Best Computer for Blender (Workstation & PC-Build Guide)

Arden Huels

By 

Arden Huels

Published 

Oct 3, 2023

Published 

Oct 3, 2023

Best Computer for Blender (Workstation & PC-Build Guide)
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An extensive selection of modeling, 3D animation, rendering, and other tools are available in Blender, an effective and well-liked open-source 3D development package. Both pros and amateurs use it to create animated movies, video editing, visual effects, video games, architectural 3D visualization, and product designs, among other things.

Blender is renowned for its adaptability, rich feature set, and vibrant community. A computer that can handle Blender's demanding needs is essential for maximizing its possibilities. We will examine the ideal computer parts and specifications for optimum Blender performance in this workstation and PC-build guide.

When it comes to choosing the best option for using Blender, there are three main considerations: laptops, desktops, and cloud workstations. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so let's explore them in more detail.

Desktop for Using Blender

A desktop computer can provide the ideal platform for optimal performance and flexibility.

Desktop for Using Blender
Image Source: Unsplash

Advantages

  1. Powerful hardware customization: Desktop computers offer the flexibility to customize hardware components such as CPUs, GPUs, and RAM, allowing you to build a high-performance system tailored to your specific needs.
  2. Better cooling and thermal management: Desktops generally have more robust cooling systems, which can help maintain optimal performance during resource-intensive tasks.
  3. Upgradability: Desktops provide the ability to easily upgrade individual components as newer, more powerful technologies become available.

Disadvantages

  1. Lack of portability: Desktops are not designed for mobility, so if you require the flexibility to work from different locations, a desktop may not be the best choice.
  2. Space requirements: Desktops typically require a dedicated workspace and can take up significant physical space.

Laptop for Using Blender

While desktops are often the preferred choice for Blender due to their power and customization options, laptops can also be suitable for using Blender, especially for those who prioritize portability.

Laptop for Using Blender
Image Source: Unsplash

Advantages:

  1. Portability: Laptops allow you to work on Blender projects from anywhere, making them ideal for freelancers, students, or professionals who need to travel frequently.
  2. Convenience: Laptops integrate all the necessary components in a single package, eliminating the need for separate displays, keyboards, and mice.
  3. Space-saving: Laptops are compact and require less physical space compared to desktops.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited hardware customization: Laptops usually have limited options for hardware customization compared to desktops. Upgrading components may be more challenging or even impossible in some cases.
  • Potentially lower performance: Laptops may have limitations in processing power, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) capabilities, and thermal management compared to desktops. This can affect rendering times and overall performance.

Workstation for Blender

Professionals and studios who need the highest level of performance, stability, and dependability for their Blender projects should definitely choose a workstation.

Workstation for Blender
Image Source: Unsplash

Advantages:

  1. Powerful performance: Workstations feature high-performance hardware, such as multi-core processors, potent GPUs, and lots of RAM, and are intended for demanding work. This leads to quicker rendering times and more efficient workflow.
  2. Professional-grade components: Workstations often use enterprise-grade components known for their reliability and stability, making them suitable for intensive and long-duration Blender projects.
  3. Enhanced security: Workstations can provide advanced security features and encryption options to protect your work.

Disadvantages:

  1. Higher cost: Workstations typically have a higher price tag due to their specialized hardware and professional-grade components.
  2. Limited portability: Workstations are usually desktop-based, so they lack the portability of laptops.

How to Choose the Best Computer for Blender?

Remember to carefully research and consider your specific needs and budget when selecting cases, power supplies, and motherboards and planning for future-proofing.

By making informed choices, you can build a Blender workstation that meets your current requirements and allows for future upgrades and scalability.

Choosing the best computer for Blender involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance and productivity. Here are some key considerations when selecting a computer for Blender:

Cases

Computer Cases
Image Source: PC Mag

Look for cases with good ventilation and ample space for cooling fans or liquid cooling solutions to keep your components running at optimal temperatures. Additionally, consider the number of drive bays, expansion slots, and front panel connectors that meet your needs.

Power Supplies (PSU)

Computer Power Supplies (PSU)
Image Source: Pexels

Look for PSUs from reputable brands with high-efficiency ratings (80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) to ensure stable power delivery and reduce energy waste. Modular or semi-modular PSUs can also help with cable management.

