Poser needs re: hardware and now I have a laptop that is adequate and I updated my desktop to something that works much better than what I originally had.

Here's another thread in the Poser forum that might help you: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/?thread_id=2903741

You can get a lot more for your money on a desktop. If mobility is not a factor get the desktop. Desktops are way easier to upgrade.too. As for cheaper computers. There are a lot of budget friendly systems that use AMD mother boards and processors. Intel smokes em on the top end but AMD is solid and cheap. Here is a site with a build generator https://choosemypc.net/#buildgenerator. You can enter your budget and play around with the configuration. It could give you some kind Idea what you want. Good look . I hope you get a good deal. :)

Okay, some really good feedback. Any pointers on the best place to find a desktop that will fit the bill. Refurbished still okay? This animation is brand new to me but I think I'm already hooked!

So, I've read some of the threads about stronger computers. They are speaking a language I don't understand yet. Would something like what I posted below work for Poser 9 or ten, maybe 11? would this render in a decent time frame? Am I in the right ballpark? So much to learn, sheesh :)

DELL Dell Precision T5500 Tower Dual Intel Xeon Quad Core 2.66Ghz X5550- 24GB RAM - 500GB Hard Drive - DVD ROM - Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit (Total 8-Core Workstation) compare Limited time offer, ends 7/2 Refurbished: Dell Precision T5500 Tower Dual Intel Xeon Quad Core 2.66Ghz X5550- 24GB RAM - 500GB Hard Drive - DVD ROM - Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit (Total 8-Core Workstation) Form Factor: Tower Optical Drive Type: DVD-ROM Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800 Usage: Business and Home Model #: T5500 Item #: 9SIA5YV44Z3556 Return Policy: View Return Policy $799.99 $449.99 Save: 44% Free Shipping ADD TO CART

The computer sounds OK, but you'll probably want to replace that Quadro with something else, especially if you want to use Poser 11 Pro and Superfly, as it only has 64 cuda cores and 768 MEGS of GDDR3 ram. Take the money you saved for the computer and get a GTX 980 Ti, which has dropped 200 bucks in the last week. If you go that route, make sure the computer you're buying has a large enough power supply for the card - I think a 980 Ti needs at least a 600 watt. Also you'll need a PCIe 3 x16 slot and 6 pin and 8 pin connectors to hook it up.

Laurie

Thanks everyone for all the good info! Off I go!

I just read the specs and see that it only has PCIe 2 x16 ports AND you can only have 150 watts between the two ports. Not enough for a 980 Ti I'm afraid, which requires 250 watts. If you want to use a Ti you're gonna need to get a new power supply for that computer.

Laurie

OP: Only if its a high end gaming rig (MSi Razor Alienware...and so on) Mobile workstations same thing...just they use professional GPUs (FirePro or Quadro) and are expensive.

LaurieA posted at 2:13PM Wed, 06 July 2016 - #4274140

I just read the specs and see that it only has PCIe 2 x16 ports AND you can only have 150 watts between the two ports. Not enough for a 980 Ti I'm afraid, which requires 250 watts. If you want to use a Ti you're gonna need to get a new power supply for that computer.

Laurie

I have a T5500 running a 970, 980 was really pricey at the time. the 970 works fine. Of course if you have a few more bucks (still used), go with a T7500. Keep in mind though, both those machines use PCI Express 2.0 not 3.0, so you are going to lose some speed in those cards. The T5500 is also limited to SATA 2 and USB 2. For the price I paid for mine, I have no complaints.

I just got an HP Z620 and put a 980 6gb card in it and it runs fine. Mine has PCIe 3, so I have no problems there. Even if I didn't, it's only about a 8-10% hit for the bus speed between 3 and 2. The important part is having a large enough power supply to run everything ;). Even if I had just PCIe 2 ports I still would have gone for the GTX 980

Laurie