Motherboards

Computer Motherboards
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Ensure that the motherboard supports the socket and chipset of your chosen CPU. Look for motherboards with robust power delivery systems, ample RAM slots, and sufficient PCIe slots for your graphics card and other expansion cards.

Consider the motherboard's connectivity options, such as USB ports, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet, to ensure compatibility with your peripherals and networking requirements.

Future-Proofing

Computer's Future-Proofing
Image Source: Safety Linelone Worker

When building a Blender workstation, consider future-proofing to ensure longevity and compatibility with upcoming technologies. Opt for a motherboard with good upgrade potential, allowing you to easily swap out components or add more RAM, storage, or expansion cards in the future.

Choose components that align with industry standards and will likely be supported by 3d modeling and animation software and hardware manufacturers in the coming years.

Consider investing in high-end components, such as a powerful CPU and GPU, to provide headroom for future rendering software advancements and performance demands.

Processor (CPU)

Computer Processor
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Blender heavily relies on the CPU for 3D modeling, physics simulations, and viewport performance. Look for a multi-core processor with a high clock speed and strong single-core performance for faster calculations and smoother workflow.

Graphics Card (GPU)

Computer Graphics Card (GPU)
Image Source: Pexels

A powerful GPU is essential for 3D rendering in real-time viewport performance in Blender. Look for a dedicated graphics card with a high VRAM capacity and good CUDA or OpenCL support for GPU-accelerated rendering.

RAM

Computer RAM
Image Source: Pexels

Blender can consume a significant amount of RAM, especially when working with complex scenes or simulations. Aim for at least 16GB or higher to ensure smooth multitasking and handling of large projects.

Storage

Computer Storage
Image Source: Pexels

Fast storage space options like solid-state drives (SSDs) significantly improve file loading and saving times in Blender. Consider a combination of an SSD for the operating system and applications and a larger hard disk drive (HDD) for storing project files.

Display

Computer Display
Image Source: Pixabay

A high-resolution and color-accurate display is crucial for accurately visualizing and working with 3D models in Blender. Look for a monitor with a wide color gamut and good color calibration for accurate representation.

Cooling and Thermal Management

Computer Cooling and Thermal Management
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Blender can put a heavy load on your computer's components, so efficient cooling systems are important to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. Look for systems with good airflow and consider additional cooling solutions if necessary.

Operating System

Computer Operating System
Image Source: Pixabay

Operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux are all compatible with Blender. Make sure the operating system you choose complies with Blender's requirements.

Budget

Computer Budget
Image Source: Pexels

Determine your budget and find the best balance between performance and cost. Consider the performance requirements of your specific Blender workflows and allocate your budget accordingly.

Future Upgradability

Computer Future Upgradability
Image Source: Pexels

Consider the upgradability options of the computer components. Choose a system that allows easy upgrades, such as accessible RAM slots, expansion ports, and compatibility with newer technologies.

User Reviews and Recommendations

Computer User Reviews and Recommendations
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Read user reviews and seek recommendations from professionals or the Blender community to get insights into the performance and reliability of different computer models.

How Blender Uses Your Hardware

Blender takes advantage of various hardware components to optimize performance across different 3D rendering, modeling, and animation tasks. We delve into the specific roles that your hardware plays in each of these areas, providing a comprehensive breakdown of how Blender leverages your system's resources for optimal efficiency and speed.

3D Modeling

CPU: The CPU plays a crucial role in 3D modeling tasks such as polygonal modeling, sculpting, and simulations. It handles calculations for manipulating and transforming geometry, applying modifiers, and running physics simulations.

RAM: When working with complex tasks of 3D models, Blender uses RAM to store and process the geometry data, textures, and other assets. Sufficient RAM allows for smooth and efficient editing and manipulation of models.

3D Rendering

3D Rendering
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CPU: The CPU is involved in rendering by coordinating and distributing rendering tasks across multiple threads or cores. It handles tasks such as ray tracing, shading calculations, and scene management.

GPU: Blender supports GPU-accelerated rendering using CUDA (NVIDIA) or OpenCL (AMD) technologies. When utilizing GPU rendering, the GPU takes over the rendering tasks from the CPU, resulting in significantly faster render times.

VRAM: GPU rendering in Blender relies on your graphics card's VRAM (Video Random Access Memory). The higher the VRAM capacity, the more complex scenes, video editing, and higher-resolution textures Blender can handle during rendering.

3D Animation

3D Animation
Image Source: Blender

CPU: During 3D animation tasks, the CPU handles the calculations involved in rigging, deformations, physics simulations, and character animation. It ensures smooth playback and real-time interaction with the animated scene.

GPU: The GPU also contributes to 3D animation by accelerating viewport performance. It helps provide real-time feedback when manipulating objects, animating characters, or working with complex scenes in the Blender viewport.

What Graphics Card is Needed for the Blender?

Blender is a versatile 3D software that uses NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards for various tasks, including viewport rendering and GPU-accelerated rendering. The recommended graphics card for Blender depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some options to consider:

NVIDIA GeForce RTX Series

NVIDIA GeForce RTX Series
Image Source: NVIDIA

NVIDIA's RTX series, such as RTX 3060, RTX 3070, RTX 3080, and RTX 3090, are popular for Blender due to their powerful CUDA cores and ray tracing capabilities. These GPUs offer excellent performance for viewport rendering, real-time feedback, and GPU-accelerated rendering using Blender's Cycles renderer.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX Series

NVIDIA GeForce GTX Series
Image Source: NVIDIA

While the more recent RTX series is advised, Blender can still run smoothly on older GTX series graphics cards like the GTX 1660 Ti, GTX 1070, or GTX 1080. Although they might not have the sophisticated features of the RTX series, GTX cards can handle GPU and viewport rendering.

AMD Radeon RX Series

AMD Radeon RX Series
Image Source: AMD

AMD's Radeon RX series, like RX 5700 XT or RX 6800, can also work well with Blender. Blender supports OpenCL rendering, which makes AMD GPUs a viable option for GPU rendering in Blender's Cycles renderer. When choosing a graphics card for Blender, consider the following factors:

VRAM capacity: Higher VRAM allows for handling larger scenes and higher-resolution textures.

Performance: Look for GPUs with a good CUDA or OpenCL performance and clock speed balance.

Budget: Consider the cost-effectiveness of the GPU within your budget.

Collection of Best Computer for Blender 2023

Whether you are a professional 3D artist or an avid Blender enthusiast, this collection will help you find the perfect computer that can easily handle complex modeling, rendering, and animation tasks. Say goodbye to lags and delays, and say hello to a seamless and efficient Blender PC workflow with these top-notch computer options.

03 iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Trace 4

The iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Trace 4 is a powerful Blender PC designed to handle demanding tasks, making it an excellent choice for Blender users. Its customizable configuration options allow users to tailor the system to their needs, ensuring optimal performance for their Blender projects.

03 iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Trace 4
Image Source: Amazon

The iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Trace 4 is a reliable and high-performance desktop computer that balances power and affordability, making it an ideal choice for Blender enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Highlights:

  • Robustic performance for Blender activities
  • Adjustable configuration options
  • Dedicated graphics card for flexible CPU rendering

Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9
  • RAM: Ample RAM capacity for smooth multitasking
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce dedicated graphics

Features:

  • Fast processing speed for efficient 3D modeling and rendering
  • Reliable components for long-lasting performance
  • Customizable RGB lighting for personalization

Price:

  • Varies depending on the configuration

01 SkyTech Blaze

The SkyTech Blaze is a desktop computer that offers users of Blender a great balance of performance and cost. The SkyTech Blaze is outfitted with a Ryzen CPU, designed to give tremendous processing capabilities, guaranteeing quick and effective performance for 3D modeling, CPU rendering, and animation jobs.

01 SkyTech Blaze
Image Source: Sky Tech Gaming

Including an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card further enhances the computer's rendering capabilities, providing smooth and fluid visuals while working on complex scenes. With its reliable components and solid construction, the SkyTech Blaze offers stability and durability, ensuring it can handle the demands of intensive Blender workloads.

Highlights:

  • Ryzen processor for excellent performance
  • NVIDIA GeForce graphics card for smooth rendering
  • Affordable price point

Specs:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen processor
  • RAM: Sufficient RAM capacity for multitasking
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce dedicated graphics

Price:

  • Budget-friendly

Features:

  • Fast processing speed for efficient Blender workflows
  • Reliable components for stable performance
  • Stylish design with tempered glass side panel

HP OMEN Obelisk

The HP OMEN Obelisk is a high-performance desktop computer designed to meet the demands of Blender users. With its powerful Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, the Obelisk delivers exceptional processing power, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation tasks.

HP OMEN Obelisk
Image Source: HP

The HP OMEN Obelisk is a powerful desktop machine made specifically for Blender users. The Obelisk boasts great processing power with its potent Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, assuring fluid and effective performance for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation workloads.

Highlights:

  • Powerful Intel Core processor for smooth performance
  • NVIDIA GeForce graphics card for fast rendering
  • Customizable configuration options

Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9
  • RAM: Ample RAM capacity for multitasking
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce dedicated graphics

Features:

  • Sleek design with customizable RGB lighting
  • Efficient cooling system for optimal performance
  • Easy upgradability for future expansion

Price:

  • Varies depending on the configuration

Razer Blade 15 (New Model)

The Razer Blade 15 (New Model) is an exceptional choice for Blender users, offering power, portability, and premium features. Renowned as one of the best laptops for creative professionals, the Razer Blade 15 boasts high-end performance well-suited for handling intensive Blender tasks.

Razer Blade 15 (New Model)
Image Source: Razer

This laptop offers exceptional processing power and enhanced rendering capability with options for Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. While working on Blender projects, enjoy the stunning display of the Razer Blade 15, renowned for its high color accuracy.

Highlights:

  • High-end performance for demanding Blender tasks
  • Portable and lightweight design
  • Options for Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics

Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9
  • RAM: Ample RAM capacity for multitasking
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX dedicated graphics

Features:

  • Stunning display with high color accuracy for precise work
  • Slim and compact design for portability
  • Premium build quality for durability

Price:

  • Varies depending on the configuration

05 Acer Nitro 50 N50-600

Users of Blender will find the Acer Nitro 50 N50-600 to be an affordable desktop machine with respectable performance. The Nitro 50 offers dependable performance for routine Blender operations, even though it may not have the same high-end features as some competitors.

05 Acer Nitro 50 N50-600
Image Source: Acer

The Nitro 50's reliable components ensure stability and smooth operation during Blender workflows. It also provides expandable storage space, allowing users to increase their capacity.

Highlights:

  • Balanced performance and affordability
  • Suitable for entry-level to mid-range Blender tasks
  • Intel Core processor and dedicated graphics card for decent performance

Specs:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
  • RAM: Adequate RAM capacity for multitasking
  • Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics for smooth rendering

Features:

  • Reliable performance for everyday Blender tasks
  • Expandable storage options for increased capacity
  • Convenient connectivity options for peripherals

Price:

  • Budget-friendly

Best CPUs for Blender – CPU Recommendations

These CPUs offer excellent 3D modeling, rendering, and animation performance in Blender.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: With 16 cores and 32 threads, this top-tier CPU from AMD delivers outstanding performance for demanding Blender animation, rendering, and 3D modelling applications. For quicker calculations, its high clock speed and potent single-core performance are excellent.

Intel Core i9-11900K: Intel's flagship CPU (Central Processing Unit) offers 8 cores and 16 threads with high clock speeds, providing fast performance for Blender. It excels in single-threaded tasks and offers good multithreaded performance for rendering and simulations.

Best CPUs for Blender
Image Source: Pixabay

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X: With 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU balances price and performance. It performs excellently for Blender workflows, including modeling, rendering, and simulations.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X: Another powerful option from AMD, this CPU offers 12 cores and 24 threads, making it suitable for demanding Blender tasks. It offers a good balance of multi-threaded performance and single-core speed.

Intel Core i7-11700K: 8 cores and 16 threads are available on the high-performance Intel Core i7-11700K processor. Modeling, rendering, and animation activities in Blender go smoothly on this machine.

Best GPUs for Blender – GPU Recommendations

These GPUs deliver excellent rendering speed and real-time viewport performance in Blender.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090: The RTX 3090 is a top-of-the-line GPU, offering exceptional performance for Blender. Its high VRAM capacity, and powerful CUDA cores make it ideal for GPU rendering and viewport performance.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080: The RTX 3080 is a high-end GPU that performs excellently in Blender. It offers a balance of price and performance, making it a popular choice among professionals.

Best GPUs for Blender
Image Source: Pixabay

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070: The RTX 3070 is more affordable while still delivering strong performance for Blender. It offers good CUDA core count and VRAM capacity for rendering and real-time viewport performance.

AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT: AMD's flagship GPU offers competitive performance in Blender, with strong OpenCL support. It provides high VRAM capacity and good computing performance for rendering and simulations.

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: Another powerful option from AMD, the RX 6800 XT delivers excellent performance in Blender. It balances price and performance for GPU rendering and viewport tasks.

Conclusion

Choosing the best computer for Blender involves considering various factors such as your specific needs, budget, and workflow. Whether you opt for a desktop, laptop, or workstation, each option has advantages and disadvantages.

While laptops provide portability and convenience, desktop computers offer enhanced flexibility, customization options, and superior cooling capabilities. Workstations are ideal for demanding professional tasks requiring top-notch performance, stability, and reliability. In this article, we explore the advantages of desktop computers and workstations over laptops, highlighting their ability to meet the needs of professionals who prioritize exceptional performance and unwavering dependability.

When selecting computer components, consider factors such as cases, power supplies, motherboards, processors, graphics cards, RAM, storage, displays, cooling, operating systems, and future upgradability.

Regarding specific desktop computers, the iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Trace 4, SkyTech Blaze, and HP OMEN Obelisk are excellent choices that balance performance, affordability, and customization options for Blender users.

FAQs

Can I use a laptop for Blender?

Laptops can be used for Blender, especially if portability is important to you. However, laptops may have hardware customization and performance limitations compared to desktops.

Do I need a powerful graphics card for Blender?

A graphics card with high processing power is advantageous for demanding Blender operations, like rendering and real-time viewport performance. Due to this, complex scenes can be interacted with more quickly and without hiccups.

Why is Blender running slow on my computer?

There can be several reasons for Blender running slow, including hardware limitations, inefficient settings, complex scenes, or heavy computational tasks.

Can upgrading my hardware improve Blender's speed?

Yes, upgrading your hardware can significantly enhance Blender's performance. Investing in a faster CPU, a powerful GPU, and sufficient RAM can accelerate rendering, simulations, and viewport performance.

How can I optimize Blender's settings for better performance?

Optimizing Blender's settings involves adjusting parameters such as tile size for rendering, enabling GPU acceleration, utilizing efficient memory management, and configuring viewport settings appropriately.

Are there any specific techniques to speed up rendering in Blender?

Yes, there are several techniques to speed up rendering in Blender. Some include using GPU rendering instead of CPU rendering, optimizing lighting and material setups, using efficient render settings, and leveraging denoising options.

How can I improve viewport performance in Blender?

To improve viewport performance, you can try reducing the number of visible objects, simplifying complex geometry, disabling unnecessary modifiers or subdivisions, utilizing level of detail (LOD) settings, and enabling hardware acceleration if available.

Does the complexity of my scene affect Blender's performance?

Yes, complex scenes with many objects, detailed geometry, heavy textures, and complex shaders can impact Blender's performance. Simplifying your scene by optimizing geometry, using efficient materials, and reducing unnecessary elements can help improve performance.

Are there any add-ons or plugins that can enhance Blender's speed?

Yes, Blender has several add-ons and plugins that can improve performance and optimize particular tasks. Several caching plugins for simulations are examples, as well as the "Decimate" modifier for reducing geometry complexity, "Auto Tile Size" for automatically setting the ideal tile size for rendering, and others.

What operating system is best for Blender?

Blender is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Are there any specific monitor requirements for Blender?

Elevate your visual experience by investing in a high-resolution monitor with a wide color gamut and exceptional color accuracy. Choose a display with a minimum resolution of 1080p and supports the sRGB or Adobe RGB color schemes. This ensures your work is presented with stunning, lifelike visuals that truly stand out.

What storage options are recommended for Blender?

An SSD (Solid State Drive) for the operating system, software, and project files can improve loading times and general responsiveness. Additionally, having a larger HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) for storing project backups and large media files is beneficial.

Should I prioritize a faster CPU or GPU for Blender?

The CPU and GPU play crucial roles in Blender, but their importance depends on your specific tasks. The CPU is responsible for scene loading, physics simulations, and certain rendering tasks, while the GPU excels in real-time viewport performance and GPU-accelerated rendering.

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